SLEEP
Character Breakdown

DEMETRIUS CALLAHAN:

Demetrius, White, (Early twenties), is an emotional and troubled young man living with his father (Mark Callahan) in a wealthy but empty household. Demetrius has always had a volatile relationship with his father, but their relationship has become more strained since the death of his mother a year ago. Demetrius has a hard shell when it comes to relationships with people, all except for his girlfriend Tori who he adores.

MARK CALLAHAN:

Mark Callahan, White, (late forties). A wealthy man who works for the government, he is in control of every thing in his life except for his son Demetrius. Mark is a no-nonsense disciplinarian and will go to any lengths to get what he wants. 

TARA KING:

Tara, White, (Early twenties), works as librarian because of her thirst for knowledge.  She always seems to be the center of attention, not just for her good looks but because she’s also has an advanced head of knowledge on her shoulders. This noticeably sets her apart from her friends and family. Her mother (Barbara -Jean King) has always encouraged her to use her intellect to better herself but Tara lacks drive.  Tara and her mother also live with her mum’s alcoholic boyfriend (Patrick O’Grady) and her 8 year old half brother (Aiden). Tara is Ryan’s girlfriend of three years.

RYAN KNIGHT:

Ryan, White, (Early twenties), is an aspiring book writer working a 9-5 in a video store.  He has worked there for 5 years it’s almost like his second home.  Ryan’s parents (Frank and Meryl Knight) are not very supportive of his aspiring career path.  Frank is a hard working 9-5 laborer.  Meryl is a home maker that relies on her husband’s income to survive.  Ryan’s has an older brother (Bryan) who works in construction.

ALEXANDER BISHOP:

Cheeky cockney Alex, Black, (Early twenties), is the son of former US General Radcliff Bishop. Born in the English capital of London, he was raised by his aunt up until the age of 18 and regularly visited his father at his U.S Naval base.  Going back and forth from the two countries Alex was exposed to a lot of different people and cultures.  From a very early age Alex would be taken on runs around the base in armored tanks and fly in helicopters.  He has had a fascination with mechanics ever since. Alex spends most of his time in his garage fixing and customising motorbikes. Alex’s main downfall is that he has a habit of taking on too much work at one time and he is extremely bad at managing his time.  Alex also has dyslexia which he hides from those closest to him. 

ELVIS “WHIZ” PENHOR: 

Elvis, Korean, (Early twenties), is a hyperactive internet geek and conspiracy theorist.  He seems to have a theory on every current political, religious and social affair.  From the parting of the red sea to alien surveillance of the White house.  Elvis is more comfortable on his PC than he is in the presence of a woman.  Named Elvis by his adopted parents (Simao & Betty Penhor) because of their obsession with the ‘King’, he was also given the name “Whiz” by his friends because of his obsession with computers.  

ISABELLA CASTILLO:

Isabella, Hispanic, (Early twenties), is a hard working up and coming fashion designer, she works part time in the local coffee shop. Isabella lives at home with her mother (Lola) who works as a maid, and her brother (Julio) who has just been released from prison. Isabella and her mother have a great relationship. 

THE ENGINEER:

The engineer (Late forties) is a mysterious man.  The slaughter of his family when he was a young boy left him angry and mentally scarred. He hides these emotions with many different faces.

FALCON:

Falcon (Early Thirties) is the head of the DURA and a master bounty hunter. A tall and built figure with a chiseled jaw, he is the right hand man to the PIA and a ruthless killer.  

SLEEP
PILOT EPISODE

EXT: FIELD-FOREST/DAWN (Black and White flashback pt 1)

A young boy is dashing through a field; his face is white with fear as beads of sweat stream from his face. He looks behind him to see a man in a grey suit hurriedly running after him. The suited man catches him and drags the boy kicking and screaming into the surrounding forest. As he drags the boy through a clearing in the forest there are a number of cars parked in a line. The boy looks up to see ten men in sharp suits stood with guns in their hands. The gunmen are threatening other men, women and children. The children are crying while the adults try to comfort them.             

CUT TO:   

INT: VIDEO STORE/NIGHT. (Present)	

The clock in the store reads 22:58; Mark Callahan is awoken from his daydream by the voice of Ryan Knight.

RYAN
Sir, Sir. Excuse me Sir!

MARK CALLAHAN
Huh?

RYAN
You need to pay for this
Now Sir, we’re about to close.

