FACE IN THE CROWD

created by OC,SH’s founder & Erika E, while in college, spring 1995
further written by OC,SH’s founder & now adapted for publication here

 

LAST TIME:
Synopsis of Month 1, Week 4, Day 5 (next day) & Month 2, Week 1, Days 1-2 (next day)

 

NEXT TIME:
Month 2, Week 1, Day 3 fully-scripted episode continues, Part 2 of 3 (Acts 3-4-5)

 

NOW: TALE CONTINUES
2nd of 4 fully-scripted episodes: Month 2, Week 1, Day 3 (a Wednesday), Acts 1 & 2

This is the 1st of 3 parts of the 2nd of 4 scripted episodes I wrote for my college honors thesis, spring term 1996. When Erika & I originally created this, we didn’t consider timelines or how long it would take for the action to transpire on TV. So, when I started working on this academically, I had to consider how the action might work on screen. With a “general breakdown” & timelines, I mapped out action from Month 1 – Week 1 – Day 1 to Month 3 – Week 4 – Day 5. This episode is the Month 2 – Week 1 – Day 3 (a Wednesday) airing, Acts 1-2 (of 7 total Acts).

Episode Structure
(minutes in bold are what are included in this post for the Month 2 – Week 1 – Day 3 episode)

MINUTE ON AIR
1 FC (Act 1)
2 FC
3 FC
4 INTRO-FC / COMMERCIAL
5 COMMERCIAL
6 COMMERCIAL
7 FC (Act 2)
8 FC
9 FC
10 FC
11 FC
12 FC
13 FC
14 COMMERCIAL
15 COMMERCIAL
16 COMMERCIAL / FC
17 FC (Act 3)
18 FC
19 FC
20 FC
21 FC
22 FC
23 FC / COMMERCIAL
24 COMMERCIAL
25 COMMERCIAL
26 FC (Act 4)
27 FC
28 FC
29 FC
30 FC
31 FC
32 FC
33 COMMERCIAL
34 COMMERCIAL
35 COMMERCIAL / FC
36 FC (Act 5)
37 FC
38 FC
39 FC
40 FC / COMMERCIAL
41 COMMERCIAL
42 COMMERCIAL
43 FC (Act 6)
44 FC
45 FC
46 FC
47 FC
48 FC
49 COMMERCIAL
50 COMMERCIAL
51 COMMERCIAL / FC
52 FC (Act 7)
53 FC
54 FC
55 FC
56 FC / COMMERCIAL
57 COMMERCIAL
58 COMMERCIAL / FC CREDITS
59 FC CREDITS
60 FC CREDITS

ACT 1
Scene 1

FADE IN:
INT. KMAZ-TV STUDIO — MID-MORNING

As the scene opens, the screen of a KMAZ-TV studio monitor fills the viewer’s screen. A picture of JENNA, age 23, is on the set. The picture is obviously a graduation photograph. Jenna is posed with her head leaning on her right hand with her hair flowing down to her side. She has on a flowery, contemporary, “liberal” dress.

ANNOUNCER
(off-screen)
…so, if you see or have seen this woman, contact the Manchester Police Department at 555-MPD1, that’s 555-6731, immediately. Repeating, Jenna Rockingham, age 23, has been missing for about 4 days. She was last seen in the hallways of Manchester University. There is a 10,000 dollar reward for information leading to her safe return. Contact the Manchester Police Department at 555-MPD1, 555-6731. We now return you to regular programming.

As the announcer finishes, the CAMERA pulls away from the monitor, slowly moving to the left & revealing MATTHEW, age 31, who is standing at the monitor, watching the KMAZ-TV coverage of Jenna’s disappearance. Matthew is wearing a dark blue blazer with a striped dress shirt, a “crazy”-colored tie & dark-colored pants. He has a worried/stern look on his face. His arms are folded across his chest. He’s clinching papers in his right hand & has a pencil behind his ear.

MATTHEW
(shaking his head; to himself)
C’mon Jenna. Where are you? Someone’s gotta know where you are …

ACT 1
Scene 2

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. OFFICE-LIKE ROOM AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY — MID-MORNING

The CAMERA continues its leftward movement. As the scene opens, the camera is at desk-level. It moves to the left, revealing Jenna’s dead body, sprawled on the floor. The office is dark, suggesting a feeling of doom. Jenna is wearing a light-colored blouse with dark dress pants & high-heeled shoes. It appears that Jenna fell onto the floor after sitting in the chair at the desk. There is a glass filled with liquid on the desk. Also on the desk is an open brief case. The camera continues its leftward movement around the room, revealing the situation from “other” angles.

