The Dropouts by Michael Fandozzi

Current Revisions by (Michael Fandozzi , 05.09.19)

Michael Fandozzi 1106 W Woodlawn Ave. Tampa Fl. 33603 631-560-7152 FADE IN

INT. COLLEGE DORMS - 1993 - DAY It’s move in day at the New York State University (NYSU) for best friends JOHN FLAMESE (18) and CHADD ROODE (18). John and Chadd begin to settle into their 2 bedroom room, as MRS. ROODE (40) unpacks Chadd’s belongings. They are sitting on the couches in the room. John has long jet black hair and is wearing black skinny jeans and a ripped up white t-shirt. He has multiple tattoos on his body. Chadd is wearing a black Nirvana t-shirt with a black and white image of Kurt Cobain on the front. He has medium length brown hair and is a lot tanner then John. He is a large kid with a stocky build, but is more muscular than fat. He twirls the drum stick in his hand around his fingers. CHADD Yo Johnny, you know where Axel’s room is at? JOHN Yea, he’s right above us in 219. You wanna see if he’s around to get a bite? CHADD You know I’m always hungry. Yo Ma! Did you pack my leather jacket? It’s chilly up here away from the city. Chadd’s Mom begins digging through a handful of boxes lined up on Chadd’s side of the dorm room. MRS. ROODE No honey, it’s not here. You must’ve forgot. CHADD Ahh fuck. Good start. Let’s go grab Alex and get something to eat. The two friends stand up from the couches that are still covered in boxes and other items from moving in. Chadd stumbles over and steps on some of his stuff as he makes his way out. CHADD (CONT’D) Thanks Ma. I’ll see you back home in a few months. Love you. Chadd quickly gives his Mother a kiss on the check as he hurries his way out the door. 2.

MRS. ROODE Goodbye have fun... Chadd closes the door behind him before his mother could finish her sentence. DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DORM HALLWAYS - DAY John and Chadd make there way down the hallway, around the corner, and up the stairs toward Alex’s room. They cause chaos throughout the building by hitting on girls and knocking into people moving in. CHADD What we getting to eat? JOHN Idk, but do you think you’re gonna start getting your shit together now that you’re in college? The boys start shoving and horse playing again, this time down the second floor hall until finally arriving at room #217. The front door is decorated with flowers and unicorns leaving both John and Chadd very confused. John looks around before knocking; however, before his fist can hit the door it opens. DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DORM ROOM #217 - DAY A small scrawny figure wearing large glasses, khaki pants, and a collard polo shirt opens the door. His hair is combed over to one side and has a lot of product in it.

BILLY What’s up friends, I’m Billy Greensworth. It’s so glad to meet you, we’ve been expecting you! John and Chadd peer into the room and see ALEX RICHARDS (17) laying in his bed, writing, and listening to music. None of the stuff on his side is unpacked. Billy’s side is decorated in fantasy images and plush stuffed animals. Chadd picks up a plush unicorn off the desk and throws it across the room at Alex, gaining his attention. 3.

BILLY (CONT’D) Mr. Fluffs! Billy runs over to retrieve the stuffed animal off the dorm room floor. Alex takes off his over-the-ear headphones. ALEX Geez, what are you guys doing up here? JOHN We came to see if you wanted to go grab some grub with us? ALEX Please, yes. Alex hops off his elevated bed and heads straight out the door, grabbing his black leather jacket off the coat hanger on the way. BILLY Wait, what are we doing!? The door quickly slams behind Alex before Billy can follow along. BILLY (CONT’D) Alright, see you guys later! DISSOLVE TO:

INT. UNIVERSITY DINING HALL - DAY The three boys; Johnny, Chadd, and Alex are in the cafeteria, sitting at a table by themselves. It’s a large scale room with a lot of tables, but limited food options. CHADD Yo Alex, what’s going on with that roommate of yours? Alex uses his plastic fork to play with his spaghetti and meatballs before finally looking up and answering Chadd. ALEX I have no idea, but I’m not staying in that room. Kids a freak. 4.

