Mockumentary

2 main students:
- Jeremy - Syd - Quirky comic relief male. Loud and smart, is cool and collected.
- Avery- Renee - A raging bitch, extreme RBF. Doesn’t want to be there. Smart, but gets
frustrated easily so that gets in the way of their decision making.

3 Supporting Characters
- DJ - Dj- Party/frat guy - implied stoner
- Jasmine- sandi- - Preppy overachiever nerd.
- Frank - Taegan - “My name is Frank. I go to IUP. That’s all you need to know.”
Monotone.
Settings:
- TV News Studio
- Other studio room
- Control room

Post + production notes and ideas

Interview segments/ confessionals - shot w camera and tripod

Shooting location- studio booth or random wall

Desired Shoot order

● Shoot interviews
● Then montage
● Then the dialogue script

Intro ideas;

● 80ds vibe
● Cheesy Sitcom opening showing each character

Song choice Sunshine bright on me- by ???

Base Plot:
Extracurricular invite for some of the worst/underdog Comm Media department students from
Steven Kleinman for an after-class production sesh as a last attempt to see these kids succeed.
Students are locked in the studio (Breakfast Club - strangers to friends) by Steve to create a
production that seems destined to fail. Students have to create a plot for their video for extra
credit + to build their portfolio.
Students have to learn how to work together with strangers and get out of the locked production
room with a finished video for the COMM dept.

INT. - STEVE’S OFFICE - DAY

STEVE is arguing with his BOSS over the phone in his office. Steve is
skimming over a list of failing students on his computer. He is
frustrated, rubbing his bald head. He quickly flips through photos of
the 5 selected students.

STEVE
You can’t be serious.

BOSS (V.O.)
Oh, I’m dead serious. These kids need a professor. And who
better than the famous Steve Kleinman?

STEVE
Are people calling me that? Am I really famous? No, wait,
you’re trying to distract me! I can’t teach these kids! It’s
impossible! Half of them are failing, and the other half I just don’t
want to deal with.

BOSS (V.O.)
If it’s too much for you, I can always find someone else. That
is, if you want to lose your tenure.

Steve sighs.

STEVE
All right. I’ll do it. How long do I have?

BOSS (V.O.)
 Till the end of the semester. Also, I’m going to have a film
crew following you. Documentaries are really in these days. Penn
State’s doing this, why can’t we?

STEVE
Wait what? Isn’t that an invasion of privacy?

BOSS (V.O.)
You must not have looked at your contract closely enough.
They’re filming you right now. The clock’s ticking.

The boss hangs up and Steve slams the phone down. From the corner of
the shot, a boom mic slowly slides in near Steve’s head.

CUT TO: INTRO (30 SECONDS)

INT. - DAVIS HALLWAY - DAY

Steve is walking into the studio. The CAMERAPERSON slowly tracks,

having difficulty keeping up with Steve’s pace.

CAMERAPERSON (V.O.)
Hey, can you slow down?

STEVE
Do you want your documentary to be accurate or not? This is how
I walk. Can YOU speed up?

Steve turns to the left and enters the TV studio filled with chaos.

INT. - TV STUDIO - DAY

A wide shot captures the FIVE STUDENTS in the studio, either making
idle conversation or just chilling. AVERY is sitting quietly in the
corner, arms crossed, as the camera slowly pans in towards her.

AVERY
(talking head/one shot)
Why am I here? Well, apparently I “don’t work well with
others.”

CUT TO: STUDIO

Avery is yelling at a cameraman to fix the angle. Eventually, she

gives up, sighs loudly, rips her headset off and runs to fix it
herself angrily.
CUT TO: AVERY ONE SHOT
AVERY
(crosses arms)
I really don’t see what the problem is.

CUT TO: STUDIO

The camera pans from Avery to JEREMY, who is playing Clash of Clans
on his phone.

CUT TO: JEREMY ONE SHOT

JEREMY
(Hands clasped behind head, lounging out)
I gotta admit, I slack off a little bit. Ya know, I’m in college, and
I get distracted, so…

CUT TO: JEREMY’S ROOM

Jeremy is sitting in a dimly lit bedroom with gaming headphones on,

frantically pressing buttons on his controller and yelling at the
video game he’s playing. In the background of the shot is an open
laptop with an unfinished essay waiting to be completed.

CUT TO: JEREMY’S ONE SHOT

JEREMY
I’ve got priorities, ya know?

CUT TO: Studio

Students sitting in the studio making extremely awkward conversation

led by Jeremy, then slowly being washed out while camera zooms on DJ
who is staring blankly into space with seemingly nothing behind his
eyes.

CUT TO: DJ’S ONE SHOT

DJ
(long pause before speaking, thinking about something funny in head
head while softly laughing)
Oh wait…you’re talking to me?

