Anyone's Ghost Full Script

8/13/2019 Anyone's Ghost Full Script

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ANYONE'S GHOST

Written by

Josh CheslerAs a Work For Hire For Anyone's Ghost, LLC

Anyone's Ghost, LLCLocked White 4/17/13Blue 4/28/13


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EXT. STREET - DAY1 1

We OPEN on latex gloves being SLAPPED onto wrists.

CRIME SCENE TAPE being pulled out. CAMERA FLASH.

CLOSE UP of BLOOD on the street. There are fresh TIRE TRACKS with traces of blood splattered along the black top.

It looks to be a CSI crime scene.

Another CAMERA FLASH.

We finally see the victim - a DEAD SQUIRREL. We see it beingoutlined in white chalk. The dead squirrel looks to havebeen squished by a tire.

Through the crime scene tape, we see a boy investigating thescene.

LUCAS (V.O.)Fresh tire tracks, early morningrush hour, dead squirrel. (pause)Looks like another hit and run.

Welcome to the world as seen through the eyes of 11 year-oldfilmmaker, LUCAS SIMONS. Lucas is small for his age and abit of a loner type. Hes wearing a white shirt and a pair ofblack slacks, held up by suspenders. At first glance, healmost looks like an old detective. This is not yourordinary kid.

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - KITCHEN - SAME2 2

LYDIA SIMONS, late 30s, is pouring CEREAL in the kitchen. *

She looks up, calls to Lucas.

LYDIA Lucas! Breakfast is ready!

EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - SAME3 3

Lucas reaches into his backpack and pulls out a VIDEO CAMERA.He puts the camera on a small tripod and turns it on. ZOOMSin on the victim as he hits record --

We see Lucas frame up a shot and kneel down on the streetbeside the squirrel, still filming.


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LUCAS (V.O.)Cause of death looks to bevehicular manslaughter. Tire tracks

match car belonging to suspectknown as one Mrs. Henderson. *

He peers down the street, eyes a housewife in curlers, doingTAI CHI in her front yard. We assume this to be MRS.HENDERSON.

EXT. SIMONS HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - MOMENTS LATER4 4

Lydia peeks her head through the front door. She spots Lucasoutside filming the dead squirrel.

LYDIA Lucas, breakfast!!

Lucas grabs his tripod and runs inside.

INT. SIMONS HOUSE - KITCHEN5 5

Lucas sits at the breakfast table, typing away on his laptopas if hes writing up a report. He is still wearing the

white gloves. We see a spot of blood on them.

ROGER SIMONS, early 40s, runs in, pulling his tie over hisneck.

LYDIA Are you taking him to school?

ROGERNo, I told you. I have a meetingthis morning.

LYDIA (dead)

Great.

Roger rushes out.

Lucas reaches for a piece of SLIGHTLY BURNT TOAST with thebloody gloved hand --

LYDIA (CONTD)Lucas!!!

Lydia rushes to Lucas, pulls off the gloves, and tosses themin trash.

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LUCAS *Mom! That was evidence!

Lucas turns his attention towards his laptop.

ON SCREEN

YOU TUBE HOME PAGE

He types in SIMONZ BROZ PRODZ, loading up a channel of hisVIDEOS. We catch only a glimpse of the titles. They range inviews from 500 to 2,000, with hundreds of Likes.

Lucas starts to play through his latest video:

We see the SQUIRREL CARCASS with the words OPEN CASE typedover its image.

Lydia glances over to Lucas as she puts away the breakfastdishes.

LYDIA I thought we agreed you wouldntbring your laptop to the table?

Lucas keeps working on his laptop. Lydia walks over and shutsit.

LUCASIts not finished uploading!

LYDIA Youre gonna be late for school.

Lucas gets up with a scowl. He throws on his black suitjacket, grabs a ZOMBIE lunch box and heads out the door.

CUT TO: *

INT. LYDIAS CAR - DAY6 6

Lydia silently drives Lucas to school. In the passenger seat,Lucas attempts to tie his TIE. It ends up looking a bit more

like a sloppy slipknot.

INT. CLASSROOM DAY7 7

Lucas sits in the back of the class. He draws in a small FLIPBOOK as he half listens to his teacher, MRS. ALLMAN, a gray-haired conservative type, ramble on about verb conjugations.

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MRS. ALLMAN *Young grammarians. To conjugate or *not to conjugate. That is NOT the *question. Conjugating a verb is *simply creating an orderly *arrangement of its many forms. I *

walk. You walk. He walks. There *are six tenses for English verbs... *

Lucas keeps his attention focused on his flip book. Heappears to be drawing stick figures.

Lucas classmates struggle to keep their focus on the dronesof Mrs Allman as well. Some yawn. Others nod off.

Among the group is KIMBERLY, a cute albeit slightly geekygirl, who appears to be taking notes on the class lesson.

The CLASS BULLY turns around and throws a CRUMPLED piece ofPAPER at Lucas. The paper ball hits Kimberly in the headinstead. She turns around, thinking Lucas is the one whothrew it.

KIMBERLY(slight scowl)

Hey!

Lucas can only stare, embarrassed and confused. Kimberlygives him a sharp look, then subtly notices his drawing. Sheturns back around.

The Class Bully gives Lucas a quick gotcha look.

SNATCH! Mrs. Allman whisks Lucas flip book off the desk andgives him the evil eye.

Lucas looks up at the clock slowly TICKING away and juststares.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - AFTERNOON8 8

A SCHOOL BUS drops off a small group of kids. Lucas is amongthem. So is Kimberly who carries a CELLO. Lucas is wearing

oversized HEADPHONES.Kimberly seems overly interested in Lucas. She leans in toask him a question.

KIMBERLYWhat are you listening to?

Lucas does not hear her over the music.

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Kimberly tries something bolder. She lifts the headphonesfrom his ears.

KIMBERLY (CONTD)(almost yelling)

I said. What. Are. You. Listening.To?

Lucas looks up, startled. We HEAR CLASSICAL MUSIC tricklingout from the headphones - its CHOPINS FUNERAL MARCH. *

KIMBERLY (CONTD)Is that Chopin? Ive been taking *cello lessons. (beat) I loveclassical.

Lucas nods but continues walking. Headphones back on. He makes his way to the crime scene aka dead squirrel site

from earlier. The crime scene tape has blown away. He takesout his camera and begins filming.

Kimberly eyes the whole thing.

KIMBERLY (CONTD)What are you filming?

Lucas jumps at the intrusion.

He pulls off his headphones in frustration in order to hearKimberly a bit better.

LUCASIts - nothing, just some B-rollfor my movie.

KIMBERLY(not sure what that means)

Oh.

Lucas puts back on the headphones and starts filming again.Kimberly leans in, closer.

KIMBERLY (CONTD)(almost whisper)

Looks like a hit and run. ProbablyMrs Henderson.

Lucas looks up at Kimberly. Light bulb moment. Maybe thisgirl isnt so bad.

LUCASI gotta go.

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Lucas stuffs his camera in his bag and quickly walks away. Heheads away from his house and into a neighbors yard.

KIMBERLY(pointing)

Hey... dont you live over there?

Kimberly watches him go, a bit perplexed by the wholeexchange.

EXT. CEMETERY - AFTERNOON9 9

A local cemetery, full of tall trees and old tombstones.

We watch MOURNERS bawling and sniffling as a casket is beingcarried in. PALLBEARERS carry the casket in on theirshoulders.

In the distance we see Lucas standing behind a gravestonefilming the funeral action.

PRIESTAnd Abraham answered and said, Nowbehold -- I have ventured to speakto the Lord --

DA DA DA DAAA! Beethovens 5th. Its a cell phone RING TONEbelonging to Lucas. His cover is blown.

Lucas tries to further conceal himself behind the gravestone.

He reaches for his phone to turn it off. Its not in a easilyaccessible place. Lucas peeks down the road to see his Momscar waiting for him.

The priest tries to continue the prayer.

PRIEST (CONTD)Although I am but dust and ashes--

DA DA DA DAAA!!!

One of the pallbearers turns towards the direction of the

ringing phone. In doing so, he begins to lose control of thecasket.

PRIEST (CONTD)Dont drop it, you idiot!

The CASKET TEETERS.

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Lucas tries not to move. In the distance, an ANCIENT SECURITYguard starts racing a golf cart towards the chaos. Lucas seeshim coming and starts to panic.

The casket continues to teeter.

All hell is breaking loose.

A GRANDMOTHER begins to faint. Another OLD LADY starts tocry. Two CHILDREN laugh. The Priest does a hail Mary.

PRIEST (CONTD)Oh Good God.

The Mourners all stare at the Priest. *

The casket FALLS to the ground. Silence as everyone is *stunned. *

This is Lucas chance to make his way out. He runs through *the crowd, jumping over the fallen casket, on the way out *towards Lydias car. *

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON10 10

Roger comes in the front door, tired. He sorts through athick stack of BILLS.

He stops as he finds the latest issue of Scary Movie Fan magazine, addressed to Lucas. He winces at the cover image as

he picks it up. He carries the magazine--

THROUGH THE HALLWAY

The camera FOLLOWS him as he passes by a CLOSED door withDogtown skateboard stickers on it and a sign that saysJakes Room.

Without a pause, Roger heads further down the hallway,eventually landing into...

INT. LUCAS' ROOM - CONTINUOUS11 11

A childs room by way of Edward Gorey - decorated withCLASSIC MOVIE POSTERS and PICTURES of FAMOUS MOVIE DIRECTORS.A VHS copy of Harold and Maude sits askew on a bookshelf.

Roger casually enters the room to drop off Lucas magazine.

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He spots Lucas laptop, which is in sleep mode. Glancingaround to see that no ones there, he hits the mouse toreveal: a list of Lucas latest movie titles. We notice thecommon theme, which is DEATH. Roger hits play on one of thevideos: Favorite Funeral Moments.

A MONTAGE of brief vignettes shot through the lens of Lucasvideo camera:

- A shot of CLOWNS carrying a casket. *

- WOMAN IN PINK posing for family pictures with man incoffin and surviving family members by a HEARSE.

WOMAN IN PINK *Before we put daddy in the grave, *how about we pose for pictures next *to the limo? Last chance for a full *family portrait! *

- GROUP OF MOTORCYCLES surround a small burial area. We seea casket. Its open for a viewing. Theres a sign next toit that says, His love of motorcycles will never wane.Inside the casket you see no arms or legs - just a pillowstuffed into a shirt and a head.