CHADD Oh c’mon give him a chance, I bet his beanie babies collection is huge! John and Chadd begin cracking while Alex looks on not entertained by their joke. JOHN Alright, Alright. In all seriousness what are you gonna do about it then Richards. Alex puts one hand over his face and shakes his head. He’s still playing with the food on his plate. John and Chadd are finished. ALEX I’m gonna go to the admissions office and request a room change. You guys have space? CHADD You wish lover boy. Alex flings a meatball across the table at Chadd which hits him right in the chest. Johnny tries to hold in from laughing. CHADD (CONT’D) C’mon, what the fuck dude. This is my new Crows shirt. I should beat your ass right now for doing that. Alex shrugs it off while Chadd attempts to wipe the marinara sauce off the front of his Counting Crows T- Shirt with a napkin. Chadd mummers to himself under his breath. CHADD (CONT’D) Piece of shit these meatballs aren’t even any good. JOHN We ain’t got much space for your shit, but if you wanna crash on the couch before you hit the office tomorrow it’s all yours. Johnny and Axel fist pound before standing up from the cafeteria table and gathering their belongings. 5.

ALEX Thanks Flames, appreciate it. DISSOLVE TO:

INT. COLLEGE DORMS ROOM #113 - DAY It’s 11am, the day after move in. Chadd is still passed out, half dressed with half his body hanging off the bed. Johnny Flames is sitting amongst the unpacked boxes in a chair with his guitar across his lap. He’s writing lyrics down in a notebook when theres a knock on the door. CHADD Whoa, whoa what’s going on! Chadd flails his arms up in bed, waking up in a panic. JOHN Relax, it’s just Alex coming back from the admissions office. Chadd pulls at his sheets before rolling over in bed. He once again mummers under his breath to himself. CHADD Ah, that damn kid. Johnny opens the door for Alex. Alex is wearing ripped up sweatpants, a large champion t-shirt and a New York Mets hat. The two make their way to the couch. JOHN How’d it go? You get a new room? ALEX They said you can’t request a room change until the end of the first week, so looks like I’m stuck with Pee Wee Herman upstairs or the couch till then. Johnny begins running cords throughout the room in order to set up his amp. He puts his acoustic guitar away and takes his electric guitar out of the case before attaching the strap. After throwing the instrument over his shoulder he plugs it in and plays a cord, once again startling Chadd. CHADD Dude, what the fuck! 6.

JOHN Oh c’mon you lazy ass, get up and play with me we don’t have much time before class. Chadd tosses and turns in bed while Johnny continues to warm up. Alex sits on the couch looking on. JOHN (CONT’D) Yo Alex, go grab your strings upstairs. ALEX Ah I don’t know if I should go up there and... Johnny cuts him off before he can give any other excuses. JOHN You cant go without playing for the entire day dude. Go get it. ALEX You’re right. Alex hops over the couch and heads upstairs to his dorm room to retrieve his guitar. The closing of the door behind him once again disrupts Chadd and his efforts to sleep. Johnny continues warming up on his guitar. CHADD It’s to early for this shit. Johnny picks up Chadd’s drum stick and throws it at him, hitting him in the back. Chadd begins to move as we see another drum stick come flying in, once again hitting him in the back. CHADD (CONT’D) Alright, Alright! I’m up I’m up. Chadd sits up, rubs his eyes, and quickly stretches. He then hops off his bed, grabs his drum sticks, and plays with his straggly hair. He sits down in front of his drum set. Alex re enters the room this time with his guitar. ALEX Thank god he wasn’t there. Alex makes his way towards the group and Johnny begins to pick up the pace on his guitar. He motions Alex to plug his into the amp as well. 7.

Chadd bangs his sticks together four times, and the band begins rocking out playing a cover of “Under The Bridge” (1991) by the .. DISSOLVE TO:

INT./EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY Series of shots showcasing John, Chadd, and Alex having a tough time adjusting to their new school throughout the first week. Chadd slips and falls in the University dining hall, spilling food and milk all over his ripped up flannel shirt, biker jeans, and black boots. Everyone around laughs and stares at him for wiping out. John is shown running across the campus courtyard in an effort to make it to class on time. He drops his books and other materials multiple times before getting to the classroom. A clock is shown and the time is 2:02pm. John grabs the door handle to get into the classroom, but it’s locked. His teacher see’s him through the small window on the door and turns the other way, continuing his lesson, and leaving John Flamese locked out of the classroom. Alex returns to room #217 to retrieve some of his belongings he is still storing in there. He uses his key to unlock the door. He opens it and sees his roommate, Billy, sitting on the floor with his legs crossed. He’s playing with his stuffed animals. Alex shakes his head and decides not to get his stuff. He quietly closes the door back over and locks it. John is standing out in the rain waiting for the bus to pull up to the stop while holding his textbook. A 1993 Lincoln Town Car speeds by splashing water all over John. After the car passes he turns and throws his soaking wet book into the garbage. Alex is shown going back to the admissions office for a room change, but is still declined. He sees another student receive a check and approaches them.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. COLLEGE DORMS ROOM #113 - NIGHT Chadd is laying in his bed reading an issue of Magazine while Alex is across from him on the couch, quietly playing his guitar. It’s not plugged into the amp. The door suddenly burst open as Johnny frantically walks into the room. 8.