MARK CALLAHAN
Umm, yeah, sure. How much?

RYAN
That’ll be 3.50

As Mark Callahan reaches to find his wallet, Ryan signals a “crazy” sign to his colleague Justin who is over by the Horror section. Justin smiles and Mr. Callahan pays for the DVD

RYAN
Thank you Sir, please call again.

Mark Callahan slowly paces out of the store and Ryan shakes his head. Justin looks out of the window and sees something

JUSTIN
Hey man, Tara’s here.

Ryan takes a look out of the window and smiles, Ryan’s girlfriend Tara King parking outside. Ryan looks up at the clock which reads 23:00 and he hurries to close the store

CUT TO:
   
EXT: VIDEO STORE CARPARK/NIGHT

Mark Callahan walks back to his car, opens the door and sits down to gather his thoughts, then…. BANG! A man runs into the bonnet of his car. Mark looks at the man’s panicked face.  	

CUT TO:   

EXT: FOREST/DAWN (Black and White flashback pt 2)

The young boy is thrown onto the bonnet of one of the many cars parked in the clearing. He wriggles free from the suited mans clutches and runs to one of the adult males being threatened by the suited gunmen, he hugs him tight. The adult male takes a look at one of the gunmen who looks back at him with an expressionless and almost robotic look.

ADULT MALE
(Shouts)
 We just wanted to learn!

One of the car doors swing open, the cowering people watch in anticipation. A tall, grey haired man in a fitted suit steps out of the vehicle. The man slowly walks over to the people with an assured look on his face. He walks up and down the row of people examining them. 

SUITED MAN
(Lighting a cigar)
Some things just aren’t meant for you to learn.

The Grey haired man takes one last look at the men, women and children then walks back to his car. The young boy watches the man walk back to his vehicle…..THERE! He sees a young boy staring at him through the car window, the two boys lock eyes as the grey haired man gives the suited gunmen a signal to kill them all. The gunmen take aim at the people.

CUT TO:   

EXT: VIDEO STORE CARPARK/MARK CALLAHAN’S CAR/NIGHT (Present)

Mark Callahan is awoken by Justin closing the shutters down on the front door of the store. He looks at his watch which reads 23:05; he puts the key in the ignition and drives off. The man who bumped into Mark’s car is stood outside the Video store pleading with Justin.

DVD GUY
Oh come on man, it’s like five minutes past.

JUSTIN
Not my problem dude, we close at eleven.

DVD GUY
Give me a break man.

JUSTIN
You’re gonna have to come back tomorrow.

Ryan knocks on the window to get Justin’s attention

RYAN
Stop being an idiot and just hand me the damn DVD.

Justin looks at Ryan’s face for a second; he grabs the DVD from the guy’s hand and opens the door to give it to Ryan

DVD GUY
Thanks man.

The guy leaves, Tara steps out of her car and approaches the store

JUSTIN
Hey Tara.

TARA
Hi Justin.

Ryan walks out to greet her

RYAN
(Smiling)
Hey you.

TARA
(They kiss)
Hey yourself.

Justin mock vomits, Ryan hits him as they walk towards the car

TARA (CONT’D)
So how is work going?

RYAN
Yeah great, I can’t wait to be back tomorrow.

TARA
Not this work silly, the book.

JUSTIN
(Laughs)
Would that be the love story, the World War II Epic?
Or the children’s fantasy horror?

RYAN
Whatever man!

TARA
Mock all you want Justin but my baby is going to be a famous writer one day, then you’ll have to eat your words.

RYAN
Thanks babe.

JUSTIN
(Laughs)
When he becomes a famous writer, I’ll go on a diet.

They all get into the car

CUT TO: 
  
EXT: ALLEYWAY/NIGHT

Demetrius Callahan is running frantically down a dark, wet alleyway. He looks behind him, nobody there, and then the tall dark figure of FALCON appears. FALCON gives chase but he is losing Demetrius with every step. Demetrius sees FALCON and runs into an abandoned warehouse. He leans up against the wall for a second to catch his breath. Then he is off again, FALCON looks on as Demetrius runs into the distance. FALCON looks at his watch which reads 23:23, he stops running and smiles.

CUT TO: 
  
INT: WIHZ’S BEDROOM/NIGHT

Whiz is sat at his PC tapping away at the keys, his bedroom is organised chaos. There are papers and junk everywhere, various newspaper cuttings hang from the walls of his room. He hears the voice of Whiz's mother Betty Penhor.