CUT TO: DJ’S ONE SHOT

 DJ
Uhm…to be honest, I dont really remember why im here.

CUT TO: “FRAT HOUSE”

Fast paced montage of DJ partying and smoking. Multiple shots of DJ

frantically jumping up and down in a dark room with flashing
colourful lights, holding an implied bottle of liquor. Shots of him
funneling beer while a group of people cheer.
DJ
Wait whats happening again?

CUT TO: JASMINE’S ONE SHOT

JASMINE
(smiling ear to ear while fixing her hair)
I came to IUP because it holds the richest, most vigorous courses
that could ever be offered. I originally wanted to go into law
school, but–

CAMERAPERSON
Please answer the question.

JASMINE
Oh, sorry. There weren’t any other classes for me to take, and I
needed another Comm. course, so that’s why I’m here.

CUT TO: FRANK’S ONE SHOT

FRANK
You see, I’m here because my—

“PLEASE STAND BY” comes across the screen. Then Frank returns.

FRANK
–and I couldn’t–

“PLEASE STAND BY” comes across the screen once again.

CUT TO: STUDIO

An over-the-shoulder shot between the students is framing Kleinman as

he’s beginning to introduce himself and the goal of the class.

STEVE
(clapping hands together to get students’ attention)
Alright, how we all doing today? I’m Dr. Kleinman, but you all can
call me Steve… or, to some, Grandmaster Kleinman.

Camera cuts to FRANK giving a slight head nod towards Steve. Avery
turns her head to Frank and glares slightly confused.

STEVE
Typically, I like to start my first classes with icebreakers, and
with this group I think it might be necessary…

JASMINE
(shoots up from seat excitedly and begins to go off on a tangent)
Hi everyone! I’m Jasmine Alexandria Schmucklehorn and I’m majoring in
Business with a COMM minor. I’m also a part of the Robert E. Cook
Honors College and…

AVERY
(slightly under her breath, but not really)
He didn’t even say what the ice breaker was yet…

FRANK
Well that was pointless. If you really want to break the ice
properly, you need an ice pick, a hammer, maybe a blowtorch–

JASMINE
I appreciate your knowledge of icebreaking, but that’s not what Steve
meant. And it’s not like any of you guys were going to step up anyway
and do it.

AVERY
Because we had no idea what was going on yet, teacher’s pet. We’re
not all just going to jump in there and make a fool of ourselves like
you.
Avery and Jasmine continue to bicker back and forth about everything
and somehow nothing. Steve gets noticeably frustrated witnessing this
but tries to keep his calm.

STEVE
(clears throat, loudly and awkwardly to quiet the room)
Okay… OKAY! That’s enough. You all clearly can’t even handle being
civil together long enough for me to give simple directions for an
icebreaker. That should literally be the easiest thing we do in this
class. So, instead, we’re going to try something a little different.
Circle up.

Everyone hesitantly slides their chairs together in a circle, some

trying to keep their distance more than others. Avery keeps a dead
stare on Jasmine, who seems to be avoiding eye contact at all costs.
Steve slams a notepad down into the center of the circle with a
couple of pencils. He begins to slowly walk around the circle, arms
crossed. He’s trying to be intimidating, but some students just
aren’t buying it.

STEVE
If my help won’t work to get you all to work together, then you’re
all going to sort this out like adults. By the end of this class
session, I want at least 2 pages of that notepad filled with
everything you’ve learned about each other.

DJ nods his head with a slight smile. He acts like this is going to
be easy, and would much rather work on this than another project on
the first day. Steve notices and walks to stand right behind/over
DJ’s chair.
STEVE
And, no, I’m not talking about “What’s their favorite color?” or
favorite food. I want you all to genuinely get to know each other. To
be a successful crew, you have to have group chemistry and AT LEAST
be acquainted.

Steve continues making his way around the circle.

STEVE CONT.
Figure out what frustrates each other, their fears, their favorite
projects to work on. You all should get the point by now. 2 pages.
Filled. Before the end of class.
Everyone’s eyes follow as Steve goes to pick up his belongings (a
bag, folder, and a jacket). He begins to put his jacket on, not
paying the class any attention.

FRANK
(inwardly to the group circle, skeptical)
What’s this guy doing?

AVERY
(huffs, still in a hushed tone)
It’s the first day and he’s already done with us, that’s what.

A wide shot captures Steve in the foreground, blurred, with the

circle of students behind him. Jasmine abruptly gets up from her seat
and confronts him from the circle.

JASMINE
Um, excuse me, but how should we get started? And what are you doing?
And how am I supposed to ask questions to someone who wouldn’t mind
the elimination of my existence?