JOHN You gotta be kidding me! This place is such a joke. John walks over and sits on the couch next to Alex. Before Alex or Chadd can speak John gets back up and begins pacing around the room. He begins talking to himself under his breath while pulling at his long hair. JOHN (CONT’D) Ahhh, c’mon. What are we doing here? Alex and Chadd look at each other confused as to what’s going on, but concerned. Chadd rolls out of bed and walks closer to John and Alex who are near the couches. ALEX Aye Johnny, what’s going on man? CHADD Yea what’s good with you Flames? John stops pacing around the room and stands facing his two friends. JOHN Guys, what the fuck are we doing here? CHADD What are you talking about bro? Johnny begins moving around the room once more in a distressed manor. He puts his hand across his forehead and closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath before opening them. JOHN Why are we in college. We shouldn’t be in college. Chadd and Alex once again stare a John. John takes another deep breath and a second to regain his composure. JOHN (CONT’D) Just think about it. Think about all the things in the world we could be seeing and doing if we weren’t here. We all came to this University together to have a good time, meet girls, please our parents, and get better at our music, but it hasn’t even been a week yet and all three of us are getting bent over by everyone we meet. (MORE) 9. JOHN (CONT’D) Feels like we signed a contract with a 4 year boarding school. Johnny once again takes a minute to regain his composure and thoughts. He picks up a picture off his desk of Chadd, Alex, and himself in a band together as young high school kids. He looks at it for a moment then places it back down on the desk. ALEX So what are you saying Johnny? JOHN I don't know, I just think we’re wasting everybody's time here. We weren’t exactly the best students in High School, what made us think this would be any different. John sits down on the couch, this time on the one next to Alex. He begins to cool down, and takes a breath of fresh air. JOHN (CONT’D) Is it just me? Or are you guys thinking the same thing? CHADD Place is a dump. I would’ve never came here in the first place if it weren’t for you two. ALEX To bad we can’t just withdraw from the University and get a refund check like the girl in the admissions office did the other day. Johnny quickly gets up from his seat on the couch and stands in front of Alex. He has a confused yet excited look on his face. JOHN Wait, what? ALEX When I went to admissions the other day, not the first time, but the second time to request a room change their was a girl collecting her tuition refund check. She said if you withdraw from the school within the first two weeks they give you all your money back. 10.

JOHN No fuckin way. John walks back over to his side of the room near his desk. He has a pondering look on his face as he turns back around to Alex. JOHN (CONT’D) But why did you say to bad you can’t? Why can’t we do that? A look of confusion and concern comes across Alex’s face. He looks over at Chadd who has now become more interested in the conversation and has moved onto the couch. ALEX Well I mean, lets be real. You’re not gonna drop out of college and go back home. You can’t hate it that much. JOHN Who said anything about going home? Guys this is our chance to get out of here and do something we want to do for once. CHADD There’s no way my parents are gonna let me drop out of school. ALEX Agreed. Are you kidding Flames? JOHN No shit, none of our parents would let us drop out of school. That’s how we all got here in the first place. We drop out and we don’t tell them. ALEX That’s impossible. JOHN You know me Alex, no it’s not. Alex, still sitting on the couch, put his hands on his face and begins shaking his head. He looks up at John and the two make eye contact. ALEX This has to be one of your dumbest ideas yet. 11.

Johnny walks back over and sits down on the couch next to Alex. Alex takes a moment to relax while Chadd sits next to him. ALEX (CONT’D) Where would we even go? What would we even do. JOHN L.A. We could play music out there. You know it, Chadd knows it, and I know it, We’re really fuckin good. This is our chance to take the ball and run with it. We’ll have plenty of money to get ourselves up off the ground. John stands up off the couch one last time. He faces Chadd and Alex who are now sitting on two separate couches. JOHN (CONT’D) This is the chance of a lifetime. All the greats drop out of school. Kurt Cobain. Ringo Starr. Billy Joel! And that was fucking High School. Alex is in disbelief Johnny is pushing this idea on him. He turns to Chadd in hopes for some reassurance. ALEX Chadd, there’s no way you’re into this idea right? CHADD Hell no. Alex lets out a sign of relief. CHADD (CONT’D) Wait sorry I misheard you. I’m definitely in. Let’s get out of here. Los fuckin’ Angeles baby! Chadd throws up both his arms making a rock and roll sign with both his hands. Johnny and Chadd then fist bump, as Alex looks on in shock. A flustered look comes over his face as he knows he is starting to loose control over the situation. ALEX But.. What.. Theres.. Theres no way we can do this. 12.

