Master of Ceremonies (PILOT)

8/12/2019 Master of Ceremonies (PILOT)

1/27

THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Written by

Daniel Gold

Based on, If Any

AddressPhone Number


2/27

EXT. DOWNTOWN STREET - DAY

RORY DIXON, 31, Jaywalks across a busy street.

RORY (TO A CAR)Excuse me.

He approaches a swarm of young fans waiting outside the rearentrance of a TV studio - think Much Music building. Girlsscream, cameras snap.

Rory stands facing their backs, looking bored.

INT. TV STUDIO - CONTINUOUS

CHARLOTTE WELLS, 37, frantically navigates her studio.Headset on, ready to go.

CHARLOTTEHas anyone heard anything yet?

She walks too fast to catch anyones answer. She makes a beeline for a door across the room and barges into...

INT. GREEN ROOM - CONTINUOUS

19 year old pop sensation KYLE ROTH sits on the couch buriedin his phone. His ASSISTANT scrolls through motorcycle modelson an Ipad, desperately trying to get his attention.

CHARLOTTEWere live in 7. Can I get youanything?

KYLEI usually like to meet the guyinterviewing me...

CHARLOTTEWere working on that. Youll lovehim, Im sure.

EXT. TV STUDIO - CONTINUOUS

Rory stands at the back of the crowd, unmotivated. There isno way to get to the stage door without pushing through thethrongs.

A GIRL in the back of the crowd turns to him, confused.


3/27

GIRLShouldnt you be like, in there?

RORYI absolutely should.

GIRLCould I come in with you? I knoweveryone says this but Im actuallyKyles biggest fan. Ive beenwriting him letters since...

The girl keeps talking as Rory receives a text.

It READS: YOURE LATE. TODAY IS A BIG ONE.

He writes back: IM OUT BACK. CROWD BLOCKING THE DOOR.

Rory puts his phone back in his pocket as Charlotte blasts

through the stage door, igniting more excitement from themob.

CHARLOTTEClear a path please! Excuse me!

They make a path - their eyes fixed on the door hoping to seetheir hero. Rory makes his way through the part in the crowd.

He approaches Charlotte at the front.

RORY

Thanks.

CHARLOTTEStraight to make up, then straightto sound, then straight to yourchair.

RORYWhats this kids name again?

CHARLOTTEThat had better be a joke. Were

live in 5.

INT. STUDIO - SHORTLY AFTER

The taping is live, and Rory has the studio audience wrappedaround his finger.

2.


4/27

RORYAlright ladies, the time hasfinally come. The moment is now.You guys ready to bring out KyleRoth???

They go apeshit.

RORY (CONTD)Make some noise for the one theonly Kyle Roth!!!

Kyle comes out and the place goes wild. He gives a coolhandshake to Rory and they sit together on high stools beforethe audience.

RORY (CONTD)Welcome back! Youve have a busy

year my brother!

KYLEDont I know it - So good to behome! What up ladies!

Cue more freak outs.

INT. CONTROL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Charlotte watches with her arms crossed. Rorys good. Reallygood.

CHARLOTTEI cant stay mad at you Rory Dixon.

RORY (O.S.)Alright were going to take acommercial break but when we getback, one lucky lady in this roomis getting an original Kyle Rothsweatband-

KYLE (O.S.)

-Wore it last night!

RORY (O.S.)Stick around yall!

INT. STUDIO - LATER

Everyone is closing down for the day. Sound and camera guyspack up.

3.


5/27

Rory sits on his high stool and dials his girlfriend, Abby.

He gets an answering machine. Charlotte approaches as heleaves the message, waiting for him to finish.

RORY

Hey babe are you still downtown?You wanna eat? I wanna eat. Somekind of like, something Asian.Something with noodles, for sure.OK bye.

Rory looks up at Charlotte.

CHARLOTTEAnother close call with Rory Dixon.

RORY

Im sorry Charlotte, I didntrealize he was such a big deal. Iwould have been here earlier.

CHARLOTTEWhat kind of excuse is that?

RORYCould todays taping have gone muchbetter?

CHARLOTTEIf this were some other job youd

be a hell of a lot more scared ofme.