BETTY
(VO)
Elvis, Elvis. Elvis where are you?

Whiz looks up and sighs

WHIZ
What do you want?

No answer

WHIZ
Mom..?

BETTY
(Screams)
ELVIS!!!

Whiz jumps up and runs upstairs to his mother’s bedroom; she is sat in her room on a huge black suitcase. Her bedroom is a shrine to the late, great Elvis Presley

BETTY
You took your time. What were you doing?

WHIZ
Nothing mom, what is it?

BETTY
I need you to help me close this.

Whiz walks over to the suitcase and zips it shut, he looks at his mother and walks out

BETTY
And where are you going?

WHIZ
(Hostile)
Downstairs!

BETTY 
You expect me to carry this heavy case on my own?

Whiz gives her a dirty look and takes the case. He carries it downstairs with his mother watching on. As he gets downstairs he sees that his front door is open. Tara and Ryan are walking up the driveway. Whiz places the suitcase at the bottom of the stairs as Ryan and Tara enter

RYAN
Hey, Whiz kid.

WHIZ
Hey Ryan. 

A cab driver walks in and collects the suitcase from the bottom of the stairs. He has a magazine in his hand

WHIZ (CONT’D)
Have you finished with that?

CAB DRIVER
(Hands over the magazine)
Yeah sure, knock yourself out.

WHIZ
Thanks.

Outside Whiz's dad Simon Penhor is helping the cab driver with the luggage, he is dressed as Elvis

RYAN
Another Elvis convention, don't they get bored?

WHIZ
I don't care, as long as my mom is out of the house.

Betty Penhor walks down the stairs stone faced

TARA
Hi Mrs. Penhor 

BETTY
Planning a party are we Elvis?

WHIZ
Mom it's just Tara and Ryan.

She gives them all a cold look and walks out the door. Whiz, Tara and Ryan follow Betty outside

SIMON PENHOR
(Smiling)
Bye son.

WHIZ
See ya dad. 

Betty and Simon Penhor get into the cab; the car pulls out of the driveway and off down the street 

CUT TO:   

EXT: STREET/FRONT YARD/DAY (Black and White flashback)

A Black van drives down a typical suburban road and comes to a stop outside a house. There is a young boy playing in his driveway, his father comes out of the house to play with him....Five suited individuals jump out of the van and grab the young boy and his father from their front yard. The two of them put up a fight but are over powered and thrown into the back of the van. 									

CUT TO: 
  
INT: TARA'S HOUSE/NIGHT (Present)

Tara's mother, Barbara-Jean King is sat on her sofa watching TV. She hears banging outside; she goes to look out of the window. There is drunken man stumbling around outside, Patrick o' Grady. She sighs and goes back to sit on the sofa. Patrick bursts through the front door, gives her a look and goes into the kitchen. He comes back out seconds later.

BARBARA
Drunk again are we? There's a surprise

He looks at her and sits on a chair

BARBARA (CONT'D)
You could have at least kept the noise down
Aiden is sleeping

PATRICK
Well if he wakes up he can go back to sleep, can't he?

Silence

BARBARA
We need money for food

Patrick looks at her

BARBARA
I don't get paid until next week

Silence, he takes off his boots

BARBARA (CONT'D)
So?

No answer again, Barbara gives him a dirty look

PATRICK
Woman don't you look at me like that

BARBARA
You're just a sad drunk, you know that?

PATRICK
(Getting up)
There we go again, always on your high horse.
Can't let a man have his guilty pleasures.

BARBARA
Not when it leaves us with no money Patrick.

PATRICK
Well it's not my fault that you spend 
your money on god knows what.

BARBARA
If food and rent is "god knows what" Patrick,
 then yeah. I spend money on "god knows what"

Aiden walks in

AIDEN
Can you guys stop shouting, I'm trying to sleep

BARBARA
(Spiteful)
You see, you see what you've done?
I'm sorry Aiden but you father is drunk. Again!

PATRICK
Go back to bed son, we'll keep it down

Aiden walks out and Patrick and Barbara just stare at each other   

CUT TO:

INT: HOUSE/NIGHT (Black and White flashback)

Four suited men walk quietly through a house; they go up stairs and open two of the bedroom doors. Two of the men grab a young girl asleep in her bed. She wakes up and screams but one of the men puts his hand over her mouth. The girls’ mother stirs in the next room, she is also taken from her bed by the men, she puts up a struggle but they are too strong for her. 					