John puts his hand on Alex’s shoulder as Chadd begins gathering some of his things off the coffee table. He takes a cigarette out of the pack a lights it with a lighter inside the dorm room. He walks over to the window and cracks it open. JOHN Looks like you’re the only one left to make a decision Alex. Chadd, I say we catch the first bus tomorrow morning. Why wait around here any more than we have to. ALEX Sorry guys, but I can’t do it. That’s insane. CHADD Don’t be a pussy. JOHN In all seriousness we can’t do this without you Alex! You gotta come with us tomorrow. Alex stands up off the couch and begins to make his way toward the door. He grabs his guitar case and leather jacket. Chadd sits back down on the couch as ashes his cigarette on the tray in the middle of the coffee table. ALEX I’m not gonna sit here and let you guys pressure me into this! This is a terrible idea. I hope I come back tomorrow afternoon and you guys are still here. Alex leaves the room and the door closes behind him. John looks over at Chadd as he continues to smoke his cigarette. DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DORM HALLWAY - DAY John closes and locks the door behind him as Chadd struggles to gather his belongings and get him self together. His drum stick falls out of his backpack as he leans over to pick up other miscellaneous items he dropped. 13.

CHADD Dude it’s way to early for this shit, let’s go back to bed and try again later. JOHN It’s 9:30, it’s not that early. Lets go. John once again checks that the door is locked behind him by pulling at the handle before the duo begin making their way down the hall. As they arrive at the exit Chadd begins checking his belongings once again, still struggling to manage it all. CHADD Ah shit, I think I left one of my drum sticks behind. JOHN C’mon where? I already locked up the entire room. Chadd begins walking around the halls looking for his misplaced drum stick. CHADD Uhh not sure. It’s gotta be around here somewhere. Chadd continues to walk around the hall with his head down while they yell back a forth at each other from a distance. JOHN You don’t need it you have like 10 sets! Lets go before it gets to late. CHADD Yes I do they’re my good ones! Chadd, still stumbling through the dorm hallways bumps into someone. CHADD (CONT’D) Sorry, my bad! Chadd, still with his head down, finally looks up and realizes he’s bumped into Alex. CHADD (CONT’D) Oh shit, what are you.. 14.

ALEX Your drumstick. Alex takes the drumstick out of his back pocket and hands it over to Chadd. Before Chadd can thank him Alex speaks again. ALEX (CONT’D) And your wallet... Alex takes Chadd’s wallet out of his front pocket and hands it to him. ALEX (CONT’D) I found it on the floor too. CHADD Thanks bro. John becomes impatient with Chadd and begins walking down the hallway. JOHN Yo Chadd where the hell are you? John turns the corner and sees Chadd and Alex standing there. JOHN (CONT’D) What are you doing here Richards? ALEX I found Chadd's drum stick... and his wallet. John gives a look of disappoint to Chadd for his irresponsibility before talking to Alex. Chadd shrugs it off. JOHN Looks like you caught us right in time before we head out. ALEX Did you go over to the office yet to get your checks yer? JOHN No, we’re about to walk there now. ALEX Hop in my car, I’ll take you over. 15.

