7/31/2019 31st and Lex

1/27

31st and Lex

byMatt Klapper

&Dan Asulin

Matt Klapper2902 Bayview AvenueWantagh, NY, 11793(516)330-1442

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

2/27

INT. DINGY COMEDY CLUB - NIGHT

The comedy club is small and run down. A few older couplessit in the seats. Nobody says a word to each other as theysip their drinks. THE M.C. walks on stage. Hes an older manwearing an out of style, untailored, and uncoordinated suit.

THE M.C.How about that, comedy fans? Thatwas Walter Chambers everyone. Giveit up again.

A few scattered claps, but mostly silence.

THE M.C. (CONT'D)Our next comedian goes by the nameSEAN DAVENPORT. Hes kind of arookie, so cut him some slack,people. But without further ado,

heres SEAN.

Some scattered applause again as SEAN walks on stage. He isan above average looking mid-twenty year old. He is of slimbuild, clean cut, and dressed well, yet casually. He waves tothe crowd and grabs the microphone.

SEANHows everybody doing tonight?

Nobody responds.

SEAN (CONT'D)

So I walk into the post office theother day, and I see one of thosesigns that says no food or beverageallowed...

INT. DINGY COMEDY CLUB BAR - NIGHT

Sean is sitting at the bar, nursing a glass of straight vodkaand looking dejected. The bar is completely empty except forSEAN and the bartender, whos getting ready to close. TheM.C. approaches from the rear and takes a seat next to him.

THE M.C.Tough night, huh kid?

Sean doesnt respond, continuing focus on his vodka.

THE M.C. (CONT'D)Where you from? Midwest?

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

3/27

SEANLong Island.

THE M.C.Its tough in Manhattan, kid. When

I was your age, I was living out ofmy car. Now look at me.

The M.C. gestures towards himself and smiles. As he doesthis, he notices some dust on his shoulder and attempts tobrush it off.

THE M.C. (CONT'D)Look, tonight didnt go well.Nobodys going to tell you it did.

The M.C. puts his hand on Seans shoulder.

THE M.C. (CONT'D)But stick with it, youll getthere. And if not, dont be toohard on yourself. The big citysnot for everybody.

Sean downs his drink and pushes the empty glass away.

THE M.C. (CONT'D)Dont worry, this ones on me.

Sean stands up and reaches into his pocket.

SEANIts cool.

THE M.C.No really, I insist.

As the M.C. says this, he notices Sean pull his money clipout. Attached to the clip is a large stack of hundred dollarbills. Sean intentionally flips through them before slappingone down on the bar.

SEAN(To the bartender)

Keep the change.

Sean shoots the M.C. an expressionless look, leaving him witha look of shock and embarassment on his face.

INT. SEANS APARTMENT - VARIOUS ROOMS - DAY

MONTAGE

2.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

4/27

A buzzing alarm clock reads 7:30 AM as Sean hits the offbutton, still half asleep.

Sean is in the shower, shampooing his hair.

Sean is shaving in the mirror.

Sean opens the closet, revealing a selection of fine suits.

Sean tying his tie in the mirror. He takes in his image andlets out a soft sigh.

Sean fully dressed, takes a last once-over of his trendyapartment. Its minimalist with exposed brick and a cookiecutter furniture set. The walls are littered with vintageblack and white photographs of old New York. Standing aloneis an oversized and colored picture of George Carlin with asmall autograph in the corner. SEAN exits.

END MONTAGE

EXT. LEXINGTON AVE - DAY

Sean is making his way down a heavily populated LexingtonAvenue. He makes a brisk left from the sidewalk and into hisoffice.

INT. NEW AMSTERDAM REAL ESTATE OFFICE - DAY

Sean walks into the office, his focus on his iPhone.

DAN (O.S.)Hey Sean.

Sean looks up as Dan rises from his desk and begins clapping.In no time, the entire office is giving a standing ovation.Sean offers a half-hearted smile and nods his head.

EXT. 3RD AVENUE - DAY

Sean is exiting a deli with a giant shopping bag full ofsandwiches for the office. He pulls out his iPhone and dialsBRAD.