At the end of the video, a CARTOON SKETCH (like in a flipbook) pops up. It looks like a game of hang man. The letterspop up randomly as the hang man is drawn out. It finallyspells out Simonz Broz Prodz. The hang man falls down. *

CUT TO:

INT. THERAPISTS OFFICE - AFTERNOON12 12

CAMERA PULLS OUT of the video playing on an iPad to revealDARA COWAN, mid-30s, child therapist. She sits in front of animposingly tall bookshelf.

She sets the device down, revealing Lucas lying on the couch.He seems to be slightly amused by the theatrics of it all.Lucas is sketching in his flip book.

DARA How long have you been making these movies, Lucas?

LUCASA while.

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DARA What do you like about filmingfunerals?

Lucas shrugs. Dara straightens up in her chair. *

DARA (CONTD)Do you show these movies to yourparents?

LUCAS(barely paying attention)Not really.

Lucas continues sketching, as Dara takes a sip of water.

DARA Why not?

LUCAS(shrugs again)I dont think they like them.

ON LUCASS DRAWING --

We cant quite see what hes sketching.

DARA What kind of movies do you like to

watch?

LUCASThe good kind. Evil Dead. Army ofDarkness.

Lucas pauses, hoping to get a strong reaction from Dara.

LUCAS (CONTD)Psycho.

Lucas gives her a subtle look. Did he freak her out? Darajust looks down at her watch. Lucas notices.

LUCAS (CONTD)

Time up?DARA

Ill let you know when were done.So what about Jake? What kind of

movies did he like to watch?

Lucas ignores her, turning his attention to his drawing.

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LUCASHow about I tell you when were *done? Right about now. *

He closes his eyes and grabs his headphones, shutting out the world. CLASSICAL MUSIC plays over quick cuts all in SLOW MO:

CLOSE UP - Dara adjusting her glasses.

CLOSE UP - Lucas calmly listening to classical music.

CLOSE UP - Dara flicking her pen on her notepad.

CLOSE UP - Lucas closes his eyes. Smiles.

Therapy on his terms. This time, the session is cut short.

EXT. SKY - CLOUDS - DAY13 13

Storm clouds pass over head. It looks like rain.

INT/EXT. LYDIAS CAR - SAME14 14

CLASSICAL MUSIC is drowned out by the sound of Lydias voice.Shes not happy.

LYDIA Only twenty minutes?

Lucas sits in the car seat next to his Mom. He says nothing.Just draws in his flip book.

LYDIA (CONTD)Do you realize how expensivetherapy is?

Lucas silence continues. Lydia sighs, almost giving up.

LYDIA (CONTD)Lucas... were just trying to help.

Crickets.

CLOSE ON FLIP BOOK - this time we see a stick figure of Lydia with the AIRBAG exploding in her face.

INT. DINING ROOM - EVENING15 15

The Simons family dines in silence over a MEAT and POTATOES meal. We HEAR the DRONE of a TV in the background.

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Roger breaks the silence.

ROGER(Clears throat)

So, Lucas. How was therapy?

Lydia gives him a quick dont even go there look. We seeLucas struggling to cut his meat. He reaches into his pocketand grabs a knife. Its a SWITCHBLADE. Lucas flips it openand begins using it on his extremely rare meat. Roger andLydia do not react. Lucas behavior has become fairlyroutine.

ROGER (CONTD) *So I DVRd the new episode of TopChef . We can watch it after dinner?

LYDIA Sure.

Lucas uses his switchblade to grab a roll from across thetable.

We HEAR a snippet from the LOCAL NEWS:

PAULA (O.S.)Death. Whats it like?

Lucass ears perk up. He drops the knife, leaving the rollon the switchblade.

PAULA (CONTD)Well explore that next with localauthor, Chris Brighton, who hasfirst hand experience. He also hasa new book, Living the Now.

Lucas eyes focus directly on the TV. Roger slightly obscureshis view.

ON TV WE HEAR/SEE:

CHRIS BRIGHTON (40s) An African-American, athletic with an

artistic flair.PAULA (CONTD)

Chris. You were dead for nearlynine minutes.

CHRISSo I hear.

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SHOT OF LUCAS, EYES WIDE, LISTENING

BACK TO TV

PAULA In those long nine minutes, whatdid you see?

CHRISThis is a question I get asked alot. Quite frankly, I didnt seeanything.

PAULA No white light? Not even a familiarface of a deceased loved one?

CHRISLook, everyone wants to know if Iexperienced something amazing oreven supernatural from my dying.

Paula nods with a curious smile.

SHOT OF LUCAS, curiously listening.

CHRIS (CONTD)And the answer is yes. I did. Butit wasnt until I woke up. This is

why in my book, Living the Now, Idiscuss the importance of makingthe best of this life...

PAULA Was it quiet? Did you get a senseyou wanted to stay, you know, dead?

CHRISPaula, if there is no afterlife,

why would anyone really make thatchoice?

Paula doesnt give up yet.

PAULA So you dont remember anything? Isthat what youre saying, Chris?

Chris smiles. Takes a different path.

CHRISWell, Paula, the grim reaper is agreat tour guide and all.

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But he doesnt let you stop andtake pictures. Something aboutbeing afraid of losing his soul. Idont know, kind of a weird guy.

Paula stops, not sure how to respond.

PAULA (fake laugh)

Ohhhh... Ha. Thats funny, Chris.Well be right back after thebreak.

BACK TO SIMONS LIVING ROOM

Lucas, excited, rises from his chair.

LUCASCan I be excused? I have homeworkto do.

Lucas is off before they can answer. Roger reaches over andgrabs the roll with the switchblade still in it. Lydia juststares.

INT. NEWS PROGRAM - BACKSTAGE - MOMENTS LATER16 16

The interview has just ended. Chris gets up, starts to takeoff his microphone. Hes approached by BOB, the producer ofthe show. Way too much energy, tries to high five Chris butChris leaves his high five hanging.

BOBYou killed it out there, man. Lovedyour book by the way...

Chris just looks at him.

CHRISOh so you read it?

Bad liar.

BOBYeah, most of it.

Chris isnt fooled.

CHRISUh huh.

Bob cuts in before he can say anything.

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CHRIS (CONT'D)


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BOBSorry we didnt get to talk aboutit more, but you know how it is.The suits up stairs. Ratings andall.

CHRISI get it. But I thought we had anagreement. No dead talk. Justthe book this time.

BOBI know. Well catch you on the flipside though.

Bob bristles off. A girl passes him and he turns around tocheck her out. Bob looks back at Chris and whistles tohimself. Chris, annoyed, starts to walk off as well.

INT. LUCASS ROOM - LATER17 17

As the camera moves SLOWLY into Lucas bedroom, we begin tohear the sound of BACHS TOCCATA FUGUE. From behind, we see *Lucas at his desk listening to music on his oversizedheadphones.

He has a Google search bar displaying Chris Brighton.

A video window comes up with a news article. Its headlinereads: Local Author Comes Back From Dead. Asks For Coffee.

Lucas stops the music and hits play on the video:

ON SCREEN

TV FOOTAGE of Chris giving an interview, holding a cup ofcoffee.

CHRIS (ON SCREEN)- I cant say theres a heaven outthere or not. But maybe thatsjust my experience. What Irealized is, people are always

looking for answers in the wrongplaces. Death is something we allhave to experience in one way oranother. But thats not what lifeis about.

Lucas stares at the video of Chris, intrigued. He pulls up anEMAIL window and starts to write.

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ON SCREEN

Dear Mr Brighton, My name is Lucas. I saw you on TV. Can I please ask you some questions? I make movies and I want to

talk to you about dying. Thank you, Lucas Simons.

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY18 18 *

BRRINGGGGGGGG! School is out for the day. Lucas walks solodown the hallway. *

We HEAR the sound of a CELLO coming from one of theclassrooms. Lucas stops, listens.

INT/EXT. MUSIC ROOM - SAME19 19

Although the door to the music room is closed, it has aWINDOW near the top.

Lucas grabs a TRASH CAN. He uses it to get a better peak intothe room. Just as he tiptoes high enough to see into theroom, we hear a voice from the hallway behind him...

KIMBERLY (O.S.)Hey Lucas, you looking for me?

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - SAME20 20

Lucas nearly tumbles from his trash can perch. The ClassBully and a couple of his buddies walk by and laugh.

Kimberly sees Lucas on the ground.

KIMBERLYAre you ok?

Lucas hops up, embarrassed and speechless.

KIMBERLY (CONTD)Well, Im late for my lesson.

Kimberly walks into the music room.INSIDE THE ROOM

We see an ANCIENT MUSIC TEACHER playing the cello.

IN THE HALLWAY

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Lucas leans against the locker. The Class Bully and his minions make kissing faces, embarrassing Lucas even more.

We hear cello music again. This time, its CLASSICAL. Andthis time, the cello playing is terrible.

Lucas looks at his WATCH, smiles and begins to head down the *hall.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - AFTERNOON21 21

SOUNDS OF CAPPUCCINO MACHINES frothing away. A small, moderncoffee shop. An OLD WOMAN is paying for her coffee by CHECK.

Chris is standing in line behind a couple of people. Apretty barista is taking orders behind the counter.

JERKCome on, Grandma. Bingo starts inten minutes.

The old woman looks at him with a stern look and walks off.

JENNY, the pretty barista, takes the Jerks order. She triesto conceal her disdain.

JENNYMay I take your order?

The Jerk gives Jenny a creepy guy look.

JERKIll have a large coffee.

JENNYOk. How do you take that?

The Jerk leans in close.

JERKHot. And in my lap.

The Jerk laughs at his own joke. He gives Jenny a creepy

stare.JERK (CONTD)

Do you ever go out with customers?

Chris has been overhearing the whole exchange.

JENNYUh, no.

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Before the Jerk can respond, Chris jumps in.

CHRISActually, she suffers from shortterm memory loss. Weve been datingfor months. (turns to Jenny) My. *Name. Is. Chris. I. Am. Your.Boyfriend.

Jenny immediately plays along. *

JENNYOh hey, honey, I didnt see youthere.