Chadd picks up his bags that he placed down on the hallway floor before John, Alex, and him begin walking towards the exit. Alex is in the front of the group. DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CAMPUS PARKING LOT - DAY The three friends walk through the parking lot towards Alex’s red 1990 Mustang Cobra R. He hits the remote lock and the lights on the car flash. Chadd is smoking a cigarette. The three friends go to the back of the car so John and Chadd can put their stuff in the trunk. Alex leans over and uses the key to unlock it. The hood opens revealing Alex’s stuff in the trunk. JOHN What’s all your shit doing in here? ALEX What, you thought I was gonna let my two best friends travel across the country without me? You wish. John and Chadd both have a surprised look on their faces but are instantly excited. Chadd grabs Alex and gives him a big hug, still with his lit cigarette in his hand. Alex can barely breath due to how tightly Chadd is squeezing him. They quickly load their bags into the car. JOHN Glad to have you with us bro. Alex gets into the drivers seat while Chadd and John are still behind the car trying to fit the remainder of their things in. John leans in toward Chadd and speaks quietly to him. JOHN (CONT’D) See, I told you he would come. DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. I 80 W - DAY/NIGHT Series of shots showing Alex, John and Chadd making the trip from their University in New York to the city of Los Angeles. It begins with the three of them in the car, each holding a $5000 check in their hands addressed to them. John lets out a big yell as they begin their journey on the road. 16.

Alex is driving his 1990 Mustang Cobra R with John in the passenger seat. Chadd is in the back smoking a cigarette out the window without his seat belt on. The seat next to him is occupied by Alex’s guitar, small boxes, and other items. “When I Come Around”(1993) by Green Day plays throughout the entire scene. The three friends first stop at a gas station in Ohio. Alex is filling the tank with gas. He’s leaning on the car with one foot up and his sunglasses covering his eyes. Chadd goes into the shop to buy another pack of cigarettes while John is talking to beautiful girl a couple of years older than him trying to impress her with his good looks and charm. Cut to John, Chadd, and Alex back in the car. Chadd is using the back of the passenger seat as a drum while John sleeps up front. They pass through Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Nebraska before stopping in Denver, Colorado. They check out a local pub where they play darts, pool, smoke weed, and drink with the locals. They continue on their road trip passing through Utah and then Nevada. Chadd is shown begging Alex to stop as they drive through Las Vegas but they continue to California.

EXT. IN-N-OUT BURGER - DAY After days of traveling the three friends arrive in Los Angeles, and pull into an In-N-Out Burger. It is around 12:30pm. Alex’s red Mustang Cobra R is seen pulling into a parking spot. Their are only a handful of other cars in the lot besides theirs. The boys begin exiting the car and stretching. JOHN Ohhh damn. ALEX Finallyyy! John reaches into the car, grabs the lever, and moves his seat forward so Chadd can exit from the back of the two door sports car. He crawls out head first putting his hands on the ground of the pavement. CHADD My legs don’t work! My legs don’t work! John and Alex look on as Chadd continues to be dramatic on the parking lot floor. 17.

They look at each other before they begin walking towards the restaurant. Chadd quickly gets up and runs in order to catch up to his bandmates. DISSOLVE TO:

INT. IN-N-OUT BURGER - DAY The boys are seated at a table next to the window in the restaurant with their food now in front of them. They all have burgers, fries, and a shake; however, Chadd has as much food on his tray as John and Alex combine. He’s wearing his vintage tour t-shirt. JOHN Definitely one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time. CHADD You can say that again! Chadd continues shoveling food down his throat and all over his face. Alex sits their looking out the window. He dips a french fry in ketchup and raises it towards his mouth. He sees a familiar face out in the parking lot before he can eat it. ALEX You should really clean your shit up now Chadd. Chadd talks back with his mouth still fill. CHADD Shut up. Alex continues looking out the window into the parking lot. A small crowd of 8-10 people begin to slowly gather around outside near the front door. ALEX No, you should really clean your shit up. Eddie Fuckin Vedder is about to walk in! John and Chadd instantly jump next to Alex in his seat fighting to catch a glimpse of (29), the Pearl Jam lead singer, walking in. He signs autographs for a couple of people and takes 2 photographs on a bulky digital camera before they thank him and let him continue on his way. 18.

Eddie Vedder walks in the front doors of the In-N-Out wearing ripped black jeans, a green short sleeve flannel, and sunglasses. He stands behind a women in line waiting to order. John, Alex, and Chadd, still at the table, look on in disbelief. ALEX (CONT’D) Wow. JOHN That guys a legend. CHADD Lets go get more food. John and Alex quickly turn to look Chadd in awe at what he just said. JOHN Are you kidding me Chadd. One of the most successful musicians of our time is 50 feet away from you and all you can think about is food! Alex, sitting next to Chadd gives him a light smack across the back of the head. CHADD Ow, fuck. C’mon. Chadd gives Alex a small shove back before he takes a moment to gather himself together. CHADD (CONT’D) I was saying let’s get more food so we can be behind him on line. Maybe we’ll be able to talk to him that way. JOHN You’re a genius bud! John stands up and reaches across the table to mess up Chadd’s hair in good fun. Alex then hops over Chadd to get out of the booth first. Chadd quickly eats the last of his fries causing him to be a few feet behind John and Alex. The three rush to get back in line before anyone else can get the spot behind Eddie. The commotion of them hurrying causes Eddie to turn around. John and Alex act as if they didn’t know he was there. JOHN (CONT’D) Oh shit, Eddie Vedder? Eddie takes a moment, then removes his sunglasses. 19.