RORYThis isnt some job. And bossesarent like that anymore.Instilling fear is unprofessionalthese days.

CHARLOTTESo is being smug and tardy.Tomorrow we have Salt. E Language

here and I want you here at 1PMsharp. Why dont you read up on himin the meantime.

She turns around and heads for the exit.

4.


6/27

RORY (YELLING TO HER)What are you doing for dinner? Imin a noodle mood. Like some kind ofAsian noodle.

Charlotte ignores him. Rory hops off the stool.

DUNCAN, the 22 year old intern catches Rory on the way out.Duncan is chubby and nervous. A real fish out of water.

DUNCANOh hey um, hey Mr Dixon.

RORYWhats up Duncan. And call me Rory,please.

DUNCANWas that your girlfriend you were

talking to? 1

RORYNo that was...that was your boss.Charlotte.

DUNCANNo no I mean, before. On the phone.Come on, Duncan! Be specific!

RORYOh! Yes. I was leaving her amessage. Why?

DUNCANWell. Um. I saw her yesterday onthe Salt. E Language video shoot.She was -

RORYShe was doing costumes, I know.Were interviewing him tomorrow.

DUNCANYeah well. I um. I just think you

should like, know. Uhhh. Come onDuncan, spit it out loser!

RORYJesus man, take a breath. What areyou trying to say?

DUNCANHere, just... Just watch.

5.


7/27

Duncan hands him his phone, pressing play on a video.

THE VIDEO:

RORYS GIRLFRIEND ABBY AND THE RAPPER SALT. E. LANGUAGE INWHAT APPEARS TO BE A WARDROBE FITTING ROOM. SHE IS SITTING ON

HIS LAP AND GIGGLING, TYPING ON HER PHONE AT THE SAME TIME.THE VIDEO IS FILMED SECRETLY THROUGH THE RACKS OF CLOTHING.

Rory scrolls to about halfway through the video.

ABBY STANDS BEHIND HIM, BOTH HANDS DOWN THE RAPPERS PANTS.SHE IS FURIOUSLY MASTURBATING HIM LIKE SHES PLAYING TUG OFWAR.

Rory hands the phone back to Duncan.

RORYWhat the fuck...

DUNCANI thought you should...see it

RORYI gotta go.

DUNCANIm sorry Mr. Dixon. Er - Rory.

Rory is already gone.

EXT. RORYS HOUSE - EVENING

Rorys car screeches into the driveway, knocking over agarbage bin.

INT. RORYS KITCHEN - EVENING

Rory paces his kitchen, fuming. Abby is nowhere to be found.

He tries her cell again, no answer.

He opens his liquor cabinet. Scans it. Sighs.

INT. STUDIO - DAY

The show is live and Rory is on his stool looking noticeablyworse. Bags under his eyes, slouching. Its not good.

6.


8/27

RORYWell, well, well, ladies andgentlemen. Its a special day.


Charlotte is fixated on a monitor, nervous.

CHARLOTTEWhats up with him?

INT. STUDIO - CONTINUOUS

RORYEnough of this jibber jabber folks!Lets bring him out. You ready?

The crowd goes wild.

RORY (CONTD)Alright then. Joining us live instudio. The man himself. Salt E.Language.

The rapper enters and cheers ensue, despite the piss-poorintroduction.

SALT. E LANGUAGEWHAT UP EVERYBODY!

RORYOh please. Sit down. Jesus.

Salt. E Language pretends not to pick up on Rorys rudeness.He sits.

RORY (CONTD)So.

SALT. E LANGUAGEGood to be back. Good to be back.You look good Rory D! Much love.

RORYHeard you shot a music video thisweek.

7.


9/27

SALT. E LANGUAGEYeahhhhhh man we been out hereshooting the video for my newsingle faithful featuring OliviaVance and Tatooed Twink you knowhow it is.

RORYYou meet anyone else on the videoshoot?

SALT. E LANGUAGESure, boss. Everyone was madfriendly. A good time had by all,namsayin?


CHARLOTTERory where are you going with this?


RORYOh I know what youre saying Salty.I know what youre saying. A goodtime had by all, folks! He had areally good time!