The Jerk gets a confused look on his face. He grabs hiscoffee and heads towards the milk stand. The old lady isthere, still putting cream in her coffee. The Jerk raiseshis hands in annoyance.

Chris steps up for Jenny to take his order.

JENNY (CONTD)Thank you.

Chris shrugs. No big deal.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - MOMENTS LATER22 22

Chris is sitting at a table checking his email on hiscomputer.

ON SCREEN -- The email from Lucas:

Dear Mr Brighton, My name is Lucas. I saw you on TV. Can I please ask you some questions? I make movies. Thank you,

Lucas Simons.

Chris begins to respond.

At the sound of a CRACKLE OF THUNDER --

CUT TO:

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY23 23

A dark grey sky. RAIN falls down on a small group of MOURNERSas another funeral takes place.

BEHIND THE OAK TREE

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We see Lucas filming. Hes trying to shield the camera as much as he can from the rain.

THROUGH LUCAS' CAMERA

Between the rain and his distance, we cant pick up whatexactly is being said. Lucas ZOOMS in on the face of the widow, SUSAN PARKER (52), who steps forward to place her handon the CASKET.

Lucas captures everything in the moment. Her pain, heremotions, her last goodbye. Susan slowly closes her eyes andbegins to say a quiet prayer to herself.

Lucas camera begins to show some static. The picture goesoff for a split second but then comes back.

Suddenly, something miraculous occurs --

A GHOST LIKE FIGURE appears around Susan. It begins to takean almost HUMAN SHAPE, glowing with an unearthly light. Itbegins to move up in the air, almost with an angelic quality.

ON LUCAS

His eyes grow wide. What was that?

No one else in the service seems to have noticed the strangefigure.

THROUGH LUCAS CAMERA

The GLOW builds in intensity as Susan obviously feelssomething. The form begins to shift around her.

The form travels above Susan, ASCENDING higher, beginning toevaporate.

STATIC begins to wash over the camera, blocking some of theimage, then overwhelming the frame.

ON LUCAS

As he slowly lowers the camera, hands shaking.

SUSAN opens her eyes, a sense of deep calm on her face. Itsthen that she notices Lucas.

She stares at him. He stares back. A shared acknowledgment ofsomething profound having taken place.

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INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM24 24

Roger and Lydia are in the middle of watching a sitcom in theliving room. When WHOOSH! The front door swings open as Lucasraces into the house.

LYDIA (Calling out)Hey. Wipe your feet!

Too late. Lucas heads upstairs, tracking MUDDY FOOTPRINTSacross the carpet.

INT. LUCAS ROOM - MOMENTS LATER25 25

Lucas enter his room and locks the door. He turns on hislaptop and plugs in his camera. The footage begins todownload.

Lydia KNOCKS on the bedroom door, then tries to open it.

LYDIA (O.S.)Lucas, open the door.

LUCASMom Im changing!!!

Footage halfway downloaded. Lucas is frustrated, taps hisfinger on the desk.

LYDIA (O.S.)You left mud all over the floor.

LUCASIll clean it up later.

LYDIA (O.S.)Did you eat? Theres supper on thetable.

LUCAS(distracted)

Thanks, Mom. Ill grab something

in a bit.Footage is downloaded. Lucas clicks his way through foldersand opens the clip. We see the strange vapor appear. Lucascontinues to stare at the image.

OVER FAST-PACED CLASSICAL MUSIC, we see --

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LUCAS scrolling through the footage on screen, his headphoneson.

SHOTS of the FUNERAL. THE CASKET. SUSAN. THE WHITE-GOLDVAPOR.

Lucas leans in closer, transfixed. He keeps playing thefootage back and forth, trying to figure out what it couldbe. Lucas is scared, perhaps a bit excited. This figuredoesnt look like anything hes ever seen before.

Lucas begins to type in a title. He writes: Ghost on HerShoulder.

Lucas erases that title. He then types: Angel? Lucas erasesthat. He scrolls through the footage one more time.

Unable to decide what to call it, Lucas simply types: ?

Lucas stares at the video one more time. Should he reallyupload it?

With little certainty, Lucas hits the upload button. Hestares at the slow PROGRESS bar.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. LUCAS ROOM - THE NEXT DAY26 26

SUNLIGHT fills the room. Lucas is at his desk sleeping, thesun hitting his face. Theres an empty DINNER PLATE next tohim.

Lydia walks in. She sees Lucas sleep at his desk.

LYDIAMorning, sleepy head. Fall asleepat your desk again? *

Lucas stirs. Theres a post it note stuck to his forehead. *Lydia gently pulls it off.

LYDIA (CONTD)

Your dad is taking you to schooltoday so dont be late, ok?

Lydia smiles, exits the room.

Lucas pops awake. Computer?! The video!

He quickly logs in to his You Tube channel.

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We see ? has reached over 5,000 views. It looks to bebuilding fast.

Lucas eyes bulge.

LUCASWhoah.

INT. SIMONS HOUSE - KITCHEN27 27

Lucas is standing over his lap top at the kitchen counter.Hes showing his dad the video.

LUCASSee!!! What do you think that is???

Lucas scrolls back and forth through the ghostly image. Rogergives it a quick glance.

ROGERHuh... What you kids can do thesedays with your apps.

Lydia walks in, takes a quick peek at the video.

LYDIA Oh, thats cute.

Before Lucas can respond...

LYDIA (CONTD)Go, you two.

INT. ROGERS CAR - LATER28 28

Roger drives Lucas to school in relative silence. Lucas keepslooking down at his phone.

LUCASDad... my video. Its blowing up onYou Tube. Its up to like 9,00views.

ROGER(not really listening)

You know, Lucas, you probablyshouldnt be spending so much timestaring at that computer. Mom toldyou fell ....

Lucas interrupts him.

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LUCASYeah. Dad. But. This video. Whatdo you think it is?

ROGER *I dont know. Have you thoughtabout doing something else? I raninto Coach Caldwell at the Bi Ritethe other day. Hes says theyreplanning to have a good team nextyear. Thought maybe...

Lucas looks out window.

LUCASYeah. Thats not gonna happen.

Roger glances at Lucas in his suit. Fair point.

ROGERLook, all Im saying is thattheres more out there than makingthese strange videos of yours.Maybe you should try something, Idunno, different.

LUCAS(under his breath)

Yeah... Like skateboarding?

Roger pulls up to school. Lucas jumps out and closes the cardoor before Roger can respond.

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - DAY29 29

Lydia is in the den folding clothes. The banality of the taskshows on her almost lifeless face. After the last sock isfolded, she slowly gets up, tossing the clean, freshly foldedlaundry into the empty basket.

Lydia carries the laundry basket up the stairs.

TOP OF STAIRS

Lydia glances towards the CLOSED DOOR with the Jakes Roomsign on it.

She walks up to the door, gently placing her hand on theknob. Stopping herself, she reaches her hand up to theDogtown skateboard stickers. Theres an immense sadness onher face.

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Over this, we hear the SOUND OF KIDS VOICES, leading usinto...

INT. COMPUTER CLASS - DAY30 30

A small classroom with a computer at every desk. We TRACKpast kids working on a programming project.

We find Lucas checking his You Tube page.

ON SCREEN

? now has 85,000 views.

He scrolls through a long list of COMMENTS. Most are mean while a few are along the lines of is that a ghost??? or

how did you do those effects?

Lucas starts to type in a response: I dont know how to doeffects...

Lucas checks his email. Theres a new one from ChrisBrighton. He gets excited.

ON SCREEN:

Chris response: Dying, huh? ... Im done talking aboutthat. Plus I think Im gonna hang up my interview hat forawhile. But good luck with the film. Chris

Lucas sits back, disappointed. He notices that Chris emailhas an address at the bottom.

On Lucas, as an idea starts to take shape. He looks up at theclock. It reads 10:10 AM.

EXT. STREET OPPOSITE SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER31 31

We see Lucas sneaking out of school. He peeks over hisshoulder, and spots the GEEKY PRINCIPAL, whos eye birdingfor late students. Lucas ducks down, hiding from him.

Lucas snakes himself across the school lawn, and makes his way to the street. He lands at a city bus stop where he sitsand waits.

EXT. STREET - CHRIS BRIGHTONS HOUSE - DAY32 32

Lucas walks down a neighborhood street. Hes holding aGoogle map printout.

23.


25/100

Lucas spots a small house. He peeks in, not sure whether ornot this is where Chris lives. Lucas walks up to the door andknocks. No answer. The windows to the house are too tallfor Lucas to look in. He spots a tall tree, gets an idea.

Lucas climbs the tree, reaches into his back pack to grab hiscamera. Theres a figure inside. But Lucas cant quite makeit out. He uses the zoom on his camera as binoculars.

Finally, Lucas is able to make out the figure. Its Chris,talking on a cell phone. Out of habit, Lucas hits RECORD.

INT. CHRIS BRIGHTONS HOUSE - SAME33 33

Inside the living room, Chris paces as he talks on the phone,in the midst of a debate with someone on the other line. *

CHRIS(on phone)

I just want to talk to him. *

IN THE TREE

Lucas tries to focus as Chris moves away.

CHRIS (CONTD)(on phone)

... Can you put him on the phone, *please? *

BEEP! Lucas gets a text message on his phone. Still filming with one hand, Lucas wiggles his phone out of his pocket. He

checks the text - its from his Mom:

Lucas, where are you? The school called and said youre notin PE.

Lucas pans the camera back on the window and sees Chrislooking straight at him. It startles him, and BOOM, he losesbalance.

INT. CHRISS HOUSE - SAME34 34

CHRIS(on phone)

... Claudia, Im his father... I *know that... *

He sees something strange falling out of the tree. To hisshock, it looks like a kid?!

24.


26/100

CHRIS (CONTD)What in the hell?

Chris looks closer. That is a kid.

CHRIS (CONTD) *Sorry, I gotta call ya back.

EXT. CHRISS HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER35 35

We see Chris run out the door. Lucas is on the ground,covered in a bit of dirt and branches.

His camera lies a few feet away. Lucas doesnt notice it hasfallen out.

CHRISAre you ok??

Chris helps Lucas up.

LUCASI think so.

CHRISWhat were you doing up there?

LUCASI-I-saw you on TV. And I tried toemail you - Im Lucas -

Chris is still a bit confused.

CHRISShouldnt you be in school?

LUCASYes... but ... I ...