EDDIE VEDDER That’s me. Chadd catches up to the group on line as Eddie points him out. EDDIE VEDDER (CONT’D) Nice shirt kid. Chadd steps forward in front of Alex on line to be closer to Eddie. CHADD Thanks Eddie I’m huge fan! Alex makes room for himself on the other side of John after being blocked by Chadd. ALEX We’re all huge fans! EDDIE VEDDER I guess you guys are coming tonight then. JOHN Coming where? EDDIE VEDDER We’re playing a show downtown at the Viper Room. It’s gonna be badass. Eddie puts his sun glasses back on and faces the cashier. He drops a $50 bill on the counter and picks up his bags of food. He begins to walk out before turning around to the boys once again. EDDIE VEDDER (CONT’D) Starts at 10. Eddie Vedder walks out the front doors of the In-N-Out Burger as the boys begin to go crazy that they just met on of their idols. JOHN Holy shit. We have to go to that show tonight. CHADD Fuck yea let’s do it. They continue to jump and celebrate what has just happened to them. 20.

Still on line, the lady at the counter begins to become impatient trying to get their attention. CASHIER 1 Excuse me. Are you ordering anything? Hello, Excuse me. The three friends finally snap out of it and realize they are holding up the entire line. John and Alex begin to walk away as Chadd quickly steps up to the counter to order another meal. John and Alex shake their heads and laugh from a distance. DISSOLVE TO:

INT. LIQUOR STORE - NIGHT The three friends are walking the aisles of a local run down Los Angeles Liquor store, looking for something to drink for the night. Chadd grabs a bottle of whiskey while John takes some vodka off the shelf. The two boys then approach the counter. A older aged gentleman is working the register. Alex continues to wonder the aisles and puts a bottle of rum in the inside pocket of his black leather jacket. He’s the only one with out a fake ID. CASHIER 2 How are we doing tonight boys? JOHN Not bad. The friends each put a bottle on the counter simultaneously. Behind the cashier reads a sign, “WE ID”. John reaches into his pocket to get his ID and cash. Chadd does the same. The total comes out to $33.64. The cashier barely checks their ID’s before Chadd pays with a $100 bill. CASHIER 2 Oh, the new rich guys in town, huh? The cashier goes to the register to get Chadd his change. He hands it back to them then bags up the bottles for the boys. CASHIER 2 (CONT’D) Don’t go flaunting your cash around here like that. It’s a city of sin. CHADD I think we’ll be just fine. 21.

Chadd and John open their bottles and begin to drink on their way out the door. Alex comes out from behind the aisles and leaves with them, stealing the bottle of rum. DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. VIPER ROOM (FRONT ENTRANCE) - NIGHT John, Alex, and Chadd are now in front of the Viper Room in Los Angeles visibly drunk. Chadd still has a glass bottle of whiskey in his hand. The sign on top reads “Performing Tonight: Pearl Jam”. The trio walks past the long line of fans waiting to get in through the front entrance. As they get to the back of the line red “sold out” signs start being hung up. They try peaking over the crowd but are to far back to see what’s going on. Fans begins to boo as word spreads around the concert in sold out. CHADD No way. This is bullshit. Pissed off, Chadd takes a cigarette out of his pocket and lights it up. He stumbles a bit doing so. JOHN Don’t worry. There’s no way we aren’t seeing this show. There’s always a way in. Determined to get in John gets off line and turns the corner of the venue toward the back. Chadd and Alex quickly follow his lead. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. VIPER ROOM (BACK ENTRANCE) - NIGHT John arrives to the back of the Viper Room, Chadd and Alex are only a few feet behind him. He scans the building looking for a potential way in. As the trio continues to look around two dark figures come out of an alley way. One of them removes his hood revealing his face as the two suspicious figures continue to get closer to the group of friends. John, Chadd, and Alex don’t realize they are there. THUG #1 Yo pretty boy! 22.