SALT. E LANGUAGE

Yeah man. Why dont we talk aboutsomething else?

RORYSure! How about the wardrobe girlwho jerked you off between theracks?! Was she being Faithful!?


Charlotte springs into action.

CHARLOTTECut his mic, Cut his mic. JesusChrist Rory.

The technician does as instructed.

CHARLOTTE (CONTD)Cut everything. Go to commercial.

8.


10/27


The studio audience is silent, baffled.

Salt. E Language has left the stage, avoiding conflict.

Rory is rambling with abandon.

RORYSalt. E Language ruined my life,everybody! He stomped on mybeautiful life. His penis madecontact with BOTH of mygirlfriends hands and also with myheart. He fucked me in the heart.

A girl in the front row yells to him

GIRL

Just STOP TALKING Rory! Stop!

RORYIll never stop, girl in the frontrow. Im unstoppable! What kind ofstupid name is Salt. E Languageanyway? You have to be retarded-

Charlotte rushes the stage and pulls Rory off of it. Shewhispers to him.

CHARLOTTEFor the love of god Rory, stop.

An AUDIENCE COORDINATOR springs to action.

COORDINATORAlright everybody THANK YOU forcoming out and being a part ofTotal Live Now but its lookinglike thats a wrap for today! Wehave two exits...

INT. PRODUCERS OFFICE - SHORTLY AFTER

Charlotte and the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER sit across from Rory.

RORYHow bad is it. Really, though.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERHow can I put this.

Beat.

9.


11/27

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER (CONTD)You will never be on TV again.

Another beat.

RORY

Well put, I suppose.

Charlotte is tearing up.

CHARLOTTEIm so sorry, Ror.

RORYHey, now. There, there.

CHARLOTTEWhyd the helld you have to go anddo this? I really loved working

with you!

RORYI guess I have some personal thingsI need to like...deal with.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERSorry it had to end this way, Rory.But youve embarassed-

RORY- I know, I know. Spare me. Ill gonow.

Rory gets up to leave and Charlotte follows after him.

INT. OFFICE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Charlotte catches up with Rory.

CHARLOTTEIs it true? What you said?

RORYYup. Both hands.

CHARLOTTEHow do you know, though?

RORYDuncan the intern. Caught it onvideo.

10.


12/27

CHARLOTTEOh god.

RORYYeah.

CHARLOTTEWell, if theres anything I can dofor you. If you need company or, orsomething. Im still your friend.

Charlotte gives Rory an awkward hug. He doesnt return it.

EXT. PARKING LOT - DAY

Rory heads to his car.

Duncan the intern comes out the back door, trying to catch up

with him.

DUNCANRory! Rory wait!

RORYDuncan I really dont want to -

DUNCAN-I just quit.

RORY

What do you mean - why?

DUNCANI just felt weird about it all. Igot you into this - I feel like Igotta help you out.

RORYAll due respect but I dont need -or want your help.

DUNCAN

Um, ok. I guess... I guess thatsfine. But heres my number andemail address. I guess like just incase or whatever.

Duncan hands him a crumpled piece of paper.

RORYOK man. Thanks.

11.


13/27


14/27

Rory lights the barbecue and throws his steak on it as heclosely inspects the next doors happenings - particularlyone of the sexy young backup dancers.

This welcome and bizarre distraction from the chaos puts asmall smile on Rorys face, before he realizes that they can

see him too, and many are staring.

Rory puts his head back down and flips his steak.

EXT. BAR MITZVAH TENT - CONTINUOUS

The party is bumping. Thirteen year olds in light-upnecklaces run around and cause a ruckus. Parents drink wineat their tables.

The MC, RAJ, is running the show. He wears a blazer withnothing underneath, and is decked out in faux-jewellery, He

hollers out dance instructions on the microphone.

RAJWe gonna sliiiiiide to the left!

He and his dancers sliiiiiiide to the left.

RAJ (CONTD)We gonne sliiiiiide to the right!

They sliiiiiide to the right.

RAJ (CONTD)

Now freeze! And get low, low,low....

Out of the corner of his eye, Raj spots Rory at the barbecue.He takes the microphone away from his face and whispers toone of the dancers.