INTERCUT WITH:

3.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

5/27

INT. SLEAZY STRIP CLUB - DAY

Brad is in a private room in a strip club in the middle ofgetting a raunchy lap dance from an indifferent stripper

named AMBER. Brad is in his mid-20s, unshaven and wearing ahigh quality yet unpressed and haphazardly thrown togethersuit. He answers his phone as she continues.

BRADBrad. Go.

He winks at the stripper who rolls her eyes, continuing thedance.

SEANWas that for my benefit, or do youseriously answer your calls like

that?

BRADWhats going on man?

SEANJust wanted to know what you likeon your sandwich.

BRADYou closed?

SEAN

Nah, I just felt like buying 20plus paninis.

BRADHoly shit!

As Brad over-zealously yells this, he nearly drops Amber offof him. He offers an apologetic look, and pulls her back on,slipping a dollar into her g-string as she continues.

BRAD (CONT'D)That big condo yesterday? The onein Chelsea?

SEANPretty cool, right?

BRADDude, this isnt another MurrayHill rental. This is a condo sale.How much commission did you make?

4.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

6/27

SEANEnough.

(hearing loud music)What are you doing right now?

BRADIts noon. Im with a client. Whatelse would I be doing?

SEANIs that Pour Some Sugar On Me?

BRADScrew what Im doing. What are wedoing? Lets do drinks at theoffice to celebrate.

SEAN

I have an appointment a littlelater...but yeah, I could use adrink.

BRADAlright. So Ill see you in a bit?

Seans smile fades as he sees his ex-girlfriend OLIVIA and amale companion walking his way. Olivia is strikinglybeautiful and wearing a trendy outfit. Her companion is talland well built, also with runway good looks. Hes texting onhis phone as they walk.

SEANYeah...in a bit. Look, I gotta run.

Sean hangs up the phone.

BRADAlright man.

(turns to AMBER)Hey sweetheart, feel like coming toan office party?

AMBERUmm...no.

Amber gets up and walks away. Brad pulls a flask out of hisjacket and takes a last swig.

Sean puts his phone away and runs to the curb to hail a cab,desperately trying to avoid Olivia. No cabs are in sight.

SEANShit!

5.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

7/27

OLIVIASean?

Sean turns around and feigns enthusiasm.

SEANOlivia!

OLIVIAOh my god! This is crazy. How areyou? What are you doing over here?

SEANYou know. Picking up some lunch.

Sean holds up the oversized bag of sandwiches.

OLIVIA

I can see that.

SEANSo whats up? Playing hooky fromclass?

OLIVIAYou remember that I have class onTuesdays?

SEAN(embarrassedly)

Doesnt everyone have class on

Tuesdays?

Olivia awkwardly smiles.

OLIVIAOh, jeez. I forgot. SEAN, this ismy...this is BRENT.

SEANHey man, nice to meet you.

He holds out his hand. BRENT does not look up from his phone.

BRENTSup?

SEAN(to himself)

Nice.

OLIVIASo hows real estate going?

6.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

8/27

SEANIts great. Really great. Justclosed my first sale.

OLIVIA

Congratulations.

SEANYeah. Big condo in Chelsea. No bigdeal.

OLIVIAAwesome. And what about your comedystuff?

SEAN(hesitates)

Also great. Had a gig last night.

Totally killed it.

OLIVIASounds like things are really goingwell for you.

SEANYeah. Yeah they are. So why arentyou in class right now?

OLIVIAI actually dropped out of lawschool.

SEANWhat? Why?

OLIVIAIts not that I dont like it.

SEANThen what is it?

OLIVIAMy modeling career...its actuallyreally taking off, and I kind ofwant to ride it out.

As Olivia speaks, a bus pulls up behind her. On the side ofit is a scandalous fragrance ad for Sin cologne, featuringOlivia and BRENT. Brent is shirtless, and Olivia is scantilyclad. Their faces are close, about to kiss.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)Thats where I met Brent actually.

7.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

9/27

Brent still does not look up.

OLIVIA (CONT'D)We did a campaign together lastmonth for a cologne called-

SEANSin?

OLIVIAOh my god! Howd you know? Did yousee the ad?