Chris begins to get annoyed.

CHRISLook, kid, you shouldnt be here!

Lucas tries one last time...

LUCASBut I just want to ...

Chris has had it.

25.


27/100

CHRISNo! I told you that before. Nowget outta here!

Lucas runs off, frightened. Chris watches him run across thestreet. As he walks off, Chris notices the camera on theground, still recording.

CUT TO:

EXT. BUS STOP - MOMENTS LATER36 36 *

We see Lucas waiting for a bus. He looks pathetic. There *are leaves sticking out of his hair. As he sits, he reaches *into his bag. Panics. Wheres his camera?!?

Lucas closes his eyes and lets out a deep sigh. This did not *go as planned.

Lucas looks to the person next to him. Its an old man. Theold man smiles. He has no teeth.

EXT SIMONS HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON37 37

Lucas walks down the side walk of his street. Sitting on aswing, practicing her cello, is Kimberly. Lucas sees her buttries not to make eye contact as she looks up. She stares athim as he awkwardly looks over.

KIMBERLYYou know theres a big branchsticking out of...

LUCAS(sarcastically)

Im starting a trend.

Lucas walks inside.

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - SAME38 38

As Lucas makes his way through the front door, we see Lydiaand Roger flooding Lucas with questions about where hesbeen. Lucas tunes them out.

26.


28/100

INT. CHRIS BRIGHTONS HOUSE - EVENING39 39

Chris is sitting at his kitchen table. Hes inspecting Lucascamera. Its a bit banged up but otherwise, still works.Chris presses the PLAY button.

ON SCREEN

Chris REWINDS to where we see what Lucas filmed from thetree. Its Chris, pacing on the phone.

Chris is weirded out.

Suddenly, the IMAGE TUMBLES as Lucas falls out of the tree.Chris cant help but laugh.

The CLIP comes to an end and becomes a THUMBNAIL image amongseveral others. We see the thumbnail from Susan Parkersimage.

Intrigued, Chris hits play on the funeral video.

By the look on Chris face, we see hes a bit awestruck by what hes viewing in the camera. For a guy who doesnt

believe in an afterlife, its interesting if nothing else.

INT. LUCASS ROOM - LATER40 40

Lucas is laying on his bed watching an OLD SCARY MOVIE.

SCREAM! This is Lucas home email notification. He gets upand walks over to his cluttered desk.

Its from Chris: Hey Lucas, you dropped your camera. I *volunteer at the community center near Shelby Park on *Saturday mornings if you wanna drop by to get it.

Lucas shows a hint of a smile. He checks his You Tube page.The video is up to 654,849 views.

INT. SIMONS HOUSE - KITCHEN - NEXT MORNING41 41

The normal morning routine. Roger stands at the sink gulpingdown a cup of coffee as Lydia does the dishes.

Lucas enters and walks directly over to the COFFEE MAKER.

RING RING.

Roger picks up the ringing phone.

27.


29/100

ROGERHello.

In the background we see Lucas pouring a huge cup of coffee.

While speaking on the phone, Rogers eyes go wide.

ROGER (CONTD)Excuse me?

Lydia walks over to the phone.

LYDIA Who is it, Roger?

She tries to grab the phone but Roger turns away, waving heroff.

LYDIA (CONTD)Roger!

Lucas take a huge gulp of the coffee. We see by the reactionon his face that Lucas hates the taste. He spits the coffeeback in the cup. Lydia looks up at him.

LYDIA (CONTD)Lucas, I didnt know you likedcoffee--

We hear Roger, still on the phone.

ROGERUh-huh...

(listening)Yes, we would be available.

Lucas starts to add sugar and cream to his back washedcoffee.

ROGER (CONTD)Okay. Yes. Right. Of course.Great. Ok. Thank you. Bye.

Roger puts down the phone, dumbfounded.

LYDIA Roger, who was that?

ROGER(dazed)

The local news. They want tointerview Lucas about his ghostvideo.

28.


30/100

LYDIA What?!?

Lydia looks at Roger confused.

LYDIA (CONTD)What video? Why would they want tointerview Lucas? (turning toLucas) What did you do?

Lucas is still pouring cream and sugar into his coffee.

LUCASNothing, Mom. Its the video Ishowed you.

Lydia isnt really listening. Shes focused on the facttheyre going to be on TV.

LYDIA Well were going to be on TV. Isntthat exciting.

Lucas takes a huge sip of his coffee. He gives it a hmm Ido like coffee look.

EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER - MORNING42 42

We see a group of TEENS playing a game of pick up. On thesidelines is Chris, wearing a whistle.

From across the gym, a small figure wearing a dark black suitand tie, opens the door and walks toward center court. Chrisimmediately knows who this must be.

He BLOWS the whistle.

CHRISAlright guys. Water break.

As the kids scatter, Chris walks towards the benches. He motions to Lucas to meet him over there.

Lucas walks up to him. Chris hands him the camera.CHRIS (CONTD)

Lucas Simons, spy kid, back inaction. Do you always wear that *suit? *

Lucas is quick on a come back.

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31/100

LUCASI wasnt spying.

Chris looks at him.

CHRISMmmmmmhmmmmm, then what exactly were you doing?

LUCASI needed to talk to you.

Chris changes the subject.

CHRISI checked out some of your footage.You really are interested in death,arent you?

LUCASI have a You Tube channel with someother stuff on it too.

CHRISWas that a real ghost?

LUCASIm not sure. Thats kinda what I

wanted to ask you about.

Chris gives him a why me? look.

LUCAS (CONTD)Well... when I saw you on TV, I

wanted to ask you about what itslike to die. Then that thinghappened. (beat) I thought you

might have some thoughts on what itis.

Chris starts to see that this kid is looking for answersabout death that he cant really answer.

LUCAS (CONTD)

It is getting a lot of hits on YouTube.

Chris smiles.

CHRISOh yeah? *

30.


32/100

LUCASI mean, didnt you die orsomething?

Chris isnt sure what to say.

CHRISYes. Technically, I did die. Buttheres really not much to tell.

Lucas looks disappointed.

CHRIS (CONTD)But I liked your video. Thats rawfootage, right? Its interesting.

The kids start making their way back onto the court.

BASKETBALL KIDSCome on, coach!

Chris gives them a quick Im coming wave.

CHRISLook, I need to get back to this.Do you play?

Lucas shakes his head.

LUCASNot anymore.

Something about Lucas anymore comment is striking.

CHRISEleven is a pretty young retirementage, dont you think?

Lucas doesnt respond. We HEAR more come ons from Chrisguys.

CHRIS (CONTD)I got to go, but Ill check outyour channel. Maybe we can talk

more later.Lucas turns and walks off, relieved Chris might be willing totalk with him again.

CUT TO:

31.


33/100

INT. CAR43 43

Lydia drives. Lucas is inspecting his camera. *

LYDIA Ok, so where shall we start? The

mall? They usually have gooddeals. We need to get you a newsuit. (pause) I can certainly usea new dress.

Lucas is completely disinterested.

LYDIA (CONTD)Were going to be on TV, Lucas.Arent you the least bit excited?

Lucas just stares at her.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - AFTERNOON44 44

Chris is drinking coffee while surfing the internet on hislaptop. Hes still in his gym clothes. A customer sees Chris *and gives him a wave. Chris waves in return, then goes back *to his computer. *

ON SCREEN45 45

We see Chris scrolls some videos. Funerals and dead animals.Its Lucas You Tube channel. He clicks through a fewdifferent folders: 2012, 2011. He clicks on 2010 and opensone of the videos. A SHAKY CAM turns the camera around andfilms the shooter. Its Lucas, but a much happier Lucas.

LUCAS(laughing)

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. YOURE ABOUTTO EXPERIENCE HISTORY IN THEMAKING. A DROP SO BIG IT WILL BLOWYOUR MINDS. INTRODUCING, THE BESTSKATER ON THE PLANET, JAAAAAAKESIMONS.

We see Jake slide down the banister, smooth as silk. Cameraturns back to Lucas.

LUCAS (CONTD)3.2 Seconds!! I think thats arecord!

32.


34/100

Lucas has a huge smile on his face. The image PAUSES.

Another video shows Lucas dancing. Doing the robot.

On the screen, we see a list of similar videos - Jakeskateboarding, etc. All under SIMONZ BROZ PRODZ.

Chris sits back in his chair and thinks to himself.

In all of Lucas older videos, we see him happy and smiling.

INT. CLOTHING STORE - AFTERNOON46 46

Lucas sits uncomfortably in a ladies clothes store, sketchingin his flip book. Hes miserable.

Lydia pops out from one of the changing room, wearing alittle black dress.

LYDIA So what do you think?

Lucas continues sketching in his flip book, barely looks upto respond. We see one of Lucas animations. *

LUCASMom, Im sure its just as good asall the other dresses you tried on.

Lydia heads back into the dressing room.

LUCAS (CONTD)(mumbles to himself)

And I thought they wereinterviewing me.

SCREAM!

Lucas pulls out his phone to see a new email. We see itsfrom Chris.

Email reads: Another interview about death isnt gonna kill me. How about tomorrow morning. Pick your favorite spot.

Lucas smiles.

EXT. CEMETERY - NEXT MORNING47 47

Lucas is walking down a row of grave stones. He has his backpack on. No sign of Chris. Lucas looks around, spots thesecurity guard patrolling in his golf cart.

33.


35/100

Lucas jumps behind one of the bigger grave stones and hides.He peaks up to view the old security guard passing by as ifhes looking for someone.

A HAND appears. Just as its about to grab him...

CHRIS (O.S.)(Whispering)Who are we hiding from?

Chris suddenly appears behind Lucas, who jumps ten feet.Chris laughs.

LUCASYou shouldnt scare people likethat.

Lucas is not amused. Chris is. Lucas looks out towards the *cemetery, making sure the coast is clear.

LUCAS (CONTD)And we have to watch out for thatsecurity guard. Hes (in whisper)pure evil.

Chris gives him a slight nod, glances at the ancient securityguard who might even have a slight limp.

CHRIS(sarcastically)Oh, thanks for the warning.

EXT. CEMETERY - LATER48 48

Lucas and Chris are at the far end of the cemetery. Lucassets up his camera up on a tripod. He flips open the screenand turns the camera on. Lucas is focused, playing up thedirector theme just a bit. Chris is amused.