RAJ (CONTD)Is that Rory Dixon?

INT. RORYS LIVING ROOM - LATER

Rory sits on his couch with his laptop, rather drunk. Hegoogles himself.

He finds a news article titled:

VJ Rory Dixon fired after on-air fued with Salt. E Language(and yes the language was salty!)

13.


15/27

He opens another: 22 GIFS of Rory Dixons on air freakout!

Rory chugs the rest of his beer.

There is a knock at his door.

INT. RORYS DOORWARY - CONTINUOUS

Rory swings open the door to reveal Raj.

RORYYoure the DJ from the thing nextdoor right?

RAJIm the MC, homes. My DJ is FreshFrancis. Hes out loading thetruck.

RORYOh.(pause)How can I help you?

RAJI heard you had a rough day, boss.Can I come in?

RORYUm.

Raj lets himself in and starts walking through the house.

RAJWe have a lot in common, man. Bothin the biz.

RORYWhat biz?

RAJThe P.A.E biz! Personality-As-Entertainment. We make a living

through our natural energy,charisma, whatever you wanna callit bro.

RORYI mean I guess. Kind of differentends of the scale, though.

14.


16/27

RAJOh Im sorry to have offended you,Mr. Bigshot. I forgot youve beenaroundcelebrities! You get to askthem what theyre up to. Youre aninspiration to us all.

RORYHey man youre in my house.

RAJLast year I did a Bat Mitzvah andTony Hawk was doing tricks on ahalfpipe, ok? I can play too.

RORYWhat do you want, man?

RAJYoure up here talking about we ontwo sides of a scale, pretty sureyour goofy ass just FELL OFF thescale. Youre looking up at thescale going Hey yo! Hey boss? CanI come back up on the scale so Ican weigh Raj back down?

RORYAre you Raj?

RAJ

Listen man I came over because Ithink I can help you out. Justtrying to be a good guy, bro.Sorry.

RORYI really dont think you can bemuch help to me right now.

RAJIm doing another one of these

tomorrow. You got nothing going on.Come make an appearance. Celebrityguest.

RORYNo way, man.

15.


17/27

RAJIll give you half my earnings forthe night. Just to show up andwave, Jesus Christ.

RORY

What do you pull in, Raj?

RAJThats a personal question man.Very personal. Whats wrong withyou?

Rory doesnt respond.

RAJ (CONTD)Usually about a G a night. So comeshow up for five minutes and Illgive you 500 fuckin dollars ok?

Raj heads for the door and opens it. He faces Rory.

RAJ (CONTD)OK?

Rory looks past Raj to the truck on the road. The sexy backupdancer emerges from it, notices Rory and smiles. Rory takes aswig of his beer.

ACT 2

EXT. TEMPLE BETH SOLOMON - EVENING

Rory approaches the modest suburban temple. He sighs.

RORYThe fuck is happening...

INT. TEMPLE BETH SOLOMON - CONTINUOUS

Rory enters the party room and the celebration is already inprogress.

Rory stands by the door, taking in the action. The wholething is very foreign to him.

From the stage, Raj notices Rorys entrance.

16.


18/27

RAJYo yo yo Fresh Francis stop themusic. I have some very importantinformation to share with you alltonight. Raj got something up hissleeve, yall. We have a little

surprise for you this evening. Withus tonight, to celebrate Hayleysbecoming a woman, is our celebrityguest, VJ Rory Dixon!!!

A spot light shines on Rory. He squints.

A handful of girls squeal.

RAJ (CONTD)To complete this transition towomanhood, Rory is going to share adance with the lady of the evening.

RORY(to himself)Im doing what?

RAJCome on down here Rory, dont be astranger!

Rory slowly approaches the now empty dance floor, awkwardlywaving at the crowd as he does.

RAJ (CONTD)

Fresh Francis, hit em withsomething romantic!

A cheesy slow song plays, 13 year old HAYLEY nervouslygiggles.

Time for Rory to man up.

RORYMazel Tov on your big day, Hayley.

HAYLEY

I dont know how to slow dance. Imsorry. Im sorry.

She starts walking away. Rory grabs her by the wrist.