SEANYeah. I thought I recognized hispecs.

Olivia smiles.

OLIVIA(sarcastic)

Ha ha.

BRENTOlivia, you going to talk to thisguy all day? I need a pack ofcloves before the shoot.

OLIVIAI gotta go, Sean. We shoulddefinitely catch up some time

though.

SEANYeah. It was good seeing you.

OLIVIAMaybe well get to see you performat the Garden soon.

Olivia and Brent walk away. As they leave, Brent gives Oliviaa smack on the ass. She giggles and puts her arm around hiswaist, leaving Sean looking despondent.

INT. NEW AMSTERDAM REAL ESTATE OFFICE - DAY

TRACEY is sitting at the front desk on the phone. Shes avery attractive, yet overly made up girl in her early 20s.She appears bored as she pays more attention to Facebook thanthe phone. SEAN enters the office, still looking disappointedfrom his encounter with Olivia. Traceys face lights up whenhe enters.

8.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

10/27

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

11/27

SEAN (CONT'D)Oh, Tracey, could you fax...

Sean looks at her monitor. A picture of a puppy in a pinkdress is succeeded by a photo of a scantily clad group of

girls, including Tracey, chugging liquor bottles and makingout in seductive poses. She clicks again to a close up of herface, completely intoxicated, make up smeared with acigarette hanging from her mouth.

SEAN (CONT'D)...wow.

He continues into the next room where Brad, MITCH, MATT, andDan amongst others are waiting for him. Mitch is tall andlanky, dressed professionally and neat but with a slightgeeky vibe. There are a few bottles of liquor sitting on thetable. Sean sets down the bag of sandwiches and smiles,

slightly detached.

SEAN (CONT'D)You guys know I have an appointmentlater, right?

MITCHSean, did I not tell you youd begood at this?

SEANYeah, like over a year ago.

Brad walks up and throws his arms around both of them.

BRADYou losers going to have a drink,or what?

SEANDude, you smell like a strip club.

BRADWhat? Were partying.

MITCHYou got here like ten minutes ago.We havent even opened the bottle.

SEAN(to Brad patronizingly)

Really?

10.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

12/27

BRADYou know what? I dont appreciateyour tone. Im getting a drink.

Brad walks away.

MITCHSo how do you feel, man?

SEAN(half-heartedly)

I feel great. Really great.

MITCHCome on. Show some enthusiasm. Thisis a huge deal.

SEAN

No Im happy. Really.

MITCHDude, Ive known you since 3rdgrade. Seriously, whats up?

SEAN...I saw her.

MITCHWhere?

SEAN

She was just walking down thestreet, right after I bought lunch,with some male model asshole. Ofcourse everythings going great forher: living her dream, on the sidesof buses.

MITCHOf course, sides of buses. Look,she broke your heart, thats it.Its over.

SEANYeah but it was half my fault. Idont know, I just cant helpfeeling like-

Sean is cut off by MITCHs Hava Nagilah ringtone. SEAN looksdisappointed, knowing that its Mitchs lame girlfriend,PAIGE calling. Mitch looks embarrassed.

11.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

13/27

MITCH...I have to answer.

SEANYou cant call her back?

MITCHShes not feeling well. She had 2spritzers with dinner last night.

SEANAre you a doctor?

MITCH5 minutes. Promise.

(picks up phone)Hello? Hey baby.

Mitch makes the 1 minute gesture to Sean, who gives him themiddle finger in return. Sean walks over to where the rest ofthe guys are sitting.

MATTSo Sean, whats up with the humanhappy hour over there?

SEANSomeone should put a leash on thatgirl.

BRAD

Really, man? Now I have to go homeand wack it.

Everyone laughs.

DANWouldnt be the first time today.

Everyone laughs again. BRAD nods in acceptance. JAMES entersfrom the corner office. He is the broker/owner of the firm inhis mid-50s, yet dresses much younger than he is.

JAMESWhats up, boys? We getting ourdrink on?

BRADWhats up, boss?

JAMESLets line up some shots for Seanthe closer over here!

12.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

14/27

SEANIll have one, but I still havework to do today.