LUCASYou ready?

CHRIS

On one condition. For everyquestion you ask me, I get to askone of you.

Lucas thinks for a minute.

LUCASThats fine. I can just edit you *out.

34.


36/100

Chris find the kid amusing. Lucas takes out a hand madeslate.

LUCAS (CONTD)Rolling!

He claps the slate.

LUCAS (CONTD)Please state your name for therecord.

Chris laughs. Is this kid real?

CHRIS *Christopher P. Brighton. The 1st. *

RAPID FIRE INTERCUT BETWEEN LUCAS AND CHRIS:

LUCASAre you married?

CHRISNot anymore. You?

Lucas gives him a look.

LUCASDoes it hurt to die?

CHRISNot as much as falling out of atree. How long have you been makingvideos?

LUCASSince I was 8. Where do you thinkyou go when you die?

CHRISIm not sure you go anywhere. Whydid you give up sports and startplaying in cemeteries?

LUCASI dont play, I document. Andthats two questions. My turn. Whatdo you think that thing was that Ifilmed? A ghost?

Chris pauses. He gets a bit more serious about thequestions.

35.


37/100

CHRISI dont believe in ghosts.

LUCASThen what was it?

Chris thinks for a moment.

CHRISI dunno. Thats a good question.

Chris pauses. Not sure how to put this.

CHRIS (CONTD)Theres nothing wrong with askingquestions. But that doesnt meanyoull find the answer that yourelooking for.

Lucas thinks about this.

LUCASWhy do you think you came back?

CHRISIve asked myself that many times.People who believe in ghosts seemto think they have unfinishedbusiness.

LUCASDo you have unfinished business?

CHRISMaybe. But what Im saying issometimes things happen... and yourbeliefs get questioned. Like whatyou captured. I have no idea whatit is but it certainly makes youthink.

Lucas shakes his head. Pauses a bit.

LUCAS

Wait... you died and came back tolife. So technically speaking, that makes you a zombie.

Chris smiles.

CHRISYou caught me.

36.


38/100

He raises up his arms in a zombie like fashion and startsstumbling towards Lucas.

CHRIS (CONTD)(zombie voice)

Uhhhhhhhhh.

Lucas moves back, caught off guard. Is this guy crazy? Chriscontinues towards him, zombie walking. Lucas takes a coupleof steps back when suddenly a HAND grabs Lucas by his collar.

GUARDGotcha!!! How many times do I haveto tell you this is not aplayground!

CHRISOh no!!! Hes baaaaack!

Lucas just looks at Chris as he starts zombie walking towardsthe security guard.

GUARD (O.S.)Have you no respect for the dead.

Chris looks to the Guard. Looks to Lucas. Then, Chris taps *the old guard on the shoulder.

CHRISZooombie tag! Youre it!

GUARDWhat do you think youre doing?

Chris starts to back off, his arms still raised like azombie.

As the Guard reaches for his RADIO, Lucas pulls free andbegins to run. Chris starts sprinting backwards, almosttaunting the guard who begins to run after Lucas.

CHRISLook out. Hes one of the newbreeds. He can run.

ACROSS THE CEMETERY

The old security guard runs after Lucas and Chris. Lucasappears to be smiling.

Lucas makes his way back to the camera and grabs the tripod.

37.


39/100

EXT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - AFTERNOON49 49

Chris walks Lucas home.

CHRISThats one out of shape zombie.

Lucas smiles.

As they round the house, they spot a news van in thedriveway.

LUCAS(Sarcastically)

Oh great. This must be theinterview my parents scheduled.

CHRISYoure the man of the hour, myfriend.

Lucas shrugs his shoulders. Chris leans down to talk to Lucaseye to eye.

CHRIS (CONTD)Look, Ive done a ton of theseinterviews. Just have fun with it.(beat) Maybe you should just dothis interview like this.

Chris stares at Lucas cross-eyed. Lucas laughs.

CHRIS (CONTD)See, it works every time.

Lucas takes a beat.

CHRIS (CONTD)Hey. Zombies have short term memoryloss, but you should probably laylow for awhile at the cemetery.Maybe you could come playbasketball with us. Film one of ourgames or something. Shoot some

hoops.LUCAS

Maybe.

As Chris is walking away he gives Lucas the cross eyed lookagain. Lucas laughs to himself.

38.


40/100

LYDIA (O.S.)Hes always been an artistic child.

INT. SIMONS HOUSE - SAME50 50

Lydia and on air talent, CATHERINE GOODWIN, sit awkwardly onthe couch. Lydia is rambling on and on about her art. Shes wearing her new black DRESS.

LYDIACreativity. Youre either born witha desire to create, or youre not.

Lydia points at a SHADOWBOX on the wall with origami animalsinside, eating at a long dinner table.

LYDIA (CONTD)Actually, I did that piece overthere. It showed for a few weeksat a gallery in Soho.

CATHERINE(half listening)

Interesting -

LYDIA And this one -

As she points to another shadowbox, Catherine notices aFAMILY PHOTO with Roger, Lydia, Lucas and Jake.

CATHERINE(pointing at Jake)

Whos that?

Lydia pauses. Her bubble burst as shes caught off-guard.

LYDIA Ummm...

THE FRONT DOOR OPENS

Sounds of scuffling feet as Lucas walks in.

LYDIA (CONTD)Oh well, look whos home.

CUT TO:

39.


41/100

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER51 51

Roger and Lydia hover over Lucas as he walks in.

LYDIA Weve been waiting over an hour.Where have you been? You better *run up and change. But hurry. *Theyre waiting for you. *

Lucas runs upstairs. *

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - HALLWAY - MOMENTS LATERA51 A51 *

Lucas runs down the hallway struggling with his tie. Hes *stopped by Roger and Lydia. *

ROGERHey Lucas, they asked us to watchfrom the sidelines if thats ok. Iguess they want more of a one onone.

Lydia smiles, tries to fix his hair and tie. Shes not *successful. *

LYDIA And Lucas. Break a leg. *

Lucas looks up, a bit confused by the stage lingo.

LUCASOk?

Lucas stops in front of the doorway, thinks for a second. *

INT. SIMONS HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME52 52

The camera crew has turned the modest living room into a set.Catherine is annoyed, looking at her watch when Lucas walksin. She stands up quickly but her fake smile turns into a

weird look when she first sees Lucas.

CATHERINEHiiii, you must be Lucas. Youready?

MOMENTS LATER.

From behind, we see Lucas sitting next to Catherine. TheCAMERA LIGHTS turn on.

40.


42/100

CAMERA MAN (O.S.)Rolling.

Catherine does a huge, fake smile to the camera.

CATHERINE *Lucas, why dont we start with youtelling us a little bit aboutyourself.

We CUT to a second camera, which is on Lucas. We see he isdoing the interview CROSS EYED.

LUCAS(whispers)

I film dead people.

Catherine is taken aback, not quite prepared for this.

CATHERINEWhy dont you tell our viewers athome, who may not have seen thevideo, a little more about what youcaptured.

Lucas nods. Still cross-eyed. Catherine is having difficultykeeping composure.

LUCASWell, I like filming funerals. Andone day I was filming this old

mans funeral. That lady wasthere. All of the sudden, thatthing showed up.

Catherine tries her best not to laugh.

CATHERINEThat thing indeed.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Lucas, what do you want to say tothe non-believers who say thatyoure a fake? That you created

this with some sort of specialeffect?

LUCASWell... I dont know how to do anyspecial effects.

41.


43/100

CATHERINE(clearing her throat)

But clearly, you know how to make movies.

LUCASWell, yes... all you need is acamera.

CATHERINEThe Martin Parker funeral. Youdidnt have any connection to him?

Lucas nods.

LUCASNo.

CATHERINESo you just showed up uninvited to

make these videos of yours? Wouldyou call yourself a funeralcrasher?

The camera closes in on Lucas (still cross-eyed.)

Lucas shrugs.

LUCASSometimes you just gotta steal theshot.

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME53 53

The interview is over. Catherine takes off her earpiece and *opens the door. Lydias there, caught off guard. Its *obvious Lydia has been listening in on the interview. *

LYDIA Howd he do?

CATHERINEUmmmmm, fine. Listen, if youre

thinking about doing more of theseinterviews... could I offer you abit of advice?

Catherine leans in closer.

42.


44/100

CATHERINE (CONTD)You might want to consider takingyour son to an optometrist. Theycan do wonders these days.

Roger and Lydia are dumbfounded. What the hell is she talkingabout?

INT. CHRIS BRIGHTONS HOUSE54 54

Chris is watching Lucas interview. He sees Lucas did theinterview cross eyed. Chris cracks up.

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM55 55

The family is watching the interview on TV. For the firsttime, Roger and Lydia see Lucas did it cross eyed. Their

mouths drop. They look to Lucas, who smiles.

As MUSIC fades UP, we...

BEGIN MONTAGE56 56

- SCHOOL KIDS wave and point at Lucas as he walks down thehallway.

GHOSTBUSTER FAN(holding a home made

scanner)Lucas! That was a totally awesomevideo dude! You should think aboutjoining our sci fi club.

ATHLETIC KIDHey is there a ghost on myshoulder?

(brushes off his shoulder)Haha not anymore!

CLASS BULLYYou think youre a big shot now?

You know what I think? I think yourvideos a fake.

- Kimberly sees Lucas walking down the hallway. She smiles.

- News Anchor runs a news story:

43.


45/100

NEWS ANCHORLucas Simons is becoming quite alocal celebrity. His latest video,

which is being called AnyonesGhost has surpassed 3 million hitson You Tube.

- Female News Anchor, Paula, leans towards us.

PAULA Local filmmaker Lucas Simons ishere to answer that big question

weve all asked ourselves ...Whats it like to die?

LUCASI really dont have any answers.

Paula is crushed.

- Chris watches the Paula interview, laughs.

- BOB the producer raises his hand to high five Lucasbackstage after the interview, but then moves it before Lucascan slap his hand (Too slow kind of a jerk move) Lucasdoesnt like him. Bob reaches in and messes up Lucas hairand laughs.

- LUCASS YOUTUBE PAGE racking up the hits. 3 million turnsto 5 million turns to 6 million .

- A MICROPHONE thrust in our face.

YOUNG JOURNALISTLucas, do you think your video is asign that the world is ending?

