Audition

[Brady Brown]

Sequence One Premise: Alex Beretta (Josh Hutcherson) has had a dream since he was twelve years old. He has always wanted to become an actor. He wants to win Oscars, Golden Globes and SAG awards. In the midst of middle-school, he auditioned for the amateur plays being offered. He started off in supporting roles, but quickly migrated, when he entered high-school, into the leading man. In his sophomore year his mother died in a car accident, leaving him and his father, Micheal (Patrick Dempsey) on their own. Struggling to maintain his grades, he posted an ad for a tutor on the school bulletin board. And to the rescue came bookworm Alisha Hall (Alyson Stoner). And so from then on, they met at Alex’s house two nights a week, to study where he struggled. So, Alex and Alisha soon developed a friendship that would last a lifetime. They became best friends. Through his junior and senior year, Alex auditioned for his school’s spring production, and instantly gained the lead. And during his senior year, he convinced Alisha to audition with him after witnessing her mesmerizing acting. Alisha almost instantly fell in love with acting.

Now, they’ve both decided to skip out on a year of college to follow their dream. They’ve packed up, along with Alex’s dad, Michael, and headed from their small town in Georgia all the way to Los Angeles. There, they are discovered by talent agent, Paula Smith (Amy Adams), who almost gave up hope on finding the best performers.

And now, with the help of Michael and Paula, Alex and Alisha are on a mission to become the best thing Hollywood’s seen in a while. But first, they must book an audition to make it happen…

Characters:


Alex Beretta: An outgoing, funny, and sometimes sarcastic aspiring actor. He is very close to his father and will go out of his way to make him happy. He is also highly protective of his best friend Alisha, who he will do anything for. A great talker with anybody and a natural in front of a crowd. Only if he could improve his grades. Portrayed by Josh Hutcherson.


Alisha Hall: A shy, quiet, stereotypical bookworm. But she’s the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet, once she finally talks to you. Her parents were a little skeptical about letting her leave with Alex and Michael, but she finally convinced them otherwise. And before an audition, she must always run through it with Alex, or she’ll chicken out. Portrayed by Alyson Stoner.


Michael Beretta: Since his wife’s passing, he mainly keeps to himself. And once you break through his shell, he’ll do the same. Whenever he thinks of his wife, he almost instantly feels depressed. Sometimes he cries until no more tears flow. It didn’t take a lot of convincing for him to take Alex and Alisha to LA, because he wants his son to succeed. Portrayed by Patrick Dempsey.


Paula Smith: A quirky, jolty, out-of-this-world, cartoon-type character. She’s always flustered and tries her best to make Alex and Alisha succeed. Most of the time she’s always on her blackberry or her tablet. She may not be the best agent, but she will certainly do anything and everything in her power to be the best. Portrayed by Amy Adams.

Recurring:


Jordan Langston: The young actor who thinks he’s “all that”. Been in many commercials and had small roles in television, all he does is brag. Boyfriend of Angela, he usually mistreats her, wanting to be “top dog”. When he meets Alex and Alisha he instantly despises them, because he thinks they could steal his thunder. Portrayed by Nathan Kress.


Angela Davis: The drama queen actress who does her best to impress her boyfriend, Jordan. Thinking she’s the hottest stuff on the block, she, along with Jordan, brag about her looks and acting ability. Like her boyfriend, she instantly despises Alex and Alisha upon first sight, because she doesn’t want competition. Portrayed by Elizabeth Gillies.

Episodes:

We Have Arrived: Aspiring, young actors Alex (Hutcherson) and Alisha (Stoner) packed their bags with Alex’s father Michael (Dempsey) and made their way to Hollywood to pursue their acting careers. While there, they meet talent agent Paula Smith (Adams) practically begging for the newest talent in LA. With their newfound “team” formed, their mission is to succeed and do nothing but succeed. But they’re in Hollywood. Where anything could happen.

Hollywood Trouble: Tension begins to rise when talent agent Paula (Adams) can’t book a photographer for headshot for Alex (Hutcherson) and Alisha (Stoner). And wanting to help them succeed, Paula tries to pull out all the stops for a photographer, and begins to work nonstop. This causes Alex’s father, Michael (Dempsey), to begin questioning if having Paula as a talent agent was such a good idea.

Acting 101: Paula (Adams) believes that enrolling Alex (Hutcherson) and Alisha (Stoner) in a local acting class will help them scrape in more auditions. Michael (Dempsey) also agrees, so Alex and Alisha are shut out of an argument. On their first day they meet rising hopefuls Jordan (Kress) and Angela (Gillies), who are at the top of the class. Instantly hating them, Jordan and Angela try and find a way to make them miserable in the class that they’re supposed to rule.

The Sing Off: Alex and Alisha’s acting instructor (Guest Star Annette Bening) has decided to do a class activity, in which she pairs two students together, gives them a scenario, and tells them to act it out through a song. Alisha (Stoner) starts off ecstatic and Alex (Hutcherson) doesn’t. But Alisha believes she can show Alex the ropes of singing. But things take a turn for the worse when Alisha and Angela (Gillies) are paired together, which lights a fuse between the two. Dempsey, Adams and Kress also star.