 

ACT 1
Scene 3

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MICHELLE’S OFFICE AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY — MID-MORNING

The CAMERA continues its leftward movement into this scene, stopping in time to show Michelle’s desk & the door to her office in 1 frame. MICHELLE, age 29, is sitting at the desk, more or less rummaging through her papers. She is wearing a conservative-looking business suit. There is a knock at the door.

MICHELLE
(without bothering to look up; hurried)
Come in.

The door opens, revealing CHRISTINE, age 43, dressed in a mildly lavish red dress & high-heeled shoes.

CHRISTINE
(noticing Michelle’s franticness)
Is this a bad time?

MICHELLE
(looking up)
Oh,…oh, no. No.

Michelle stands up & puts the papers down.

MICHELLE
No, I’ve some time. I’m just trying to get all of my paperwork straightened out. That’s all. What can I do for you?

CHRISTINE
Well, I was wondering if you could tell me where the Psychology Department’s Auxiliary Office is? Jenna had mentioned that she often goes there. I just thought….

MICHELLE
(interrupting)
Well, I’m almost positive that that office has already been checked, but I guess there’s always the possibility it was overlooked.

Michelle motions Christine towards the door & points to the right, the direction of the Auxiliary Office.

MICHELLE
Go down this hallway, & take the stairs at the end of the hallway up 1 flight. The Auxiliary Office is right across the hallway from the stairway entrance. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding it.

CHRISTINE
Thanks.

Christine heads off toward the stairway.

FADE TO BLACK. END OF ACT 1. PLAY THEME & THEN GO TO COMMERCIAL.

 

ACT 2
Scene 1

FADE IN:

INT. MICHELLE’S OFFICE AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY — MID-MORNING

As the scene opens, Michelle is sitting at her desk, once again shuffling through stacks of papers. She is dressed as before.

MICHELLE
(to herself)
Ah, so much paperwork. How will I ever … ?

Michelle’s statement is cut short by the ringing of the telephone. In disgust, she slams down the papers in her right hand & grabs the phone.

MICHELLE
(shortly)
Yeah?

The screen now splits, with Michelle on the left & Matthew, dressed as in previous scene, on the right. Matthew is also sitting at his office desk.

MATTHEW
(sarcastically)
Well, good morning to you, too.

MICHELLE
(somewhat relieved)
Oh, Matt. Hi. I’m sorry. It’s just that….

MATTHEW
(interrupting)
No, no. Don’t apologize. I know you’re busy. I probably shouldn’t have called….

MICHELLE
No. Don’t say that. I’m glad you called. It’s just been so hectic around here lately. It’s great to hear a loving voice.

MATTHEW
Loving? Hmmm. I like this. Tell me more.

MICHELLE
(almost whispering)
Tell you more? How about I show you more?

MATTHEW
Show me? Ohhhh…. What do you have in mind?

MICHELLE
Dinner?

MATTHEW
Tonight?

MICHELLE
Yeah.

MATTHEW
Ooo. Sounds good. With desert?

MICHELLE
Of course.

Michelle pauses for a second, as if remembering something important she forgot.

MICHELLE
Oh, wait. … I can’t tonight.

MATTHEW
Why not?

MICHELLE
I’ve got that departmental meeting.

MATTHEW
Oh, well. Next time.

MICHELLE
I’m sorry.

MATTHEW
That’s OK. Hey, listen, did you see the picture of Jenna on KMAZ?

MICHELLE
Yeah, I did.

As Michelle says her last line, dissolve to next scene.

 

ACT 2
Scene 2

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. HALLWAY AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY — LATE MORNING

This scene unfolds as Michelle says her last line. Christine, dressed as before, is walking towards the stairway as instructed by Michelle when ALICIA, age 16, comes up to her. Alicia is dressed in rather tight dark green pants, a somewhat-revealing blouse, & black high-heeled shoes. Alicia also has a long, black coat on that is unbuttoned, revealing the pants & blouse. Alicia hesitantly reaches her right hand out to stop Christine.

ALICIA
Uh, … Christine?

CHRISTINE
Yes?

It takes Christine a couple seconds to realize who stopped her.

CHRISTINE
Oh, Alicia! Hi. How’re you?

ALICIA
(apprehensively)
I…I’m fine.

CHRISTINE
Oh. You don’t seem too well.