- A heavyset WOMAN, her wallet open as she leans toward us.

HEAVY WOMANCan you bring my pet turtle back tolife? Ill pay you!

- The Priest from the first video Lucas shot

PRIESTLucas, its not too late for you torepent. Save your soul, Lucas,save your soul.

- A LOCAL NEWS STORY HEADLINE: Young filmmaker captures aglimpse of the afterlife .

44.


46/100

- Lydia and Roger answering the phone ringing off the wall.

- Lydia has a calendar, which is getting filled up withinterviews.

- Door bell rings. Gift baskets being delivered. Again andagain.

- Roger stuffing his face with cookies from the gift basket.

- LUCAS'S YOUTUBE PAGE views turning from 6 million to 10 million.

- VIDEO EXPERT.

VIDEO EXPERTIve done a series of scientificexperiments on this AnyonesGhost video and it appears to bereal.

- VARIOUS SPOOF VIDEOS - Anyones Ghost

- Lone PICKETER on the sidewalk outside the Simons house,holding up signs reading LEAVE THE DEAD ALONE! and DEADPEOPLE ARE PEOPLE TOO!

END MONTAGE

INT. THERAPISTS OFFICE - AFTERNOON57 57

ON THE FINAL MOMENTS of Anyones Ghost playing.

Back in Daras office as she watches the video on her iPad.Lucas sits slouched, sketching in his flip book.

DARA What do you think it was?

Lucas shrugs.

LUCASI have my theories.

DARA Care to share?

Beat.

45.


47/100

LUCAS(sarcastically) *

Not really. Arent you supposed to *be the expert on everything? *

DARA Well - I guess if youre areligious person, you could sayits her husbands soul or -

LUCASIm not religious.

DARA Are your parents?

LUCASNot anymore.

DARA What do they think of the video?

LUCASIts the best thing thats everhappened to them.

DARA What makes you say that?

LUCASMy mom just loves all theattention. And my dads convinced

were all gonna be rich.

Dara ponders on this for a beat.

DARA *Well, maybe theyre just excited *for you. *

LUCAS(Sarcastically)

Nice of them to care now. *

Lucas finishes the SKETCH in the flip book.INSERT SKETCH: The giant bookcase falling on Daras head.

46.


48/100

EXT. GAS STATION - LATER58 58

Lydia has stopped for gas on the way home from therapy.Lucas is sitting in the front seat, still fuming from the

mandatory therapy session.

Lydia runs inside to pay.

A strange man who appears to be lurking at the gas stationbegins to stare at Lucas. The strange man approaches thecar. He looks a bit unkept and has an obsessive look in hiseyes. He acts like he knows Lucas.

CRAZED FANHey, youre Lucas Simons. Filmingany ghosts today?

As the fan leans closer into the window, Lucas LOCKS the cardoor. The window is slightly ajar. The Crazed Fan tries to *reach in and shake Lucas hand. *

CRAZED FAN (CONTD)Lucas, I just wanted yourautograph. Im a huge fan.

LUCASIm waiting for my Mom. Shesinside.

The Crazed Fan grabs the top of the window, talking closer toLucas.

CRAZED FAN(almost in a whisper)

Between you and me, I see ghostsall the time. So you and I...

well, were members of the sameclub I guess you could say.

Lydia comes out of the station and sees the strange guy. Shesees immediately theres something off about him.

She walks around the car and gets in. The Crazed Fan followsher to the other side of the car.

CRAZED FAN (CONTD)So you must be Mrs. Simons. I just

wanted to talk to our famous ghost whisperer here.

Lydia starts the car. The Crazed Fan walks towards Lucasside again.

47.


49/100

CRAZED FAN (CONTD)No one believes us! (motions toMom) See Lucas, no one ever listensto us!

Lydia starts driving off. The Crazy Fan starts beating onthe car.

CRAZED FAN (CONTD)(yelling as car drives

away)But theyre out there man! Theghosts! The aliens!! Theyrereal!

EXT. SUSAN PARKERS HOUSE - MORNING59 59

A small single-family house on a street.

We see a car pull up. JOURNALISTS gather around the car likea pack of hungry wolves.

Susan Parker, the widow, exits the car. The reporters houndher, sticking microphones in her face. Photographs are beingtaken.

REPORTERSMrs. Parker! Mrs. Parker! Whathappened that day? What do youthink of the video? Whats yourconnection with Lucas Simons?

Susan tries to shield herself, pushing through the wave ofreporters. She manages to make it to her front door and intothe house.

SLAM! The door shuts in their faces.

EXT. SIMONS HOUSE - STREET - DAY - LATER60 60

CLOSE UP of a decaying squirrel carcass being POKED by the *switchblade. *

We PULL BACK to reveal Lucas poking the dead squirrel with a *stick. He seems lost in thought and didnt notice KIMBERLY *pulling up on her bike. *

Kimberly leans in close, checking out what Lucas is doing. *After a beat... *

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KIMBERLYLook at his eye. He looks like azombie.

Lucas turns around with a slight smile. *

LUCASA zombie squirrel? *

KIMBERLYThat would be the best movieever!!! Attack of the zombiesquirrels!

Lucas cant help but smile.

LUCASAnd then the sequel. Zombiesquirrels from Mars!

Lucas and Kimberly laugh. Lucas looks at her, then puts his *attention back on the squirrel. *

KIMBERLYYoure kinda famous now.

LUCASYeah... Its weird.

KIMBERLYDo you think it was a ghost?

Lucas looks at her, unsure.

LUCASI dunno. Maybe.

Kimberly shrugs her shoulders. She starts to climb back upon her bike.

KIMBERLYWell... be careful of that zombiesquirrel. He might come back tolife and bite you!

Kimberly starts to take off. Lucas looks back at thesquirrel. Did it move? SCARY MUSIC CUE. Lucas looks scared.Gets up off the curb.

Lucas watches Kimberly biking her way down the street. Hesdeveloping a bit of a crush.

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Lucas spins around, catching a glimpse of the LONE PICKETER who has seen the whole interchange with Kimberly. The

picketer smiles. Lucas is just embarrassed.

INT. LUCAS ROOM - LATER61 61

Lucas is laying down on his bed. He smiles, thinking abouthis little crush, Kimberly.

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER - MORNING62 62 *

Lucas is sitting inside the community center watching Chrisclass. He has his camera with him thats set up but hes notfilming.

TWEET! Chris blows a whistle, signaling the end of theclass.

CHRISNice hustle, guys! Next week well

work more on the fundamentals.

We HEAR a few MOANS from the group. *

The kids begin to scamper off. A DAD of one of the players * waves to Chris, thanking him. *

Chris waves backs, then walks over to Lucas. *

CHRIS (CONTD)Being a director and all, Impretty sure you know that in orderto capture some good shots, youreally need to take the lens capoff.

Lucas smirks.

LUCASFunny.

Chris sits down next to Lucas on the bench.

CHRISSo hows my favorite celebrity?

Lucas shrugs his shoulders.

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LUCASIts kinda weird being famous.(beat) This one lady tried to pay

me to bring back her dead turtle.

Chris smiles.

CHRISWhat about your parents?

Lucas looks up.

LUCASWhat about them?

CHRISWell, you dont ever say too muchabout them. Surely all this mediaattention has an effect on them as

well.

Chris hit a nerve and Lucas starts to get angry.

LUCASWho cares how theyre dealing withit?

Chris is a bit taken aback.

CHRISWhoah, I didnt mean to upset you.

LUCASI never wanted this kind ofattention. Lets leave it at that.

CHRISFair enough.

Chris stands up and tosses Lucas the ball. Lucas looks downat it.

LUCAS

I dont play.Chris heads back out onto the court.

CHRISWell, were gonna have to changethat.

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LUCASWhat if I suck?

CHRISYoull never know if you dont try.

Lucas stares at the ball in his hands.

CHRIS (CONTD)Take a shot.

Lucas shoots. He misses badly.

LUCASTold you. I suck.

Chris retrieves the ball.

CHRISAlright, try this. And this time, *try it without the jacket. *

Lucas looks at him. *

CHRIS (CONTD) *It looks too tight for you anyways. *

Lucas thinks, then tosses the jacket. *

Chris focuses back on helping Lucas with his shot. He shows *Lucas how to follow through with it. *

Lucas takes a deep breath. Lifts his hands in the air.Releases.... And misses by a mile!

CHRIS (CONTD)(laughs)

Well... Rome wasnt built in a day.

EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER - MOMENTS LATER63 63

Chris is walking with Lucas just outside the communitycenter.

CHRIS *You know 1 out of 10 is not too *bad. *

Lucas shows a smile. *

HONK!

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They turn to see Lydias car at the curb. Shes on the phone,talking animatedly. Chris does a little wave, but she doesnteven notice.

LUCASOk, well I got to go.

CHRISI expect you to play next Saturday!

Lucas smiles.

LUCASMaybe.

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - EVENING64 64

Roger sits at the counter, going through the mail. He stopson a letter from GREENROOM SOCIAL MARKETING addressed toLucas Simons. Roger tears open the envelope.

Lydia hands Lucas a bowl of MAC N CHEESE as she checks herphone. Next to her is a DAY PLANNER. *

LYDIA Whew, the phones been ringing offthe hook. Ive scheduled a few moreinterviews for next week, ok?

Lucas sticks his fork into his bowl. Hes not so thrilled.

LUCASDo I have a choice?

Lydia looks up from her phone, checking a text.

LYDIA Im sorry, did you say something?

As Lydia turns back around, Lucas holds his hands up as ifhes choking her. Roger gives him a look.

ROGER

Son, I know this is a lot to takeon. But this is good for us. Wecould really use the money.

Lucas puts his head down in frustration.

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INT. LUCASS ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT65 65

Lucas is sitting in his chair at his desk. He still looks mad.

BUZZ!

The phone on his desk goes off. He has a text message.

Lucas picks up the phone. Its a text from Kimberly: MOSTEPIC MOVIE POSTER EVER. Lucas sees theres an attachment.He opens it. Its a mocked up poster of ZOMBIE SQUIRRELS,DIRECTED BY LUCAS SIMONS.

Lucas smiles.

He texts her back: Brilliant!

Lucas looks at the attachment again: DIRECTED BY LUCASSIMONS.

Lucas looks around the room, landing on his posters of famous movie directors. He focuses on the one of GODARD.