CUT TO:   

INT: WHIZ'S BEDROOM/NIGHT (Present)

Whiz's clock reads 23:30. Whiz, Ryan and Tara are all relaxing, Whiz's is at his computer as usual and Tara and Ryan are sat on his sofa. Tara and Ryan sit and watch whiz tapping away.

RYAN
Whiz kid.

No answer

RYAN (CONT'D)
Dude....Whiz....ELVIS!!

Whiz spins around and gives Ryan a dirty look

WHIZ
Ryan how many times have I told not to call me that?

Ryan and Tara smile

WHIZ (CONT'D)
Only my mom calls me that!

RYAN
I know man, but it's so funny.

Whiz spins back around

RYAN (CONT’D)
So what's so important over there anyway?

He spins back to face Ryan and Tara

WHIZ
Stray dogs.

Tara and Ryan look at one another

TARA
Stray dogs?

RYAN
What about em?

WHIZ
Well...There is a rumour going around that they are part of a new government spy program.

TARA
Stray dogs?

WHIZ
Yes, that’s the thing. You don't suspect them.

TARA
So stray dogs are the new James Bond?

Whiz shrugs
RYAN
(Smiles)
So that's why that Rotweiler was driving the new Aston Martin.

WHIZ
I'm serious man; they control stray dogs with high pitched 
Sounds that we can't hear and they install a micro-camera under their fur.

TARA
(Laughing)
Whiz, where do you get this stuff?

WHIZ
Conspiracy.com

TARA
Consiparcy.com? 

She looks around the room at the cut outs hanging from the walls

TARA (CONT'D)
And I suppose you get all this stuff from conspiracy.com too?
Things like this.

Tara picks up one of the many magazines from his bed and reads

TARA
The Conspirer, that’s original.

WHIZ
That's a good magazine.

TARA
Really? Well let’s read and see shall we.

She flicks through and stops

TARA (CONT'D)
“The secret society”, are we being run by Poly...
Poly...Phasic...Polyphasians...Whiz, Seriously, what is this? 

Whiz snatches the magazine from her hands

WHIZ
Well I can see that you're not a believer.

RYAN
(Laughing)
Next you'll be telling us that they use "mind control".

WHIZ
(Reading the magazine)
Whatever man. When I infiltrate their society you'll know.

TARA
You? Are gonna infiltrate the “secret society”?

WHIZ
Uh huh, you'll see.

CUT TO:   

INT: ALEX'S GARAGE/NIGHT

Alexander Bishop is soldering away on one of the many motorbikes that litter has garage. His music is loud, a "Hells Angel” type guy walks up behind him and whacks him on the back of his head. Alex is startled and gets up to see the guy, his face drops. 

ALEX
Hey man, you alright?

BIKER GUY
Cut the chit chat, where's my bike?

ALEX
Errrrmmm.....

The biker guy grabs Alex by the collar

ALEX
Whoa whoa whoa, ok no need to get physical mate.

BIKER GUY
I said...Where is my bike?

ALEX
Ok ok, here's the thing...
You are gonna laugh when you hear this one... I mean the thing was a piece of junk anyway

The guy forces Alex back

ALEX (CONT'D)
I gave it to a friend of mine to fix.
BIKER GUY
What!!

ALEX
But he'll have it ready for you soon mate, promise

BIKER GUY
I told you to fix it
This is not the first time you’re late on my bike and I’m getting really impatient.

ALEX
I know, but I'm really busy at the mo.
I couldn't fit it all in, I couldn't find the time.

Two more biker guys walk into the garage, Alex gets scared

ALEX (CONT'D)
Guys... Look, give me a week.

BIKER GUY
You've got three days.

He pushes Alex in the chest and he and his friends walk out,
Alex looks at his watch and runs out 
 
CUT TO:   

INT: WHIZ’S BEDROOM/NIGHT

Whiz, Ryan and Tara are still all in Whiz’s room relaxing.

TARA
Ok, enough about your secret society Whiz kid. Are we going to this party or what?

RYAN
Yeah man, it’s Saturday night. The last thing we should be doing is sitting around talking crazy talk.

WHIZ
Have you spoken to Alex?

RYAN
Yup, he said he’ll meet us there.

WHIZ
Isabella?

TARA
She said she doesn’t know.

WHIZ
Ok then, what’s the time?

RYAN
(Looks at the clock)
Eleven forty five. 

