Kid Gets Fat Shamed in Basketball

Idea: Dhar Mann

Writer: Dhar Mann
Director / Cinematographer:Rushi Bhadane, Carlos Orellana
Senior Manager: Ruben Ortiz, Tony Corsini
Assistant Director:Justin Doyle, Arek Aksoy
Script Supervisor:
Story Editor:
Editor: Alejandra Hou
Assistant Editor: Antonio Cedillo
Composer: Rahul Dhakad
Colorist: Tania Alvarado
Sound Editor: Lucca Mendes
VFX Editor: Ian Kursakov
Trailer Editor: Brian Burkhardt
Casting and Locations Manager: Alisha Watson
Casting Associate: Daniel Carrera, Lauren Parsons, Kevin Svec
Pre Production Manager: Hope Mueller, Luz Ortiz
Post Production Manager: Brian Nelson, Allan Dave Castro
Bookings Manager: Nix Villarubin
Bookings Associates: Jacq Balmeo, Sherri Salazar, Khai Almendrala
Project Manager Associate: Miranda Romero
Lead Production Assistant:
Production Assistant:Kenny Williams , Colter Angel
Gaffer:Vaibhav Arora
Best Boy Grip/PA:
Best Boy/PA:
Makeup/Hair:
Sound Mixer / Boom Operator: Guthrie Lowe, Travis Hatcher
Set Decorator: Marco Chiong
Set Dresser: Cory Maracle
Props Associate: Manuel Alcaraz, Armand Bashar
Studio Teacher:
Security:
BTS Director:
BTS Editor:
BTS Assistant Editor:
BTS Colorist:
2nd Assistant Camera:

Actor
Jayden

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Cory - Banks Pierce
Coach- Melvin Ward
Basketball player 1- Christopher Honeycutt
Basketball player 2- Mason Wong
Basketball player 3- Harrison Wong
Basketball player 4- Austin Tomas Parry
Basketball player 5- Alexander Wong
Basketball player 6- Ethan Harris
Younger Coach- Ellis Middleton
Basketball Player 7- Chandler Lieberman
Basketball Player 8- Tony Garcia
Basketball Player 9- William Ryan
Basketball Player 10-Anthony Bashian
Basketball Player 11- Elijah Lopez
Instructor- Keith Weber

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Kid Gets Fat Shamed in Basketball

FADE IN - SCENE 1

INT. BASKETBALL COURT

BASKETBALL PLAYERS 1-6 (10-12) and CORY (10-13) shoot BASKETBALLS around. Cory and
Basketball Players 1-3 wear JERSEYS. Players 4-6 wear Basketball Shorts and T-Shirts. Players 4-5
guard Cory as Cory dribbles around the 3-point line. We’re seeing it up close and personal like we’re in
the game. There’s SPORTS BAGS and TOWELS and WATER all around. There’s a TABLE with a
BOWL full of BANANAS and APPLES and another PLATE full of PASTRIES.

CORY
Oh, you think you can guard me?
(fakes left, Basketball Player 4 falls for it and and goes left and falls)
Broke your ankles. Can’t believe you fell for that.

Suddenly JAYDEN (Jayden) walks in with a HOODIE on and BASKETBALL SHORTS. He carries his
GYM BAG. He looks a little intimidated as he looks around with wide eyes, seeing everyone. He
watches Cory drive past Player 5 and score. Cory celebrates.

CORY
There’s a reason I’m #1. You guys gotta play better than that if you wanna be on this team.
(Cory gives high fives to Players 1-3, then looks at Jayden, confused)
Hey big boy… You lost or something?

JAYDEN
Uhh… no, I’m here for tryouts.

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Cory looks at Jayden as if he’s serious. Players 1-3 now also stare at Jayden as Players 4-8 continue
to play in the background. After a few beats, he bursts out laughing.

CORY
Hahaha! That was a good one. You got jokes.
(notices Jayden’s serious and doesn’t leave)
You’re telling me that you… wanna play basketball… with us?
(Jayden looks at the floor, feeling insecure)
Get outta here man you probably can’t even make it to half court without running out of breath.

Cory and Players 1-3 laugh. Jayden’s sad. Suddenly we hear a WHISTLE BLOW and COACH (30-50),
a slim and fit male, comes out with a WHISTLE and a CLIPBOARD.