DJ leans in toward Jasmine.

DJ
Can I borrow a pencil?

Camera quickly zooms into Avery’s face, rolling her eyes and crossing
her arms a little tighter. Then, the camera pans to Steve standing
oddly close to the half-opened studio door.

STEVE
As they say in showbiz… Figure it out.

He slams the door shut. A click comes from the door.

AVERY
Um… did he just lock us in here?

Jasmine laughs under her breath and starts walking toward the door.

JASMINE
No, he wouldn’t actually do something like that.

Jasmine reaches the door and tries the knob. No luck.

 JASMINE
Well, this has to be a violation of some kind.

JEREMY
Now what?

Brief moment of silence. Jasmine stands up in front of the group.

JASMINE
Does everyone have a pencil? If you don’t, I only have a
dozen, so don’t break any, please. I think we should get into pairs
and-

Jasmine’s voice is drowned out by a conversation between DJ and

Jeremy.

JEREMY

So, I guess this is the part where we learn each other’s

names.

DJ

Yeah, I guess.

JEREMY

Well, I’m Jeremy. What’s your name?

DJ

(Looks at him skeptically)

Why do you wanna know?

CUT TO:

INT. TALKING HEAD WITH DJ. – DAY

DJ

Did he really just ask me that? That’s, like, really

personal.

CUT TO:

INT. STUDIO – DAY

 DJ stands up abruptly and points at Jeremy.

DJ

What’s YOUR name?

He storms off and opens the door to Studio B. He turns back to the
group.

DJ

Hey guys, there’s a whole other room in this room!

Everyone gets up and files into the new room.

Jasmine goes to a chalkboard.

JASMINE
Ah, perfect!

She begins to write something, but Avery swiftly erases it.

JASMINE
What was that for?

AVERY
Do I need a reason?

The camera pans to Jeremy.

JEREMY
Why don’t we play a game?

DJ
Oh, I know this one. Jigsaw!

JASMINE
Wait, isn’t that the one with the puppets?

DJ
No, you’re thinking of The Muppets. I should know. It’s my favorite
movie. Should’ve won an Oscar.

JEREMY
Oh. I’ve been homeschooled, so I couldn’t watch a lot of TV.
 FRANK
You have my pity. The separation of home and school is integral to
the future of our society and the world at large.

DJ
Bro, why wouldn’t your parents let you watch The Muppets?

JEREMY
My parents thought it was sata– (satanic)

AVERY
All right, let’s get back on track. I wanna get outta here.

DJ
Let’s play Hangman!

JASMINE
Ooh, I’m down. I must warn you, though. I’m very good at guessing
words.

JEREMY
I’ll go first!

Jeremy draws gallows and puts ten dashes on the chalkboard.

DJ
That’s, like, the whole alphabet!

JEREMY
(Pointing to the dashes)
Good luck guessing what this is. It’s the best culinary experience
any American (or Canadian) can ever have!
FRANK
Freedom! I agree with your assessment James.

JEREMY
It’s Jeremy.

AVERY
That’s not ten letters!

FRANK
It may not be ten letters, but it’s the answer we all deserve. Right?
 JASMINE
I hate America.

Frank glares at Jasmine.

DJ
F!

Jeremy writes “F” on the fifth dash.

DJ
R!

Jeremy writes “R” on the first and seventh dashes.

AVERY
Let other people go.

DJ
You have a letter?

AVERY
Yeah. A.

Jeremy writes “A” on the second dash.

DJ
I was gonna spell out “freedom!” Thanks for messing it up.

AVERY
(Pointing at chalkboard)
Does that look like “freedom” to you?

DJ

Well i’m not sure, all the letters aren't there yet

Avery sighs.

FRANK
 Are you SURE it's not freedom?! It has an F and an R!

Avery groans.

AVERY

Ugh, didn’t he just say it wasn't?!

Avery, Frank, and Dj start getting into an argument over the word
freedom.

JASMINE

Wait. is it rainforest?

JEREMY

YES! It's because of the Rainforest Cafe! I love that place! Great
guess!

JASMINE

Thanks! Can I give it a try ?

JEREMY
 Sure!

Jeremy hands the chalk to Jasmine and a small montage of the students
doing activities and them writing things down on the paper starts

DJ

Ugh, I’m tired of letters. Avery, truth or dare?

AVERY

I’m not playing that game.

JEREMY

Ah, come on, it’ll be fun! Truth or dare?

AVERY

Fine, if it’ll get you to leave me alone. Truth.

DJ

Why does everyone choose truth?! You're boring.

JEREMY

No, no, I’ve got a good question. Avery, what’s the worst
thing you’ve ever done?

AVERY

Nice try. (*Glances at camera*) I’m not incriminating

myself on camera.