The three friends are quickly startled. They stop looking at the building for a way in and turn their attention to the alley way the two thugs are emerging from. Chadd instantly puts his hands up and gets in a position to fight. Thug #1 points out John Flamese as they are now only about 10-15 feet away from each other. THUG #1 (CONT’D) Yeah, you! The thug begins laughing as John, Chadd, and Alex continue to brace for whatever may happen next. THUG #1 (CONT’D) You guys don’t look like you’re from this side of town. He turns to his partner and taps him on the shoulder. He begins speaking in a lower, softer tone voice. He’s still loud enough for the bandmates to hear him. THUG #1 (CONT’D) This is going to be easy. Both thugs begin moving closer once again as John, Chadd, and Alex now all have their hands up ready to fight. Before anything can occur the backstage door viciously swings open and Eddie Vedder walks out smoking a cigarette. He stumbles out while still yelling into the backstage area. Both groups look on saying nothing. He is on the platform above them which is about 7 feet from the ground. EDDIE VEDDER The show starts when I say it’s gonna start. Give me a fuckin’ minute. Eddie takes a large hit from the cigarette and leans on the railing before Chadd calls out to him. CHADD Yo Eddie! Come help us kick these guys ass’s. Eddie Vedder walks over to the edge of the platform to see what’s going on with the two groups down below. Despite being under the influence he instantly recognizes John, Chadd, and Alex from meeting them earlier in the day at In-N-Out Burgers. He begins to laugh as he flicks his lit cigarette onto the ground. 23.

EDDIE VEDDER Whoa, whoa, whoa. Nobody’s fighting anyone here. That’s funny though, I like you guys. Eddie goes from pointing to Chadd to pointing at the thugs. EDDIE VEDDER (CONT’D) These guys giving you a hard time? John and Alex lower there hands now more comfortable with the situation they’ve found themselves in. Chadd nods his head in order to answer Eddie’s question. The thugs remain in the same spot they were when Eddie came out a few moments ago. EDDIE VEDDER (CONT’D) Alright. Well we can either do this the easy way or the hard way. I’m fine with either. Eddie leans into the doorway of the back entrance in order to call for his security team. While he’s doing so the thugs quickly turn around and run back down the dark alley way leaving John, Chadd, and Alex alone. The three friends let out a sigh or relief before looking back up to Eddie Vedder who is once again leaning over the railing. He has a smirk on his face as he shouts down at them once again. EDDIE VEDDER (CONT’D) What, did nobody ever tell you guys to watch your shit around here? You guys were lucky I was here. Next time you gotta be more careful. John, Chadd, and Alex fix themselves up before coming closer together. They start thanking Eddie for helping them out before turning around to leave the backside of the venue. Before they can turn the corner, Eddie Vedder shouts out to them one last time. EDDIE VEDDER (CONT’D) Hey, why don’t you guys come enjoy the show from backstage tonight. It’s a hell of a party back here. The three friends look at each other in shock that Eddie Vedder has actually asked them to join him backstage. They quickly take him up on his offer and rush to the staircase to go up to the next level. John goes up first, then Chadd, then Alex. They make it up to the top platform. 24.

Eddie is now standing their against the door holding it open for them. They all enter as the door slowly shuts behind them. DISSOLVE TO: INT. VIPER ROOM (BACKSTAGE) - NIGHT John, Chadd, and Alex are instantly handed a drink by a gorgeous girl barely wearing any clothes as they walk into the backstage VIP area of the Viper Room. It’s a dark room filled with booze, drugs, women, and neon lights. Chadd quickly chugs his drink before screaming out in excitement. CHADD Fuck yea rock n’ roll! A series of shots is shown starting with John and Alex attempting to match Chadd. However, they are unable to chug their drink as quick as him. They are introduced to other members of Pearl Jam by Eddie Vedder such as (27), MIKE MCCREADY (27), (30) and DAVE ABBRUZZESE (25). Throughout the montage we see the boys taking multiple shots and lines of cocaine. They are clearly under the influence but are having the times of their lives being treated like rockstars. They dance, sing, and laugh along with the other people backstage while smoking cigarettes. Pearl Jam is shown grabbing their equipment and gearing up for their show. From backstage Eddie points to a VIP area of the floor through the curtain. John, Chadd, and Alex dap him up and wish him luck before they are escorted down the staircase to the VIP area by beautiful girls so they can watch the live performance. DISSOLVE TO: INT. VIPER ROOM - NIGHT John, Chadd, and Alex are seen in the VIP pit on the left side of the stage. They’re jumping, screaming, and singing as Pearl Jam plays their hit songs such as “Jeremy” (1991), “” (1991), “Alive” (1991), and “State of Love and Trust” (1992). The stage has numerous flashing lights that are cue’d to go along with the music. The trio of friends continues drinking in the crowd as mosh pits continuously break out. John, Chadd, and Alex try to get as involved in the action as they can. Pearl Jam continues to rock out on stage before Mike McCready smashes his electric guitar on the floor. Pieces go flying everywhere as the crowd continues to go wild. 25.