Lucas gets an idea, smiles.

CUT TO:

INT. NEWS STUDIO - AFTERNOON66 66

INTERVIEWER *So Lucas, your previous work *suggests a profound fascination *

with the afterlife. Have you ever *considered exploring perhaps a *lighter genre? *

CAMERA PULLS OUT to reveal Lucas being interviewed. He lookslike very similar to Godard from the poster: Glasses, V-necksweater.

He pulls out a CIGARETTE from a CASE. He puts the cigarettein his mouth and pulls out a ZIPPO LIGHTER.

LUCASWell, Leslie. May I call youLeslie?

Just before the cigarette is lit, a PRODUCTION ASSISTANTrushes in to grab it. Lucas scowls, with a French accent...

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LUCAS (CONTD)How dare you.

Off the shocked SILENCE of the interviewer --

BEGIN MONTAGE67 67

As Lucas bounces from interview to interview, we see himdressed up as various DIRECTORS and imitating them:.

- WOODY ALLEN, with the famous glasses, magnified so Lucaseyes are huge.

LUCAS(imitating Woody Allen)

Im not afraid of dying. I justdont want to be there when ithappens.

- As TARANTINO, ranting:

LUCAS (CONTD)Dont ask me a question like that.Im not biting. You cant make medance to your tune. Im not a

monkey.

- TIM BURTON, iconic outfit.

- Chris and Lucas watch his interviews on TV, cracking up.

- CLASSIC MOVIE DIRECTOR, view finder, megaphone, Gatsby hat:

LUCAS (CONTD)(through the megaphone)

"WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

- Lydia rolling her eyes.

- Roger smiling to himself.

- Interviewer after interviewer, either stunned or laughing.

- Lucas walks onto his final interview dressed as Alfred *Hitchcock , with a taxidermied BLACK CROW on his shoulder.

He walks off into the famous Hitchcock shadow on the wall:

INTERVIEWER (O.S.) *So why funerals? Why the cemetery? *

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LUCAS(Hitchcock voice)

Well, havent you heard? (beat) *People are just dying to get in *there. *

END MONTAGE

OMITTED68 68 *

INT. GREENROOM MARKETING AGENCY - LATER69 69

Roger sits in a large conference room with two middle-agedMARKETERS, one is tall and thin and the other short andstout.

The Marketers stand over Roger, watching footage of Lucasbizarre interviews. They quietly chat and comment to eachother about the interview.

As the interviews finish, they turn to Roger.

MARKETER #1Roger, are you a straight shooter?You seem like a straight shooter.

Roger thinks for a moment. Hes not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds good.

ROGERI think so.

MARKETER #2Good. Now I have to say as onestraight shooter to another, Ilove what your kid is doing.

ROGERYou do?

MARKETER #1I do.

Roger turns to look at the other marketer.

MARKETER #2I do. Hes got the whole package.Hes mysterious, hes different,its brilliant! In fact, I alreadyhave national requests coming in.

56.

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Howd you like to go on GoodMorning USA in New York! Imthinking we should aim for thefences on this.

ROGER *Uh yeah. Absolutely. The fences. *

MARKETER #2 *Its a big moment for us, I mean *you. Lets make it worth *everyones time, huh? *

MARKETER #1 *I mean... were talking realityshows...Tween Fear Factor... Lucas

would be perfect for that with his,you know, obsession with death and *gore ... fits right in. Hes a *shoe in. *

Roger can only stare. Did he say Tween Fear Factor?

MARKETER #2And we havent even touched on the *

merchandising angles. Speaking *engagements. Were talking hefty *fees. *

Roger is going back in forth between the two like a tennis * match. *

MARKETER #1 *Hefty. How about a world tour, *huh? We spin that into a pilot OR *better yet... we start production *on Lucas Simon: Ghost Hunter. *

Roger is lost. *

MARKETER #1 (CONTD) *(a bit under his breath)

Yes! I hear you. Its like a biopic *so we follow your lives but we *

punch it up a little. *ROGER *

Punch it up? *

57.

MARKETER #2 (CONT'D)


59/100

MARKETER #2 *Yeah. Punch it up. Maybe your wife *is about to go back to stripping *because you lost your job, but *then... you guys discover Lucas *new paranormal talent... *

Roger tries to interrupt. *

ROGER *My wife was never a stripper... *

MARKETER #1 *Thats not the point. I thought you *said you wanted to aim for the *fences. *

Marketer #1 turns to Marketer #2. *

MARKETER #1 (CONTD) *Is he getting cold feet? *

MARKETER #2 *No but he might be allergic to tons *of money. Are you allergic to *piles of cash, Roger? *

ROGER *(confused but playing *

along) *No, of course not. Im not allergic *to anything. Well, maybe cats. *But. *

Marketer #1 cuts him off. *

Roger can only stare for just a second. Following awkward *pause...

MARKETER #1Great. So if youre all on board

with this...

Marketer #2 turns around and picks up something that appears

to be very heavy.MARKETER #1 (CONTD)

Just a little bit of unfinishedbusiness.

He hands it to his partner. With a huge THUD! Marketer #2drops a HUGE CONTRACT on the table.

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The sound startles Roger for a second.

Roger reaches in with his hand to flip through the contract.

The Marketers give Roger a go ahead and sign look.

CUT TO:

EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER - DAY70 70

Chris and Lucas are playing basketball. Lucas looks to be *getting better at playing. He makes a shot.

CHRISNothin but net. (pause)Youre getting better. 1 out of 7 *this time. *

Lucas smiles.

LUCASI guess I dont totally suck.

EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER - LATER71 71

Chris and Lucas take a sweat break.

CHRISHey man, youre quite a good littleperformer. Those interviews are *hilarious. You never told me you

were into acting.

LUCASI was just trying to have fun withit. Make it bearable.

Chris smiles.

CHRISWell, fame usually comes and goesfast. Maybe your fifteen minutes

are almost up.LUCAS

Yeah, hope so.

EXT. SIMONS HOUSE - AFTERNOON72 72

Lucas pulls up on his bike. He walks inside the house.

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INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME73 73

Lucas enters the house. He finds his parents celebrating with *CHAMPAGNE. *

LUCASWhats going on? Whys everyone sohappy?

Roger and Lydia smile.

LYDIA Lucas, sit down. We have a surprisefor you!

Lucas sits down, skeptical. Roger and Lydia look at eachother.

ROGERLucas, were going to New YorkCity!

Lucas is confused.

LUCASWhy?

ROGERWell, son, were going to sign youup with a big agency. Take yourtalents to the national level!

Lydia interrupts.

LYDIA Honey, show him the other surprise.

Roger reaches in his pocket, starts to pull out a FLYER.

ROGERI think youre going to really likethis.

Roger hands the flyer to Lucas. Its a mock up of a really

bad reality show: LUCAS SIMONS, GHOST HUNTER!ROGER (CONTD)

(pointing to the flyer)What do you think of that?!

Lucas looks like hes going to be ill.

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LYDIA Oh and theres one more thing.

Lydia walks into the other room, comes out holding a shoppingbag. She pulls something out of it.

LYDIA (CONTD)TAAADAAA!

Its a hideous looking HALLOWEEN COSTUME.

LUCASWhat. Is. That?!

LYDIA For New York. Youre going to beon Good Morning USA. And you need anew costume, right?

Lucas has just about had it.

LUCASMom, I dont want to go to NewYork. Chris and I were going toplay basketball again this weekend.

Lydia cant believe Lucas doesnt want to go.

LYDIA Lucas, you were just booked onnational TV and youre saying youdrather play a game then go to NewYork? And you dont like sports.

LUCASI thought we were done with allthese interviews. Im not going toNew York! I dont wanna go.

LYDIA We already told them wed be there.So youre going and thats final.

Lucas grabs the Ghost Hunter flyer and crumples it into a

ball. He throws it at Roger. It hits Roger in the nose. Lucasstorms out, kicking the door as he goes.

CUT TO:

EXT. SKY - CLOUDS - DAY74 74

Plane flies through the air.

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INT. GOOD MORNING USA SET - DAY75 75

Quick OPENING TITLE SEQUENCE. When it ends, we land on acheery, sunshine-adorned talk show set. The two hosts,JILLIAN PETERS and CARSON DALE, shine their pearly whitesinto the camera .

JILLIANGood Morning USA. Im JillianPeters -

CARSONAnd Im Carson Dale.

The hosts smile.

JILLIANOur first guest this morning ischild viral sensation, LucasSimons, who has people around theviral world all abuzz with hislatest video, Anyones Ghost. Sohere he is... Lucas Simons!

Lucas enters from behind the curtain. Hes wearing thehorrible Halloween outfit his Mom bought him. Lydia andRoger stand on the side lines along with the two marketers.

CARSON(To Lucas)

Well, Lucas, lets get right intoit. How did you fake the video. I *

mean it looks so real. You must be *the youngest PT Barnum the world *has ever seen. *

Lucas doesnt respond.

JILLIANLucas, tell us how in the worldyou... at only 11 years old ...has been able to fool scholars,scientists, the world at large...into believing this was anything

but a giant hoax.Lucas looks over to his Mom. He sees her flirting with theshows producer.

CARSONLucas, you with us?

Still no reaction.

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CARSON (CONTD) *Ok, well, we have a surprise foryou. Wed like to welcome ourresident tech expert, Ed Block,onto the show who believes he knowshow you might have faked the wholething. Welcome Ed.

ED, the geeky resident expert, walks out.

EDHello Lucas.

Lucas is confused about whats going on.

JILLIANEd. Tell us. How was this wholething created?

EDJillian, before I get into myscientific explanation, Id like toshow you a clip. Can you pleaseroll it?

We SEE a VIDEO of a ghost like figure. It looks a lot likethe image in Lucas video.

We HEAR Oohs and Ahhs from the STUDIO AUDIENCE.

CARSONThat amazing, Ed. Howd you dothat?

EDIts fairly simple, Carson. I useda small magnetic field to interruptever so slightly the image beingrecorded. Then I took that image,blew it up using some minoreffects, then re-recorded it togive it more grain ... and fromthere, Bobs your uncle. A ghostvideo.

JILLIANVery interesting, Ed.

EDYes. It interesting that all thesefaked videos always have static.

Ed, Jillian and Carson all turn to Lucas.