JAMES

Oh, youre right. Gotta beprofessional. Right boys? I alwayssay that. But right now, weredoing a shot.

James starts to pour them out.

MATTLook, its LARSON.

They turn to the front of the office as Larson enters andconverses briefly with Tracey. He has a large and imposingpresence with classic good looks.

DANWhats he doing here in the middleof the day?

BRADIts like spotting a snow leopard.

Sean shoots Brad a quizzical look.

JAMESHey Larson! Come here.

Larson looks up from his conversation and heads toward them.

BRADHere, take this.

Brad shoves his drink into Dans hands and begins fixing hisclothes. Larson approaches them.

LARSONMid-day party?

JAMESLarson, you know Sean, right?

LARSONYeah, Ive seen him around.

Larson shakes Seans hand.

BRADHey Larson.

13.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

15/27

Larson looks at him for a moment, then resumes attention backto James and Sean. Brad looks completely disheartened.

JAMESSean closed a 2.1 million dollar

sale yesterday.

LARSONOh yeah? Congratulations. Howd youclose?

SEANThe Ben Franklin. They ate it up.

LARSONAh, using my material.

SEAN

Whatever works.

LARSONGlad someone listens at themeetings.

JAMESWait and see. Sean will give you arun for your money some day.

LARSONOh yeah? I hope so.

JAMESYou could use a little competition.

The phone on a nearby desk rings, indicating the officeintercom. James walks over and presses a button.

JAMES (CONT'D)Yes, Tracey?

TRACEY (O.S. AND FILTERED)Larson, theres a girl here foryou.

The guys all instantly jerk their heads toward the frontdesk. Theres an extremely attractive woman waving to Larson.

LARSONI guess thats me. Congrats again,Sean. Keep it up.

14.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

16/27

Larson pats Sean on the shoulder, nods to the rest of theguys and walks away, throwing his arm around the woman as heexits the office.

DAN

Wasnt that girl blonde last week?

MATTI think that was a different girl.

(turns to James)Is it true he made over a millionhis first year?

JAMESLarsons a regular guy. Youll getto know him.

SEAN

Yeah he seems cool.

JAMESSo whats the deal with thisappointment?

SEANLoft in Gramercy. Its not for awhile, but Im going to run to thecoffee shop to do some paperworkfirst. Ill see you boys later.

BRAD

Ill walk you out.

JAMESKnock em dead, Sean. Youre thefuture.

Sean and Brad walk towards the exit. As they reach the desk,Mitch walks up to them still on the phone.

MITCH(into the phone)

Baby, hold on a second.(to Sean)

Were you just talking to Larson?

SEANYeah. It was kind of cool.

MITCHNice.

(back to the phone)Baby...it...it was 2 seconds!

15.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

17/27

Mitch walks away again, continuing his phone call. Seanshakes his head and makes his way towards the door.

BRADSo you going to close this one too?

SEANA guys gotta eat, right?

BRADYoure making us all look bad.

SEANYeah? Go take another shot.

They both laugh and shake hands.

BRAD

Later, man.

Tracey calls to Sean from her desk.

TRACEYRemember to call me later, Sean.

SEANYeah, sure. Maybe.

Sean exits abruptly, avoiding a legitimate response.

BRAD

Hey, Trace, Im not busy later.

TRACEYRing ring!

(to Brad)I gotta take this.

Tracey picks up the phone and pretends to have aconversation. Brad finishes his drink in defeat.

EXT. CORNER OF 23RD STREET AND 3RD AVENUE - DAY

Sean is waiting on the corner, pacing. He looks over to anearby bus stop and sees Olivias Sin cologne ad again. Hechecks his watch and walks over to a newsstand.

SEAN(to cashier)

Pack of Marlboro Lights.

16.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

18/27

MELANIE approaches from behind him. She is of slender buildwith slightly pale skin and wearing a long, bohemian skirtand carrying a large crocheted bag.

MELANIE

Sean?

SEAN jumps and turns around, forgetting about his cigarettes.

SEANHey...Melanie, right? Hows itgoing?

MELANIEGood. I figured it was you when Isaw the suit.

SEAN

Good strategy. Except this isManhattan.

Sean and Melanie pause awkwardly.