COACH
Alright guys… welcome. As you all know, we’re looking for our 5th man.
(looks at Students 4-8)
Which means only one of you will make it.

As Coach talks, Jayden decides to quietly leave. As he walks out Cory notices.

CORY
You can eliminate one right now.

Coach looks to see Jayden, who is sadly leaving. Jayden freezes once he knows they’re talking about
him.

COACH
Hey… are you not trying out?
(Jayden turns to him and look unsure, Coach senses hesitation)
What’s your name?

JAYDEN
Jayden.

COACH
Alright Jayden, well… you came all the way out here, you might as well try, right?

Coach smiles at him. Everyone wonders what Jayden’s going to do. After a beat, he looks at the
Coach, nods, then goes and puts his Bag down. Cory shakes his head in disbelief. Coach smiles then
talks to everyone.

COACH
Everyone grab a drink of water then we’ll start with some laps.

4
Jayden goes and grabs a Water Bottle from his Bag as Player 4 comes running over to get a Water
Bottle nearby. Player 4 chats with Jayden. Coach isn’t close enough to hear Jayden’s conversation.

PLAYER 4
Don’t worry about Cory. He’s good, but he acts like he’s the next Bronny James.

JAYDEN
(half smiles)
Thanks. So do you know when they’re gonna choose the fifth player?

PLAYER 4
Next month I think.

JAYDEN
I really hope I make the team, because I’ve always wanted to play on a-

Cory’s walking by drinking his Water Bottle and overhears Jayden. He spits out his water laughing.

CORY
That was a good one. Make the team.
(puts down the Water and picks up the Basketball)
I’ll tell you what. If you really wanna be out here, you can be my ball boy.

Cory shoots from a distance and before he even knows if the Ball goes in he looks at Jayden and
smiles. The Ball then goes in the Hoop as Cory walks off. Coach interrupts with Whistle.

COACH
Okay, let’s get running!

Everyone puts their stuff down and starts running laps at a fast pace. Jayden immediately starts lagging
behind. Coach observes.

COACH
Let’s try to keep up, Jayden. You got this!

CORY
Maybe he’ll run faster if you put a Twinkie under the hoop.

Cory and a few Players laugh. Coach isn’t happy.

COACH
Cut it out Cory.

5
 CORY
What? I’m just being honest…

CUT TO - SCENE 2

INT. BASKETBALL COURT

Everyone’s still running. Jayden struggles and SWEATS. Coach notices.

COACH
You know Jayden, you’d probably run easier if you took that hoodie off.

JAYDEN
Uhh- okay.

Jayden takes his Hoodie off and underneath has a T-Shirt on. While he’s taking his Hoodie off his T-
Shirt comes up and we see his Stomach as he struggles to get the Hoodie off. Cory notices.

CORY
Now it makes sense why he didn’t want to take it off. He’s trying to hide all of his f-

COACH
Enough Cory!

Cory rolls his eyes as everyone keeps running. Jayden now really struggles. He has to stop. Everyone
else seems a bit tired but not as tired as Jayden.

JAYDEN
Sorry, I just need a minute.

COACH
That’s alright… everyone’s probably tired. We can stop here.

CORY
Are you kidding me? It’s just him, I’m barely even getting warmed up.

COACH
(thinks about it, then blows his Whistle)
Everyone take 5. There’s snacks set up for whoever needs one.

Everyone stops running. Jayden stops running thankfully and catches his breath, breathing hard as
they all go to the Snack Table. Jayden throws his Hoodie with his Gym Bag. A few Players take Fruit
but Jayden comes up, looks at all the options, and then takes a Pastry, excited to eat it. Cory comes up
and goes for a Banana and peels it. He looks at Jayden taking a bite of the Pastry.

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 CORY
I wasn’t sure if there’d be any food left after seeing you here.
(Jayden looks at Cory and shakes his head, hurt and embarrassed, after a beat…)
So what’s your deal… why’re you here? You know it takes a certain… body type… to play ball?

JAYDEN
I know… but that’s never stopped me. Ever since I was 5 I’ve loved to play basketball.

CORY
Clearly that’s not the only thing you love.
(chuckles as he looks at the Pastry Jayden’s eating, then pats Jayden’s stomach)

JAYDEN
Why do you keep picking on me? Just leave me alone.