WHIZ
(Reluctant)
Let’s get going then guys.

They all get up and leave Whiz’s bedroom 

CUT TO:   

EXT: ROAD-CALLAHAN MANSION/NIGHT

Mark Callahan is driving down a dark road, his car pulls up to some large Black gates. The gates open up onto a large gravel driveway in front of a huge mansion. He parks his car and gets out. Mark walks toward the gigantic house as the car lights flash to indicate his car is locked. He walks up the stairs to a set of huge double doors. There is a device on the door which he slides his index finger into. The doors open on to a huge foyer with a winding staircase. 							

CUT TO:   

EXT: STREET-HOUSE PARTY/NIGHT

Alexander Bishop is cruising down the street on his motorbike. He looks around and sees the rundown part of town in which he and his friends live in. It’s almost ghostlike. As Alex turns down another road there are some people partying on the front lawn of a house. Alex pulls up and gets off of his bike. He smiles at the amount of girls there are and heads inside. 					
CUT TO:   

INT: DEMETRIUS’ BEDROOM/NIGHT

Loud rock music blasts from Demetrius’ speakers; he is sat on the edge of his bed staring at his desk. There is a bottle of pills on his desk but we can’t see the label. Next to the pills is a bottle of whisky. He walks over to the desk and picks up the bottle of pills and the whisky, Demetrius takes a swig from the whisky bottle. 									

CUT TO:   

INT: HOUSE PARTY/NIGHT

The party is in full swing, beer cans and half naked bodies litter the whole house. Music blasts as Alex carves his way through the mass of people on the dance floor. He sees Tara, Ryan and Whiz. Whiz doesn’t look impressed.

ALEX
Bloody hell, it’s a mad house isn’t it?

He looks at Whiz

ALEX (CONT’D)
Cheer up mate; it might never happen….What’s his problem?

RYAN
You know Whiz, he’s not happy unless he’s in front of his computer screen.

WHIZ
Hey I’m not invisible you know.

Alex and Ryan smile at each other

TARA
Well at least have a drink Whiz.

Alex sees some beers on a table and grabs them

ALEX
There you go whiz kid, now get drunk…. Where’s Isabella?

TARA
She said she’ll try and make it.

ALEX
Oh man, I wanted to get her drunk tonight and have my wicked way with her.

RYAN
(Laughs)
In your dreams man.

TARA
So how’s the bike?

ALEX
What?

TARA
How’s the bike?

ALEX
Excuse me?

Alex gives her a knowing look

TARA
Sorry, how’s Chantelle?
 
ALEX
(Smiles)
Chantelle is just fine, purring like a lioness.

WHIZ
What kind of guy names his bike Chantelle anyway?

ALEX
Maybe the same type of guy who believes that aliens run the white house?

WHIZ
They do run the white house, you just don’t know about it.

ALEX
Keep talking like that and I’ll call the men in white coats for you.

From across the room Ryan, Tara, Alex and whiz are being watched by someone. Tara feels something and looks over, there is a young boy staring at her. She is the only one that has noticed him; Tara starts to walk towards him. She makes her way through the crowd only to find that the boy has disappeared. Ryan runs over to Tara 

RYAN
(Grabs Tara’s waist)
Where do you think your going?

TARA
There was a boy here.

RYAN
So you’re looking at other boys now are you?

TARA
(Smiles)
No silly.

RYAN
Are you trying to make me jealous?

TARA
Why, are you?
RYAN
Me? Ryan Knight. Jealous? Well maybe a little.

Tara smiles and kisses him; she takes one last look around for the young boy

CUT TO:
  
INT: HOUSE/DAY (Slow motion Black and White flashback)

The young boy who Tara saw at the party is sitting in a living room surrounded by adults. There is a man talking to them all. His movements are exaggerated, almost as if he is giving a speech. The people watch intently, the man makes eye contact with the young boy and gives him a wink. The young boy smiles and winks back, suddenly a woman bursts into the room and shouts at them all. The man giving the speech scoops the young boy into his arms and everybody rushes out of the house. 		

CUT TO:   

INT: MEETING ROOM/VENICE/NIGHT (Present) 

In a dark and secluded room five PIA members sit at a table discussing the death of one of their council members.

PIA MEMBER 1
So who is it gonna be? Callahan or Rivers?

PIA MEMBER 4
We have to decide quickly

PIA MEMBER 3
Who would Gresham have chosen?