ALICIA
Um, no. I’m fine. I…I was just wondering if you’ve gotten any more leads about, uh, ms. Rockingham’s disappearance…..

Alicia’s voice trails off.

CHRISTINE
No. None recently that I’m aware of. I know that Captain Manson & the other officers are working hard to find Jenna. But, thanks for asking….I bet you miss her & the sessions, don’t you?

ALICIA
(somewhat flattered by the concern for her feelings)
Well, I…uh…yeah. Yes, I do miss the sessions …. &, …& I miss Jenna, too. I really hope she’s found safe & sound.

CHRISTINE
Well, thank you for your concern.

There is a brief moment of awkward silence between the 2, as each thinks of something to say. Christine breaks the silence.

CHRISTINE
Look, I, uh, was just heading up to the Auxiliary Office. Michelle, uh, Ms. Croswell, said I could go up there & check the room out. Ya know, just in case it was missed before. Would you like to come with?

As Christine says her last line, Alicia becomes even more apprehensive & fidgety. Only after Christine finishes her last line does she notice Alicia’s behavior.

CHRISTINE
Uh, Alicia? Are you OK?

ALICIA
(somewhat snapping out of it)
Oh…um…yeah. I’m fine. Uh, I need to get going. I’m supposed to meet Mom for lunch at the restaurant.

CHRISTINE
Oh, OK. So, why are you here then?

ALICIA
Why am I here? Oh, well, I wanted to find out about Jenna.

CHRISTINE
Oh, uh huh. Well, sorry … no new information.

ALICIA
(hurrying)
Right. Well, I gotta go. Bye.

Alicia quickly rushes away. Christine turns around to watch her walk away. Suddenly, Christine jolts as if thinking of something.

CHRISTINE
(yelling after Alicia)
Hey! Shouldn’t you be in school?!

Alicia, though, has gotten out of earshot, & Christine simply shakes her head in somewhat disbelief. She turns back around & heads off in the direction of the stairway.

CHRISTINE
(muttering to herself)
That kid is trouble. She’s gotta watch out or she’s gonna get hurt or hurt someone. I just hope the sessions with Jenna did some good.

Christine walks towards the stairs & heads up them.

 

ACT 2
Scene 3

CUT TO:

INT. STEVE’S OFFICE AT THE POLICE STATION — MIDDAY

As the scene opens STEVE, age 46, is seated at his desk. He is wearing dark brown pants, a white shirt, a light tan blazer & a modest tie. He is on the phone.

STEVE
(into the receiver)
Well, damn it, Crandal. Get on it. We need to get some answers for these people They’re counting on us. We’ve gotta find her. …. No, Crandal. That’s your job. …. No, it doesn’t help that she’s the beloved granddaughter of this town’s most-recognized, not to mention most-powerful, resident. …. Fine. You do that!

Steve slams down the receiver. He rests his elbows on his desk & quickly puts his face in his hands, giving a deep, deep sigh. As quickly as he put his face in his hands, he looks up & picks up some papers.

STEVE
(to himself)
Ah, Jenna. Where the hell are ya?

Steve slams the papers back down. He stands up & walks towards his office door. He opens it & yells towards the room.

STEVE
Malinski?! Your report was due 2 hours ago. Where is it?

VOICE OF MALINSKI
(off-camera)
Sorry, sir. I have it right there. I’ll bring it right in.

STEVE
I would appreciate that.

Steve returns to his desk & sits down. MALINSKI, age 33, dressed in a police uniform, pops into the room. He drops the report on Steve’s desk & quickly exits to avoid any further confrontation with Steve. Steve slowly picks up the report, takes a minute or 2 to look through it, & puts it off to the side on his desk. The phone rings.

STEVE
(into the receiver)
Yeah. …. Oh, hi, Mr. Rockingham,…Carl. …. No, I’m sorry. There’s no more news, but I assure you we’re working on it. …. Thank you. …. What? …. Oh, she did? …. Yeah, I thought we already combed through that room, but that’s fine. … Sure. I’ll talk to you later.

Steve hangs up the phone & picks up Malinski’s report, which includes a blue print of the Manchester University Psychology Department building. He looks through it as if searching for something. But, Steve can’t find what he’s looking for. He looks through the report (& blue print) a few more times.

STEVE
(to himself)
Boy, I hope they checked that room & just forgot to put it in the report.

Report in hand, Steve gets up & walks towards his office door. He opens it & yells for Malinski once again.

FADE TO BLACK: END ACT 2. GO TO COMMERCIAL.