CORY
Fine. But just a little tip, maybe if you ate bananas, instead of pastries, you wouldn’t weigh so much.

Cory does a little Loser Dance and walks off chuckling at Jayden. Jayden just shakes his head,
frustrated. He puts the Pastry down feeling insecure. The Coach then blows the WHISTLE.

COACH
Let’s start working on some defense drills. Can I have… Cory? On the court please… And-
(Cory goes to the Court and grabs a Ball as Coach looks at Players and chooses Player 4)
You… try to guard him.

PLAYER 4
I already know I can’t.

COACH
Just try your best.

Cory starts from half court as everyone watches. Cory does a couple of moves and ends up going
around Player 4 and shooting a shot and scoring. Player 4 feels bad.

CORY
Where’d you find these new kids from, Coach? Walmart?

COACH
Don’t get too overconfident Cory. One of them might be better than you.
(Players 1-3 Oooo, Cory rolls his eyes as Coach scans Players 5-6 and Jayden, lands on Jayden)
Jayden…

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 CORY
(laughs as he carries the Ball to half court, ready to check it out)
Ha… this should be fun. Someone grab crutches because I’m about to break his ankles.

Cory checks the Ball to Jayden, Jayden tosses it back. And then Cory starts to dribble towards the
Basket. He pulls some moves but Jayden manages to keep up with him. As Cory gets closer to the
Hoop Jayden ends up stealing the Ball from Cory to everyone’s shock.

CORY
You got lucky!

COACH
Wow, great job Jayden! Now try to score…

Jayden clears the Ball and then dribbles to the Hoop. He does a pull away shot but Cory blocks it.

CORY
Gimme that!

Cory takes over the Ball, clears it, then shoots a 3-pointer and scores.

CORY
Easy money! I told you, you just got lucky.
(takes a Ball and chucks it at Jayden, it hits him in the stomach, Jayden is really sad)
Big boy!

COACH
Knock it off already, I'm serious.
(comforts Jayden)
Hey- don’t worry about it, you did great.

CORY
Stop giving him false hope. He’s just not cut out to be on this team.

COACH
Maybe not yet. But we all start somewhere.

CORY

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 He should start by losing 20 pounds.

Players 1-3 laugh while Jayden is hurt and now has tears in his eyes. Coach is upset. Jayden runs off
and grabs his Bag to leave.

COACH
Hey! Don’t think I won’t bench you for having a bad attitude, I don’t care how good you are.
(looks at Jayden who is rushing away)
Jayden, wait up! Everyone else, keep practicing.

Cory smiles arrogantly. He shoots a shot and scores as other people join him on the Court.

CUT TO - SCENE 3

INT. BASKETBALL COURT ENTRANCE AREA - SIDE AREA

Coach runs after Jayden who carries his Gym Bag and stops him right before he exits the building.

COACH
Jayden, hold on!
(Jayden stops who has tears flowing down his cheeks. Coach catches up to him)
JAYDEN
This was a bad idea. I should’ve never come.

COACH
I thought I heard you say you really wanted to play on a team?

JAYDEN
I do… I mean, I did. But I’m just not fit for it.

COACH
Listen to me. Don’t give up just because someone’s making you feel bad. You know how many people
made fun of me when I first wanted to play basketball?

JAYDEN
But- for what? You’re not overweight.

COACH
You think I always looked like this? Not even close. You see…

BEGIN FLASHBACKS

CUT TO - SCENE MOS 1

9
INT. BASKETBALL COURT - 10-20 YEARS AGO

YOUNGER COACH (10-15), who is heavy set and bigger than everyone else, wearing Basketball
Shorts and a T-Shirt, walks into the Basketball Court and watches BASKETBALL PLAYERS 7-11 (10-
14), wearing JERSEYS, and INSTRUCTOR (30-50) playing Basketball. They play well. Younger Coach
looks at them all in awe, clearly aspiring to be one of them.

COACH
(voiceover)
When I was younger, I was… let’s just say, bigger than everyone else. But I still dreamed of becoming
a ball player.

CUT TO - SCENE MOS 2

INT. BASKETBALL COURT - LATER

Younger Coach tries to play Ball but gets blocked by Player 7 like Jayden did earlier. Player 7 and the
other Players make fun of the Younger Coach and he feels bad. Instructor tries to stop them but they
just keep laughing at Younger Coach who feels really bad.