RORYWhere are you going? Dont benervous. Let me show you.

17.


19/27

Carefully and adorably, Rory instructs young Hayley how toslow dance. Kids and parents alike pull out their phones andstart recording.

Rorys discomfort subsides as he gives Hayley a twirl andthen dips her.

Sexy backup dancer watches in admiration. At least hes wonher over.

EXT. TEMPLE BETH SOLOMON - LATER

The crew loads up the truck after the event.

Raj approaches Rory with a wad of cash.

RAJ

800 for you my friend. We weretipped handsomely.

RORYOh. Nice. Thanks, Raj,

RAJSo what do you think? Wanna keepdoing this with me? Youre a hottopic right now - we could make alot of money.

RORY

I really appreciate it Raj, but Idont really think this is for me.It was cute tonight as like, a oneoff. But...I cant be doing thisall the time.

RAJWell thats just too fuckin badbecause Ive booked another eventand told them it includes a visitfrom celebrity guest Rory Dixon. Soyoure in it at least for one more,

bro.

Raj gives him the invitation with the events information.Its a sweet 16.

RORYNo way dude. You cant do that shitwithout asking me. Im out. Imdone.

18.


20/27

RAJRory Dixon thinks hes hot shit,eh? Youre making the biggestmistake of your life.

Rory starts walking away.

RORYIve already done that, Raj. Thatswhat landed me at Hayleys BatMitzvah.

RAJ(to himself)Son of a bitch.

INT. RORYS BEDROOM - MORNING

Rory wakes up to the buzzing of his phone. He has a text fromCharlotte.

It reads: WHOS THE LUCKY GIRL? OR I GUESS SHES A WOMANNOW

Under the text is a link, which Rory proceeds to open.

It is a video from the night before, on a gossip website.

THE VIDEO:

Footage of Rory dancing with Hayley from the night before.

The video cuts to interview footage with Raj.

RAJI was just trying to throw an eventand in walks Rory Dixon. I was likeBro werent you just firedyesterday? Get out of here man, youuse bad language. But instead hejust grabbed the bat mitzvah girland started dancing with her.Like...what?

REPORTERWell there you have it folks, afirst hand account. What wasRoryDixon doing at a private event towhich he was not invited? Are we infor another celebrity meltdown? Howmuch farther off the rails can thisguy fall? -

Rory stops the video.

19.


21/27

RORYCome on, Raj!

Rory rolls over and notices the Sweet Sixteen Invitation outof the corner of his eye.

In italicized print, the invitation specifies: with anappearance from Rory Dixon.

Rory mulls this over.

RORY (CONTD)Youre not who they want to see,Raj.

INT. RORYS KITCHEN - MORNING

Rory takes the crumpled piece of paper and smooths it out.

He starts to dial Duncans number.

INT. DUNCANS BREAKFAST NOOK - CONTINUOUS

Duncans buzzing phone interrupts his eating a large bowl ofcereal.

He answers the phone, mouth still full.

DUNCANThis is Duncan, young mediaprofessional.

INT. RORYS KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

RORYHey Duncan. You still out of a job?

DUNCAN (O.C.)Hi Rory! Well, Im pursuingvarious, um-

RORY

-great so youre free this week.

INT. DUNCANS BREAKFAST NOOK - CONTINUOUS

DUNCANI mean, I guess. Did you get yourshow back or something?

20.


22/27

INT. RORYS KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

RORYNot quite. Were starting our ownshow.

MUSIC IN...

INT. EQUIPMENT DEPOT - DAY

A large warehouse.

Rory and Duncan pick out 3 large transparent cubes withlights inside them. They assemble them next to each other.They hop on and start jumping around.

This will be their stage.

Rory hands his credit card to the SALES REP.

INT. RORYS LIVING ROOM - DAY

Rory sits beside Duncan as he creates a post on Craigslist.

IT READS:

Are you trying to get into the DJ game? Do you want to playfor more than 100 people a night?

Rory adds an additional line:

Do you want a local celebrity as a boss?

EXT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY

Rory and Duncan peer inside the window of a hip hop danceclass, trying to pick out their dancers.

As dancers start to leave after the class, Rory approaches

them with his offer.