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CARSONLucas, do you have anything to saynow? Weve just proven that yourvideo is a fake. And that makesthis whole thing a hoax, am Iright?

LUCASIts not a hoax! And I dont evenknow what a magnetic field is!

Carson finally tries a more softer approach.

CARSONLucas, your video has surpassed 10

million hits... If the video isreal then what do you think it

was that you captured? A ghost? Anangel? (beat) Come on, Lucas, itsan electromagnetic field of somekind, isnt it?

Lucas glances back to his mom. Lydia puts her hand on theproducers shoulder as she talks. Shes not even payingattention to Lucas. She has no idea her son is being treatedthis way.

JILLIANLucas?

Jillian looks over to a CUE CARD holder. She isnt sure what *to do. Lucas isnt following the script by any means. *

Lucas looks over to Roger.

Roger is too busy chatting with one of the Marketers tonotice whats going on with the interview as well.

Lucas is at a breaking point. He gets tears in his eyes.

CARSONEarth to Lucas.

Lucas finally just gets up from his seat and walks off the

stage.Lydia looks up, startled. Did he really just do that?

The Marketers chins drop, in unison.

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CARSON (CONTD)(recovering)

And there he goes! Off to make hisnext masterpiece.

JILLIANWe cant wait to see that one, too!Well be right back.

INT. CHRISS HOUSE - SAME76 76

Chris watches TV, drinking coffee. He Lucas meltdown on thenational stage.

EXT. STAGE - MOMENTS LATER77 77

We see Lydias horrified look. She apologizes to theproducer as she walks towards Lucas. Lydia grabs his arm,almost violently.

Lucas shakes it off, keeps walking.

LYDIA Lucas!! You stop right there, young

man! What do you think youredoing?!?!

Lucas stops. Turns.

LYDIA (CONTD)Dont you dare ruin this for us.

Lucas looks at her with tears in his eyes. Hes done. Rogersees it now, too.

ROGERMaybe its time we give Lucas a *break from all these interviews.

Lydia takes a deep breath and turns away. She sees a glimpseof Lucas pain. We see her pain now, too. Its all too much

to deal with right now. Lydia just walks away, quietly.As she walks off, Roger watches, taking it all in. Hereaches out to Lucas in a small attempt to comfort him.

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INT. LUCAS ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON78 78

Lucas is laying on his bed. His suitcase is OPEN and on thefloor. We see the horrible Halloween costume balled upinside. Its clear theyve just arrived home from New York.

We HEAR Roger and Lydia fighting in the background. Thefighting is not intense but emotional. The sound is MUFFLED.We dont hear all the conversation but we get the gist of it:

ROGER (O.S.)Youre pushing him ...

LYDIA (O.S.).. Oh and who jumped at that firstopportunity...

ROGER (O.S.)... Drowning in debt...his funeralisnt even...!

Heavier cries.

ROGER (O.S.) (CONTD)I didnt mean...

Roger signs.

ROGER (O.S.) (CONTD)Hes gone....

LYDIA (O.S.)Cant handle... Done.

Listening to the fighting of his parents, Lucas is scared.He gets off the bed and leaves the room.

EXT. SIMONS HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER79 79

We see Lucas exit the house. He hops on his bike and takesoff down the street.

EXT. STREET - SUNSET80 80Lucas bikes down the street.

EXT. CHRIS BRIGHTONS HOUSE - EVENING81 81

Lucas and Chris are sitting on the front porch. Its quiet.After a long beat...

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LUCASIve never heard them fight like *that before. Do you think theyre *gonna split up? *

CHRISParents fight sometimes. It *doesnt always mean theyre going *to get a divorce. *

Lucas thinks for a moment. *

LUCAS *I hate them. *

Chris looks at Lucas. *

CHRIS *You dont hate them. *

Chris tries to lighten the mood. *

CHRIS (CONTD) *Brussel sprouts, you hate. Your *parents, not so much. *

Chris looks at Lucas. *

CHRIS (CONTD) *Look, I understand youre angry *

with them. They certainly wont * win any parents of the year awards. *

LUCAS *Win? They wouldnt even be *nominated. *

Chris laughs, then gets more serious. *

CHRIS *Being a parent isnt always easy. *Sometimes you just do the best you *can. *

Lucas looks up. *LUCAS *

How would you know? Youve never *been a parent. *

Chris looks at him. He starts to say something but chooses *not to. After a beat... *

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CHRIS *Look, its ok to be mad. But the *important thing is to learn how to *forgive. Sometimes thats the only *thing you can do. Without that, *its hard to move on. *

Lucas and Chris sit silently. *

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - NIGHT82 82 *

Lydia is unpacking from the trip. Her makeup is SMEARED fromcrying. She finishes unpacking, she walks towards a closet toput up the suitcase.

In the closet we see a box labelled: Florida, 2008. Lydiareaches for the box.

INT/EXT. ROGERS CAR - NIGHT83 83

Roger drives around looking for Lucas.

INT. SIMONS FAMILY HOUSE - NIGHT - LATER84 84

Lydia is sitting among a bunch of old pictures. She picks oneup of Roger with ice cream all over his nose. Lydia laughs.

Lydia picks up another photo. Its of Lucas and Jake, arm inarm. They are laughing. Lydia looks closely at it andbegins to tear up.

She HEARS someone enter the house.

INT. ENTRY WAY - SAME85 85

LYDIA (O.C.)Lucas?

Lucas stops, scared hes still in trouble.

LYDIA (O.C.) (CONTD)We were worried. Your father is outlooking for you right now. Comehere.

Lucas walks towards the living room.

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INT. LIVING ROOM - SAME86 86

Lucas walks in to find his Mom amongst a bunch of oldpictures. Lydia looks up, smiles. Shes happy hes home andsafe.

LYDIA Do you remember that time you fellinto the lake trying to feed theducks?

Lydia laughs.

LYDIA (CONTD)I almost had a heart attack.

Lucas remembers.

LUCASIt wasnt even that deep.

LYDIA Jake thought you were going todrown.

Lucas laughs.

LUCASThen he got all mad he jumped infor nothing.

Lucas looks at his Mom, takes a beat.

LUCAS (CONTD)I miss him too, Mom.

Lydia and Lucas look at each other. They share a moment asonly a mother and son can.

EXT. CHRIS BRIGHTONS HOUSEA86 A86 *

Chris is on the phone, dialing a phone number. A VOICE *MESSAGE clicks on: *

CLAUDIA (ON PHONE) *Hi, this is Claudia. I cant pick *up the phone right now... *

Chris hangs up the phone before the BEEP goes off. He sits *along for a beat then takes out an OLD PHOTO of himself with *his WIFE and YOUNG BOY. *

69.


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INT. LUCAS ROOM - NIGHT87 87

Lucas is in his room watching TOSH.0. Its a week in reviewsegment. In the line up is Lucas Anyones Ghost videoalong with the interview where Lucas walked off. It cuts to aspoof of Lucas video, which makes fun of Susan Parker andLucas.

Lucas walks to his computer. We see him type in the nameSUSAN PARKER.

There are several headlines about Susan Parker and theAnyones Ghost video. Most, if not all, are really meanabout Susan Parker - opportunist ... media whore... fake...

Lucas types in an address.

CUT TO:

INT. LUCAS ROOM - DAY88 88

Lucas is laying on his bed with a MAP. He circles differentaddresses, mapping out which looks like a search for aparticular location.

Lucas folds up the map and stuffs it into his backpack.

EXT. SIMONS HOUSE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER89 89

Lucas jumps on his bike and heads down the street.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - VARIOUS HOUSES90 90

We see Lucas biking through various neighborhood streets.From time to time he stops to look at his map. There are post-it notes stuck all over it with Susan Parker addresses

written on them.

- Lucas knocks on a door. OLD SUSAN PARKER opens the door.

OLD SUSAN PARKEROh, I love Halloween!

Lucas tries to tell her its not Halloween but before he can,shes gone.

- Lucas stuffs HALLOWEEN CANDY into his backpack. He looksirritated.

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- Lucas walks up another sidewalk. He knocks. A TRANSGENDERMAN opens the door.

LUCAS(confused)

Susan Parker?

TRANSGENDERIts Sam now. Who are you?

Lucas looks at him, frightened.

- Lucas knocks on another door, walks away.

- Lucas looks at his map. The list possible Susan Parkersis getting smaller.

EXT. SUSAN PARKERS HOUSE - DAY91 91

Lucas bikes up to what looks like could finally be the righthouse.

He knocks. No one answers. Lucas decides to check out theback.

EXT. SUSAN PARKERS BACK YARD - MOMENTS LATER.92 92

Lucas makes his way to the back and spots Susan gardening.

LUCASMrs Parker?

Susan looks up. Shes less then thrilled to see him.

Susan walks towards Lucas.

SUSANWhat brings you here? Makinganother movie?

CUT TO:

EXT. SUSAN PARKERS BACK YARD - LATER93 93

Susan and Lucas are sitting at a small table. Lucas islooking around at her wacky back yard. She appears to be anartist of some sort. There are some weird metal sculptures

made out of junk.

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Susan is a bit angry and slightly annoyed that Lucas justshowed up at her house.

SUSANWell, I havent given anyinterviews and Im certainly notgoing to give one to you.

LUCASI dont want to interview you.

SUSANWhy are you here, Lucas? Uninvitedas usual.

Lucas is a bit scared by her anger.

LUCASI... I really just came here to sayIm sorry.

Susan doesnt buy it.

SUSANOh. So now youre sorry, huh?Sorry for turning my dear husbandsfuneral into some side show to beposted on the internet? Is that

what youre sorry for?

Lucas stares at her.

LUCASYes. (beat)

SUSANLucas what you filmed. What youcaptured. It was extraordinary.And I even believe its real.

Lucas nods. He believes its real, too.

SUSAN (CONTD)But it belonged to me, and you

ruined it.Lucas's face falls. Not expecting this.

LUCASBut I didnt...

Susan interrupts.

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SUSANWhat were you doing filming myhusbands funeral anyway?

LUCASI was just...

SUSANI know you like filming otherpeoples funerals. So I guess youlike seeing other peoples pain. Isthat it?

Lucas doesnt really know what to say.

SUSAN (CONTD)What you did turned my grief into ajoke. Into a guessing g

Documents

Anyone's Ghost Full Script