SEAN (CONT'D)Im sorry. I shouldnt have saidthat.

MELANIENope, youre right. That was anawful strategy.

SEAN(laughs)

Im just having a rough day.

MELANIEGirl problems?

SEANAmong other things.

MELANIEIts always a girl. Were allbloodsuckers.

SEANI should have realized that yearsago.

MELANIENice guys never do.

17.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

19/27

SEANNice? Have you forgotten the wholesuit ordeal?

MELANIE

(smiles)Im over it.

Sean laughs, followed by an awkward silence. Melanie breaksit.

MELANIE (CONT'D)So...you ready to show me thisplace?

SEANLets go.

INT. VACANT LOFT - DAY

Sean and Melanie walk through the open space as Seanunenthusiastically gives his sales pitch.

SEANSo with a loft, you put up your ownwalls so its mostly about space,the kitchen, and the bathroom.

Sean notices her handmade bag.

SEAN (CONT'D)And the East Village is only a stopor two downtown on the 6 train.

Melanie reaches into her bag and pulls out a massiveprofessional grade camera and begins snapping pictures.

SEAN (CONT'D)Thats quite a camera you havethere. Usually people just takepictures with their phones.

MELANIEI actually just bought it a fewweeks ago after my old one broke.

SEANAre you into photography?

MELANIEI like taking pictures.

18.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

20/27

SEAN(laughing)

Well, I like photography. Iactually decorated my place with afew Berenice Abbotts.

MELANIENice name drop. Are you some kindof artist?

SEANNah, Im a real estate agent.

They both laugh.

SEAN (CONT'D)Actually, I guess Im a bit of awriter. I always wanted to be a

stand up comic.

MELANIEThats so cool. Do it!

Sean looks around the loft and sighs.

SEANMaybe one of these days.

Melanies phone rings.

MELANIE

Sorry.(she picks up her phone)

Hello? Oh yeah, thats fine. Illbe there in a few.

Melanie hangs up and turns to Sean.

MELANIE (CONT'D)Im sorry, Sean. I hate to admitit, but Im actually checking outanother place in a few minutes.

SEANIts cool. Just out of curiosity,where is it?

MELANIEIm meeting the guy right down theblock.

SEANPerfect. Ill walk you there.

19.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

21/27

MELANIEYou sure?

SEANYeah, its fine. We can talk more

on the way...you know, about theplace, or whatever.

MELANIEYeah, definitely.

EXT. MANHATTAN STREET - SUNSET

Melanie and Sean are walking down the street, talkinginaudibly. DAVID is standing on the corner waiting.

DAVID

Sean?

Sean sees David and attempts to hide his hatred.

SEANHey, David. Its been a while.

DAVIDSo were sharing clients again?

MELANIEYou two know each other?

DAVIDYeah. We used to work together.

Sean tries to hide a look of disgust with a forced smile.

DAVID (CONT'D)By the way, Melanie, I just spoketo the management company andtheyre going to knock the rentdown to $3200 a month. How much wasyour place, Sean?

SEAN35...

DAVIDThats a shame. I know youre on abudget, Mel.

MELANIEMelanie. Mels my grandfather.

20.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

22/27

David lets out a fake laugh.

DAVIDSo shes pretty and funny!

Sean rolls his eyes.

DAVID (CONT'D)Come on, lets go check it out.

MELANIEBye, Sean. It was cool talking toyou.

SEANYeah you too.

MELANIE

Ill let you know about the place?

SEANSure, sounds good.

DAVIDLater.

David and Melanie begin to walk away. As they do, David turnsaround to give Sean the middle finger behind Melaniesnotice. Sean shakes his head and mouths the word asshole.

INT. GINGER MAN PUB - NIGHT

Sean walks into the bar. He looks defeated and tired as hemakes his way to a table where he finds Brad, Mitch, andPaige. Paige is a petite girl with a mousy look. Mitch andPaige sit on one side of the table, close together,whispering in each others ears. Brad sits on the other side,staring daggers at them. Brad sees Sean.

BRADOh thank god!

Sean smiles then waves to Paige patronizingly.

SEANHi, Paige.