Improv: Improv hits Alex (Hutcherson) and Alisha’s (Stoner) local acting class, and Alisha isn’t very happy. Having to make something up on the spot isn’t her forte. Especially when she can’t run it through with Alex. But Alex is stoked. He loves pulling the crowd in and giving them something they would pay to see again. Alisha begins to feel safe, because she will have Alex by her side. But that soon changes when it is revealed that this exercise will be solo.

Commercial Success: When Paula (Adams) receives a call saying they need two young adults to star in a television commercial for a new line of clothing, she instantly begins to jump for joy. And when she tells Alex (Hutcherson) and Alisha (Stoner), Alisha couldn’t be more thrilled, but Alex doesn’t want to be in something as small as a commercial. He wants to be in something bigger. Can Michael (Dempsey) convince Alex to change his mind, or will Alisha loose her acting partner and do the commercial solo? This commercial could mean big things, but could mean pure humiliation. Arc One Finale.

Creator's Notes:
Acting is very important to me, and I've always had the idea to use it to develop a VS, and out came "Audition". This is a drama, which is stepping way out of my comfort zone, and I'm hopping people can enjoy it. Each sequence will consist of 2-3 arcs at 6-8 episodes each. So more episode descriptions coming soon! Fingers crossed you guys like it. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

THEME SONG: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwFUVJYA9_I

I decided that at the end of each episode this song would play. Like, this would be the "Fade Out" signal. Hopefully that makes since.

I want to write a show, where each character is focused, I wouldn't say equally, but are focused to their potential. Each main characters will have either one or more episode focused on their
dream. Alex and Alisha: Acting Paula: Becoming a successful agent. Michael's dream is basically showed in each episode. His dream is for his son to succeed. I hope that doesn't confuse anybody.

;D

[Kat Q]

I really like this, and I like it because you wouldn't normally pitch something like this on the VPN, because all you normally see is supernatural things -- not basic, normal dramas and dilemmas faced by the characters -- I really like Josh Hutcherson, he's a mervellous actor, and works well, and as for Alyson Stoner - I really like the idea, and how you haven't just planned it as one whole series, you're breaking it down, that would then give the reader a chance to feel the drama over a long time period.

I think you've got a good, honest story going on here xD.
Keep it up! Well done!

[Brady Brown]

Wow! Thanks, Kat! As I stated in the pitch, acting is my passion and I think that if I try really hard that I can make it into an entertaining VS. Thank you for liking Josh and Alyson in the cast. It means a lot. I appreciate your kind words, and your interest in the idea.
;D

[Kat Q]

Oh, Brady, you're so welcome! I honestly think it's going to go well -- and if you manage to turn it into an intriguing VS, I would be more than happy to read it! I really think you'll do very well.

[Verbal Vegetable]

Hey Brady! I don't know if we have ever really talked on the VPN... but... Hello! XD Anyways, I MAY not be into Drama, even for a second, however, I think your pitch is really wonderfully done. And what Kat said, not something you see every day on virtual scripts. I believe that that is going to be your money maker, if not the fact that acting is your dream. So giving the characters the right drive for this line of work is going to come naturally to you, and I am a hundred percent sure, will reflect in their actions and speech.

The other thing I enjoy, is that college students, tend to look like freshmen in highschool. That is a serious turn off for me, however, I feel your characters appear old enough to be in college, and so the actors chosen I have nothing to complain about. (Which is funny, because I complain A LOT) Great work on casting.

I think the only criticism I have is the title. It felt so... I don't know what the word is... no spice. But honestly, I think you can play with that a great deal. Some of my favorite movies have titles I just look at and go, you could have named it this, or that or something else. But I end up loving it because it becomes the shows/movie's identity. Simple or not, after reading through a few more times, Audition plays to this very simple fact that most of the people in movies and TV we love, started at a single audition. Once I put that into perspective, changing the name would be stupid. Audition is the basis for all people wanting to make something of themselves in Hollywood, and the simplicity of it really brings out the ingenuity of your pitch.

Stick to your strengths and your own determinations and I think you can make this a success. That is a POWERFUL tool you have on your side, so use it to your advantage, exploiting it whenever possible. I wish you the best Brady, not only with this script, but with your own ambitions. :3

[Brady Brown]

Apr 4, 2012 18:50:49 GMT -6 Verbal Vegetable said:

Hey Brady! I don't know if we have ever really talked on the VPN... but... Hello! XD Anyways, I MAY not be into Drama, even for a second, however, I think your pitch is really wonderfully done. And what Kat said, not something you see every day on virtual scripts. I believe that that is going to be your money maker, if not the fact that acting is your dream. So giving the characters the right drive for this line of work is going to come naturally to you, and I am a hundred percent sure, will reflect in their actions and speech.

The other thing I enjoy, is that college students, tend to look like freshmen in highschool. That is a serious turn off for me, however, I feel your characters appear old enough to be in college, and so the actors chosen I have nothing to complain about. (Which is funny, because I complain A LOT) Great work on casting.