JASMINE

Come on, Avery! Just play along. You can tell us the
second-worst thing you’ve ever done.
 AVERY

Best I can tell you is the third-worst. Back in high

school, I picked the lock to the principal’s office and
stole his computer.

DJ

Whoa! His whole computer? Like, the keyboard and

everything?

AVERY

Well, yeah-

JASMINE

Wait, wait, wait. You know how to pick a lock?

AVERY

Yeah, so? YouTube can teach you anything these days.

FRANK

You should unlock the door. I would, but I’m not allowed
to open doors anymore. Not after-

JEREMY

Yeah! Avery, could you unlock the door this whole time?

AVERY

Well, yeah, but I was waiting for- you know what? It

doesn’t matter. Give me a minute.

Avery takes a bobby pin from her hair and starts fiddling with the
lock. Jasmine walks over and sits on the stairs next to her.

AVERY
I’m a little busy.

JASMINE

I have to ask. If you knew how to pick a lock, why didn’t

you do that when we were first put in here?
 AVERY

(scoffs)

That’s a stupid question.

JASMINE

Is it? It’s almost as if you like being stuck in here with

us.

AVERY

You don’t know anything about me.

JASMINE

Yeah, but isn’t that kind of the point of us being here?

So we can learn about each other?

Avery drops her hand from the door and finally looks at Jasmine.

AVERY

What are you hoping to gain from this conversation? Are you thinking
that if you pester me with enough questions that I’ll finally open up
to you? That I’ll reveal some deep, dark past that’s made me the way
I am? Well, I hate to break it to you, but I’m not that complex. I’m
here because I have to be. I’m here because if I’m not, I can’t
graduate.

Avery goes back to picking the lock, and after a second it clicks and
she opens the door, walking out. Everyone looks up and sees that it’s
open, then hurries out.

Steve looks up from his chair.

STEVE

Hey, wait! Where are you guys going? You didn’t learn
anything about each other!

Steve sighs and puts his head in his hands, but then DJ walks up to
him and hands him a small stack of paper.

DJ
 Uh, here. Sorry if you can’t read my handwriting. I
sometimes forget if I’m left-handed or right-handed.

Steve looks up.

STEVE

Wait, you actually did the assignment?

DJ

Well yeah. We may not be the smartest, but we’re not

stupid. Now, I gotta go. I parked in a handicapped spot.

DJ leaves, and Steve takes a look at the papers.

JEREMY (V.O.)

Today I learned DJ came here on a basketball scholarship

but hasn’t gone to a single practice.

JASMINE (V.O.)

I learned that Jeremy has been to every Rainforest Café.

FRANK (V.O.)

I learned everyone’s names today.

STEVE

Frank? Who’s Frank? I thought there were only four

students in this class. Whatever, I am choosing not to
think further into this.

Steve continues reading.

DJ (V.O.)

Today I learned Jasmine wants to get her doctorate. I hope

she isn’t going to be a doctor for kids. She’s kind of
scary.

AVERY (V.O.)

This whole thing is dumb. But, today I learned that some

people aren’t totally insufferable. I think this class
might not be too bad. This better not get out on TV.
 CUT TO:

EXT. DAVIS PARKING LOT - DAY

Jeremy, Jasmine, Avery, and DJ walk toward their cars. DJ takes a

ticket off of his car, Jeremy straps on his helmet next to his bike,
and Jasmine is trying to talk to Avery.

JASMINE

Hey, I’m sorry if I crossed a line. I didn’t mean to

intrude.

AVERY

Well, thank you for the apology. But if you tell anyone
about what I said-

JASMINE

Hey, my lips are sealed. I know how to keep a secret.

AVERY

(Smiles slightly)

Good. Now go away. I don’t want to catch whatever nerd

disease you have.

Jasmine laughs and walks toward her car. Steve runs out to the
parking lot.

STEVE

Wait! Everyone!

They all turn to Steve.

STEVE

Good work. See you all tomorrow.

Avery scowls and gets into her car.

JEREMY

Yeah, Grandmaster. See you tomorrow.

Steve laughs.

FADE OUT:

Shooting dates

dates location What we are What we need

shooting

11/22/2022 d2l ● Script ● computers

read
● dj party
shot
● bedroom
shot

11/29/2022 Studio 1,2 ● Montage ● Boom mikes

Steve’s office ● Dialogue+s ● 2-3 studio
cript cameras
shots ● 1 phone or
● Steve’s dslr
Office ● Tripod

12/1/2022 Studio 1.2 ● Interview ● Boom mikes

+
confession ● 1 phone or
al shots dslr
● (Same
background
for
interview
shoots)
● Tripod

Finals week Wherever or Remaining shots

studio needed