PAIGEHi, Sean.

Sean notices a white wine spritzer sitting in front of her.

21.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

23/27

SEANHow are you feeling?

PAIGEFine. Why?

SEANNevermind.

Sean sits down next to Brad.

MITCHHowd the appointment go?

SEANI dont know. She had anotherappointment with David after I lefther.

BRADThat tool from Alpha Manhattan?

SEANThat tool from Alpha Manhattan.

MITCHSo what? Youre a better salesmanthan him.

SEANTo be honest, I wasnt really into

it.

BRADWas she hot?

SEANYeah, she was actually.

MITCH(to Brad)

Dude, shut up.(to Sean)

Whats the problem, why werent youinto it? That was a solid referral.

SEANI dont know. I think seeing Oliviatoday just threw me off.

BRADWait, you saw Olivia?

22.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

24/27

SEANYep. And doing great, of course. Onthe sides of buses now.

Brad nods, understandingly.

PAIGESean, if you really love her, youshould call her. Tell her how youfeel.

BRADGreat idea, Dr. Phil.

SEANI have to agree with Brad.

MITCH

Sean, come outside for a minute.

PAIGEBaby!

MITCHFive minutes. Come on, Sean.

Sean and Mitch walk towards the door. Brad and Paige look ateach other awkwardly. Brad pulls out his flask and offers itto Paige.

EXT. GINGER MAN PUB - NIGHT

Sean and Mitch walk out of the bar and begin to converse.

MITCHSean, whats going on?

SEANNothing. I told you. This Oliviathings really bothering me. Ialmost smoked a cigarette today.

MITCHCome on, this isnt just aboutOlivia.

SEANI dont know...

MITCHDude, you know you can talk to me.

23.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

25/27

SEANOkay. Fine. I just made the deal ofmy life yesterday, the deal theyalways tell us well make some day.I should be on cloud 9, but Im

not. Im not happy.

MITCHWhy not?

SEANThis isnt what I want. Wearing asuit everyday, renting apartmentsto rich yuppies and spoiled collegekids. This isnt me.

MITCHThen who are you, Sean? What do you

want?

SEANYou know what I want. Its whatIve always wanted.

MITCHSean, thats a pipe dream. What youhave now is real. Its a career,and youre good at it. Better thanme. Definitely better than Brad.

SEAN

Well Im not satisfied. I shouldnthave to settle.

MITCH(angrily)

Settle? Yesterday you made moremoney than your father made in awhole year. One day youre going toown one of these buildings. Youregoing to be successful. TheAmerican dream.

SEAN

Maybe its not my American dream.

Sean walks away.

MITCHSean?!

24.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

26/27

SEANIll see you tomorrow.

INT. SEANS APARTMENT - NIGHT

Sean is sitting on his couch in his pajamas, expressionlesslywatching stand up comedy on TV. He picks up a notebooklabeled Stand Up off his coffee table and flips to a blankpage. He stares at the page for a few moments before throwingit across the room. His phone rings.

SEANHello?

MELANIE (O.S. AND FILTERED)Hey Sean, its Melanie. From theloft today.

SEANOh. Hey Melanie, hows it going?

MELANIEGood. This isnt a bad time, is it?

SEANNo. Not at all. Whats up?

MELANIEWell, I just wanted to let you knowthat I put the application down on

the place that David showed me.

SEANOh. Well, I wish you the best ofluck.

MELANIEThanks. I appreciate it.

SEANIm actually a little surprisedyoure calling me. Usually peoplejust stop returning my calls.

MELANIEI wanted to be courteous.

SEANThanks, I guess. So anyway, best ofluck to you.

25.

7/31/2019 31st and Lex

27/27

MELANIESean?

SEANYeah?

MELANIE...would you want to go for a drinksome time? Or a cup of coffee orsomething?

SEANUh, yeah. Yeah I would.

MELANIEGreat. Maybe this weekend?

SEAN

Yeah. Ill call you.

MELANIECool. Ill talk to you later then.

They both hang up. Sean leans back in the couch reflecting onwhat just happened. He looks to his Berenice Abbott photos onthe wall as a huge smile grows on his face.

FADE OUT.

26.