COACH
(voiceover)
Every time I showed up to practice, people laughed at me. They made fun of me and told me that I
wasn’t cut out for basketball.

CUT TO - SCENE MOS 3

INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NEXT DAY

Younger Coach practices shooting and dribbling alone in the studio in a NEW OUTFIT. He’s improving.
He tries different drills and then shoots a shot and scores. He smiles as he gets better.

COACH
(voiceover)
But, the important part is, I never let that stop me. I kept working hard and believing in myself no matter
what. I was determined to become the best player I could be.

CUT TO - SCENE MOS 4

INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NEXT DAY

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Younger Coach is back out there playing Basketball against Players 7 as Players 8-11 and Instructor
watch. Younger Coach now guards Player 7. Player 7 tries to do some fancy moves and then shoots
but this time, Younger Coach blocks him, takes the Ball, clears it, and then gets past Player 7 and
scores. No one can believe it and the Instructor is very supportive. Younger Coach smiles.

COACH
(voiceover)
And guess what? Over time, my dream came true. I became one of the best players out there.

END FLASHBACKS

CUT TO - SCENE 3 CONT’D

INT. BASKETBALL COURT ENTRANCE AREA - SIDE AREA - BACK TO PRESENT

COACH
So you see… I used to be heavier, but I never let that stop me from being great. And neither should
you. Because you can be anything you want to. As long as you work hard and believe in yourself.

JAYDEN
Wow… I can’t believe you, used to be like me.

COACH
Mmhmm… and if I can do it, so can you.
(comforts Jayden)
You still have a month before we choose our 5th. So just keep practicing. Alright?

Jayden nods his head, taking in the Coach’s advice and then smiles as he goes back to the group.

DHAR MANN
(Voiceover)
With newfound inspiration, Jayden commits to working hard and believing in himself again.

BEGIN PROGRESSIVE MONTAGE

CUT TO - SCENE PMOS 1

INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NEXT DAY

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Jayden is playing as Players 1-6 and Cory walk onto the court carrying their Sports Bags. Cory and
Players 1-3 are in their Jerseys while the other Players are just in regular workout Clothes. They’re all
surprised to see Jayden already there shooting and practicing in regular workout Clothes.

At the end of the day when everyone is SWEATY and leaving they turn back to see Jayden continuing
to practice. They’re surprised as they leave with their Sports Bags.

DHAR MANN
(Voiceover)
Every day he’s always the first one to arrive before everyone gets there and the very last one to leave
after everyone’s already gone.

CUT TO - SCENE PMOS 2

INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NEXT DAY

Jayden continues to play Ball. He’s running laps, out of breath and SWEATING. Just as he’s looking
sad and wants to give up, he forces himself to get up and keep running.

DHAR MANN
(Voiceover)
As he continues to train, whenever he feels like giving up, he remembers the Coach’s words. And that’s
what keeps him working hard and believing in himself.

CUT TO - SCENE PMOS 3

INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NEXT DAY

Jayden practices in a NEW OUTFIT. Then he practices again in a SECOND OUTFIT indicating a new
day. And then he practices again in a THIRD OUTFIT indicating a new day. When watching this as a
whole it looks like one continued one Basketball training drill in different outfits. He drives to the court
as if someone’s guarding him, dribbling with some cool moves, then he spins out and does a fade away
shot from the 3-Point line. We see him scoring the shot in 3 different outfits and making them each
time. He smiles, proud of himself.

DHAR MANN
(Voiceover)
Over time, Jayden starts to get better and better. He keeps practicing day after day. And eventually, he
ends up becoming a really good player.

END PROGRESSIVE MONTAGE

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CUT TO - SCENE 4

INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NEXT DAY

Players 1-6, Jayden, Cory and Coach are all there. Cory and Players 1-3 are in their Jerseys while
Players 4-6 and Jayden are in Workout Clothes. Player 4 is dribbling the Ball with Cory guarding him as
everyone else watches. As Player 4 drives to the hoop Cory intercepts the ball and takes it outside to
the 3 and shoots and scores.

DHAR MANN
(Voiceover)
And then, came the day of the decision.

CORY
Boom, 2-0!

PLAYER 4
Ugh! Can I please try that again?

COACH
Unfortunately, it’s the best of 3 baskets. Sorry.
(turns to look to Jayden)
Want to go next?