The Pearl Jam members walk off the stage as the scene fades to black. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. VIPER ROOM (FRONT ENTRANCE) - NIGHT John, Chadd, and Alex stumble out of the front entrance of the Viper Room along with the rest of the crowd. Alex bumps into the wall almost knocking himself and the girls around him over. Chadd takes a small shot sized bottle of rum out of his jacket pocket, drinks it, and then throws it on the ground next to a garbage can on the sidewalk. He puts his arm around John as they continue walking down the street away from the venue. Alex stumbles behind trying to follow his friends. They cross the street, almost getting hit by a car, and then stop on the other side. John and Chadd stand there, trying to keep their balance, as they wait for Alex to catch up. He gets to the other side but trips on the curb as he gets on the sidewalk. Chadd catches him before he falls. JOHN That was rad! Those guys are fucking gods dude. Chadd attempts to get a chant going forgetting they are no longer inside the concert venue. He loudly claps his hands together over his head. CHADD Pearl Jam! Pearl Jam! Alex leans on Chadd as he can no longer keep his own balance. He begins talking but is slurring his words. John and Chadd can’t understand what he’s saying. ALEX How the.. What means.. freaking Los Angeles. Chadd shrugs Alex off his shoulder. He then shakes him trying to sober him up. Alex begins to get nauseous and doesn’t look very well. John steps in and breaks it up between Chadd and Alex. Alex bends over and coughs, but doesn’t throw up. John points across the street that reads “Playing Tonight: Pearl Jam.” JOHN That’s gotta be us. Chadd looks over at the sign but can’t make out what it says. 26.

Alex stops coughing, stands up, and wipes his mouth on his sleeve. John turns around no longer facing the venue, Chadd follows. The three friends stand on the sidewalk in a triangular formation still on the other side of the street. They are all visibly intoxicated, but are beginning to regain their whereabouts and can now hold a conversation. Alex is still the most drunk out of the group. JOHN (CONT’D) Seriously guys. That’s gotta be fuckin’ us one day. We can be even bigger than Pearl Jam. Bigger than The Stones! ALEX We can be the best! JOHN Exactly. We can be the best fucking band in the world. We just have to want it. We took the money our parents paid to put us through college and came all the way out to California. Look where we are guys! Three kids from the boroughs out in Los Angeles partying like rockstars. John puts one hand on Chadd's shoulder and the other on Alex’s. The two friends listen closely to what their bandmate is saying. JOHN (CONT’D) Let’s not fuck this up guys. We’re to good for that. Let’s make it big. CHADD We need a new name. Fuck being called Manual Crank. ALEX Hey! I like that name. John takes his hands off his friends shoulders. The area around them is now fully cleared out of people and cars. JOHN No, he’s right. It’s shit. We need something fresh. Something that can headline The Viper Room. A name that could sell out Madison Square Garden. The three friends stand there thinking hard about what to name their band. After a few moments Chadd has an idea. 27.

CHADD What about... Alex cuts his friend off before he can finish his sentence. ALEX What about The Dropouts!? An excited expression comes across the face of both John and Alex. Chadd gives Alex a nasty look for cutting him off, but thinks about his suggestion and likes it too. Chadd puts his hands on John and Alex’s shoulders now. JOHN That’s it. That’s the one! The three friends rejoice together, now going by “The Dropouts.” After they share a moment Chadd begins scratching his face and yawns. Alex looks around and finally notices nobody else is around anymore. The boys stand in silent for a moment before John speaks again. JOHN (CONT’D) We’re gonna need to find a place to stay tomorrow too. Let’s go find somewhere to crash. The friends laugh knowing they have no where to go for the night. They begin walking down the street, still stumbling from all the alcohol they consumed that night. They scene fades to black as John, Chadd, and Alex walk out of sight into the darkness down the street, excited to start their music careers out in Los Angeles together. END OF ACT I.