I think the only criticism I have is the title. It felt so... I don't know what the word is... no spice. But honestly, I think you can play with that a great deal. Some of my favorite movies have titles I just look at and go, you could have named it this, or that or something else. But I end up loving it because it becomes the shows/movie's identity. Simple or not, after reading through a few more times, Audition plays to this very simple fact that most of the people in movies and TV we love, started at a single audition. Once I put that into perspective, changing the name would be stupid. Audition is the basis for all people wanting to make something of themselves in Hollywood, and the simplicity of it really brings out the ingenuity of your pitch.

Stick to your strengths and your own determinations and I think you can make this a success. That is a POWERFUL tool you have on your side, so use it to your advantage, exploiting it whenever possible. I wish you the best Brady, not only with this script, but with your own ambitions. :3

Wow! Thank you, Monica! This just made my day, maybe even week! I'm super excited you like the pitch, even though you're not into drama.

Thank you for enjoying the casting! I also don't like that most college students look like lower classmen high-school. Anyway, I'm glad you liked it!

I totally thought the same thing when I came up with the title! It all starts with one single audition. It can make or break you. Hopefully, some day it will make me! xD

All in all, thank you for your kind words! I hope I can make this something everyone will enjoy. If I'm successful with that, I'll be stoked!
;D

[Brady Brown]

All episode descriptions and icons for Arc One have been added to the pitch! Tell me what you think!

Thanks!

;D

[Brady Brown]

Just some promos I made for Audition. I know they're not the best. xD But I tried.

[Deleted]

From one perfectionist to another, don't be so hard on yourself they look GREAT!!!!!

[Brady Brown]

Apr 5, 2012 11:45:39 GMT -6 Darrin McCann said:

From one perfectionist to another, don't be so hard on yourself they look GREAT!!!!!

Haha! Thanks, Darrin!

;D

[Deleted]

Brady, great job on this pitch. I am a fan of the Webisode format and I really enjoy the concept. This is definitely something that I could get behind, so I cannot wait to see more of it. If you need any help let me know! Best of luck as you continue working on this project.

[Brady Brown]

Just to give everyone an UPDATE:

The first episode is currently being edited and to see if it would actually be entertaining. xD And I'm currently writing the second episode. I don't know when I'll finish it, but hopefully I will soon and then have it edited, and finally send it in to the admins!

;D

[Brady Brown]

I've completed both episodes, which are being beta-read at the moment. I need one more beta-reader to see if this could appeal and be entertaining. If anyone is interested, please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated if you guys would.

Thanks!

;D

[Brady Brown]

And, once again, Ladies & Gentlemen, I present you with the incredible, the amazing, the outstanding.... Graphics by Darrin!

Let your eyes enjoy, and hope you guys enjoy the rest of the pitch!

;D

[Brady Brown]

A new promotional image created by Darrin!!

[Brady Brown]

Both episodes have been added to the pitch above. The links can be found under the episode's icon. Would love to know what you guys think! Any feedback is much appreciated!

Thanks! ;D

[Jamison]

Review of 1.01 | "We Have Arrived"

I like the opening scene. We are introduced to Alex Beretta and discover he and his father are new to the city and are looking to get Alex an agent. I like the fact that Alex's father is so supportive of him, this early on. He's seems almost like the "cool uncle," type of character, even though he's Alex's dad. Throughout the pilot, he stays supportive, and there is a hint of that grief with the mention of his deceased wife. For me, I think this is one of the strongest characters so far.

Our two main characters, Alex and Alisha, I think work pretty well off one another. I think the tone of the show is good, but I would have enjoyed it more if it had more humor, like Entourage, but less raunchy and age-appropriate. But that's just me. I think with Paula being introduced at the end, it will get even more comical, because she has such a quirky, goofy personality.

Nothing particularly wrong with the stage directions and exposition, but some of the dialogue was a little... I don't want to say "plain," but a little underwhelming. The thing with webisodes is... dialogue is VERY important factor and it must stick out, because you only have about 10-12 pages a episode, and with such a short time, the dialogue works best when it's not too conversational and ordinary.

The main point I'd have to relay to you is to work on the identity of the characters, which will help with establish a unique tone for the show. A suggestions; Satire, I think, would work extremely well here

The story so far is solid. Overall, a very straightforward first episode. Going to be reading ep.2 soon!

[Jamison]

Review of 1.02 | "Hollywood Trouble"

I enjoyed episode 2 a lot more, which is strange because normally the second episode of a series is something to "dread" having to write and read. Not here though, all the characters established in the first episode felt stronger here, and more of their own. I like where the show is going, and I feel like there will be many breakthroughs, as well as disappointments in our young stars futures, because being an actor is a tough gig. The realism here is great

Also, the dialogue has improved loads! I should have read this episode before saying it fell flat in the pilot. I like it a lot more here, and thought the lines were delivered much better. As for Paula, I think I was right when I said it would get funnier with her being there full time! She's a blast, and I really felt for her when Michael wanted to get rid of her.

Again, an improvement from the first episode, which is always good. I'll be looking for more episodes like this!