Jayden nods and goes to the Court as Cory smiles.

CORY
I gotta admit, I’m surprised you even showed up today. Guess you wanted another whooping.

JAYDEN
We’ll see about that.

The Players OOO as Cory is annoyed.

CORY
Oh, you’re a tough guy now, huh? We’ll see how long that confidence lasts…

Cory checks the Ball. He drives down to the court as Jayden guards him tight. He can’t easily slip away
from Jayden as he normally has in the past. He goes to take a shot and misses. Jayden recovers it and
clears it from the 3-point line. He then drives against Cory as Cory guards him tight. After some struggle

13
Jayden is able to break away and hits a layup to score. Everyone’s shocked. Cory’s upset. Coach
applauds Jaydens and tells him “Nice job” in his own words.

CORY
Whatever… that’s the only point he’ll ever score. Go ahead, try that again.

Cory throws the Ball to Jayden who checks it out from the half court. He throws it to Cory to check.

JAYDEN
Check.

Cory throws it back hard at Jayden. A bit too hard and Jayden loses some wind from it hitting his chest
hard as Cory glares at him. Jayden goes to the 3-point line and tries to shoot it but it gets blocked by
Cory. Cory quickly grabs the Ball and drives for an easy Layup.

CORY
Boom! 1-1. Next point wins.
(runs to the half court to check it, throws it to Jayden)
Check.
(Jayden throws it back to him)
Check.
(Cory throws it again at Jayden, but harder, Jayden’s confused and throws it back)

JAYDEN
You already checked it.

CORY
Check!
(throws it again, this time Jayden’s confused and Coach is annoyed)

COACH
That’s enough Cory! Play already.

Cory dribbles the Ball and tries to do some fancy dribbling moves. As he’s dribbling Jayden’s able to
pick it and take the Ball. Everyone watches eagerly as Cory is annoyed and Jayden clears it. Jayden
drives to the hoop and tries to take a shot in the distance, Cory goes to block it but Jayden gets the
shot off and- misses. Cory quickly takes the Ball, clears it and then drives to the Hoop. He goes for
what he thinks is an easy layup but Jayden blocks it. Everyone OOO’s as Jayden grabs the Ball and
clears it on the 3-point line. Jayden dribbles with some fancy moves.

JAYDEN
You ready?

14
 CORY
For what? You ain’t got nothin’!

Jayden does some fancy dribble moves. When Cory’s struggling to guard him, out of nowhere Jayden
dribbles the Ball through Cory’s legs and drives. Cory’s shocked as he tries to guard Jayden. Jayden
takes a jumper a good distance away from the Basket and then shoots. Before he even knows if the
Ball is going to go in he looks at Cory and smiles.

JAYDEN
That’s game.

The Ball goes in and everyone is shocked. They all congratulate him in their own words. Cory can’t
believe it. Jayden is so happy he won and with all the positive reinforcement.
JAYDEN
Thanks, I worked really-

CORY
Let me go again, and watch what happens- I’m way better than him!

COACH
Actually, that won’t be necessary. Because I already made my decision.
(looks to the Players 4-6 and Jayden)
If everyone can please help me in congratulating…

A tense moment as everyone waits to see who Coach is going to choose. Jayden awaits eagerly
hoping his name gets called. Coach looks at Player 6.

COACH
Paul… for making the team.

Everyone’s shocked. Jayden hangs his head as Player 6 celebrates. Player 4 comforts Jayden.

PLAYER 4
Hey, that’s alright, you still played really-

COACH
He’s not the only one. I’m also adding… Jayden to the team!

JAYDEN
(looks up, shocked)
Really!?

15
 CORY
How does that make sense… then we’d have 6.

COACH
I tried to tell you Cory, I don’t care how good you are if you have a bad attitude. So Jayden and Paul will
be starting next season, and you’ll be on the bench.

CORY
You have to be kidding me! This is ridiculous! I’m the best player on this team. I should be starting.

JAYDEN
(approaches Cory, who’s in shock)
If you want… you can be my ball boy. Just a thought.

COACH
(Cory is livid, Coach looks to Jayden and Player 6)
Come on in Jayden and Paul, let’s get your uniform ordered and go over the schedule.

Jayden walks towards Coach, Players 1-3 and Player 6 who all are excited as Cory storms out.

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