INT. RORYS DOORWAY - DAY

Rory gets a large package delivered to his door.

He opens up the box and pulls one of the hundreds of T-Shirtshes had made.

21.


23/27

In a crazy looking font, they read RORYS RAGERS

ACT 3

EXT. GOLF CLUB - NIGHT

Rory, Duncan, their new DJ and their TWO NEW DANCERS unloadtheir equipment from a cube van.

INT. GOLF CLUB - NIGHT

Duncan assembles the lights and builds the stage.

Rory paces the space, getting himself psyched up.

Everybody is wearing a Rorys Ragers shirt.

The DJ puts his equipment together. One dancer stretches. Theother is nowhere in sight. Rory approaches her.

RORYWheres your friend?

DANCERShe just texted me. She says hercat has to go in for surgery orsomething. Cant make it. Shesreally really sorry.

RORY

Cat surgery?

The BIRTHDAY GIRL and her MOTHER enter the room.

BIRHTHDAY GIRLThere he is!

MOTHEROoh lets go say hello!

They approach Rory.

RORYYou must be Kat! And this must beher lovely mother. Can you believeit? 16 years flies by, doesnt it?

Mother blushes.

MOTHERYou took the words from my mouth,sir!

22.

(MORE)


24/27

And if I may say, I think its greatthat youre doing this. I mean Iknow youve had a stressful week orso, what with the televisionmeltdown and-

RORYI can assure you theres nothing toworry about. Kats special night isgoing to go off without a hitch.

MOTHERI have total faith - after I sawthat video of you dancing with thelittle girl on her Bat Mitzvah - wegot all choked up! Its wonderful tohave you here.

RORY

And Im happy to be here. So Kat,what kind of music are you and yourfriends into? My DJ is the best,and he-

Raj has entered with his two dancers and DJ Fresh Francis.The confusion on his face says it all.

RAJWHAT IS RORY DIXON DOING AT MYPARTY?

RORY

Im sorry...yourparty?

RAJ(to mother) Mrs Wilson we spoke onthe phone last week. Im who youbooked to play Kats party.

Mother is confused.

MOTHERBut you...You promised Rory Dixon.And...here he is.

RAJI am MCing tonights party. NotRory.

Rory steps toward Raj

MOTHERNo, thank you. Were fine withRory.

23.

MOTHER (CONT'D)

(MORE)


25/27

(to Rory)Who isthat man?

RORYHe wasmy booking agent, but hegets a tad jealous sometimes. Im

terribly sorry - Ill get him outof our hair.

He looks over at Raj and his gang.

RORY (CONTD)RAJ! SHOO!

Raj storms off.

EXT. GOLF CLUB - SHORTLY AFTER

Raj furiously loads equipment back in his truck.

Rory comes out and makes a bee-line for his favourite sexydancer.

RORYI never learned your name

MADISONIts Madison.

RORYMadison. Were short a dancer,Madison. I think youd be perfect.

MADISONYoud let me work tonight?

RORYI think youre perfect for RorysRagers. Unless your allegiance lieswith this fucknut.

Raj takes notice.

RAJStop talking to my dancer, Dixon!

RORYHe seems a little possessive.Needy. Clingy, even.

24.

MOTHER (CONT'D)


26/27

MADISONRescue me, Rory Dixon.

RORYOn one condition.

MADISONYeah?

RORYYou have a drink with me after theparty.

MADISONOr we could just spike the punch atthis sweet 16.

RORYYoure bad, Madison.

MUSIC IN...

INT. GOLF CLUB - NIGHT

The party is raging and it is a wild success.

Rory takes pictures with the kids,

dances on the stage,

gives out prizes,

jumps up and down in the middle of the dance floor.

Duncan attempts to get in on the dancing fun, only to getuncomfortable stares from 16 year old girls. He sulks back tohis place in on the side.

On the other side of the back window, Raj pushes his headagainst the glass, observing in fury.

EXT. GOLF CLUB WINDOW - CONTINUOUS

Raj leans against the glass.

RAJYoure finished, Dixon. Your lifeis over...

OFF RAJ

25.


27/27

END OF EPISODE

26.

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Master of Ceremonies (PILOT)