PIA MEMBER 1
We all know he would have chosen Callahan.

PIA MEMBER 2
Well Callahan it is then.

PIA MEMBER 4
Not so hasty now, just because Gresham would’ve chosen him doesn’t mean we should.

PIA MEMBER 2
Yes but….

PIA member 5 is sat at the table saying nothing but he is clearly troubled by the conversation

PIA MEMBER 3
Well don’t you think we should honour him?

PIA MEMBER 2
We should honour him with the best possible choice.

PIA MEMBER 4
Rivers is loyal, plus he doesn’t have any wayward children.

PIA MEMBER 2
He does have a point.

PIA MEMBER 3
That boy of his could be a problem.

PIA MEMBER 1
Demetrius is fine; he just needs to be reined in a little is all.

PIA MEMBER 4
Reined in? Callahan needs to tame him, he is too emotional.

PIA MEMBER 2
And emotions serve no purpose so close to sanctuary.

PIA MEMBER 3
But how strong is Rivers’ mind?

PIA MEMBER 1
Is it as strong as Callahan’s?

They all look at each other, PIA member 3 turns to PIA member 5 who has been sat there quietly

PIA MEMBER 3
What do you think brother?

PIA MEMBER 5
Gresham’s body isn’t even cold yet and here you all are discussing who’s going to replace him. Did he mean nothing to you all?

PIA MEMBER 1
Brother. I know he has just left us but this is the way it’s always been. If we don’t replace one of the minds as quickly as possible, then we are vulnerable.

PIA MEMBER 3
The prophecy clearly states that if one of the PIA……

PIA MEMBER 5
Yes yes, I do not need to be reminded of the prophecy. We all know it word for word.
PIA MEMBER 4
Then you know what must be done.

PIA MEMBER 5
Of course I know, it’s just…….

PIA MEMBER 1
It’s just what? We all know what must be done, so we are doing it. Is there a problem?

They all look at him

PIA MEMBER 5
No. No problem.

PIA MEMBER 1
Then are we all in agreement? Callahan

PIA MEMBER 2
Who will let him know?

PIA MEMBER 4
I will.

PIA MEMBER 3
Well that’s meeting adjourned brothers.

PIA MEMBER 1
The mind sync will be held in Prague in two days time. 

CUT TO:   

INT: CALLAHAN MANSION/NIGHT

Mark Callahan is making his way down the hallway to his bedroom. His maid Lola Castillo has finished for the night and is on her way out.
 
MARK
(In Spanish)
Hi Lola

LOLA
(In Spanish)
Hey Mr Callahan

MARK
(In Spanish)
Is everything ok?

   LOLA
(In Spanish)
Yes, I’m on my way home now

MARK
(In Spanish)
Ok, get home safely

LOLA
Ciao 

Lola goes. Mark hears loud music coming from down the hallway; he makes his way to Demetrius’ room and knocks on the door. A greasy haired Demetrius opens the door and just stares at his father 

MARK
Demetrius, turn the music down

DEMETRIUS
Ok!

Mark shakes his head

MARK
Do you take no pride in your appearance? Look at you; you look like a homeless Monophasian.

DEMETRIUS
(Pause)
Is that all you have to say?

MARK
(Stern)
You know you have to be asleep soon, so turn the music off and prepare for sleep!

Mark looks at his watch which reads 23:53

DEMETRIUS
Whatever!

Demetrius slams the door in Marks face; Mark grits his teeth and walks down the hallway to his room 

CUT TO:   

INT: DEMETRIUS’ ROOM/NIGHT

Demetrius goes over to the desk where his whisky and pills are. He picks them both up and looks in the mirror again; he places some pills in the palm of his hand. Demetrius shoves the pills in his mouth then downs some whisky and smiles to himself. 
CUT TO:   

INT: HOUSE PARTY/NIGHT

Whiz is sat alone on a sofa while everyone is having a good time. A girl comes and sits with him and whiz tenses up.

GIRL
Hi.

WHIZ
(Nervous)
Hi.

GIRL
You wanna dance?

WHIZ
(Shakes his head)
Ummm... Sorry, I don’t dance.

GIRL
(Laughs)
Come on, everyone can dance.

WHIZ
You haven’t seen me!

She takes his hand

GIRL
Come on I’ll teach you.

Whiz drags his hand back

WHIZ
NO! I’m ok.

The girl is surprised by his reaction

GIRL
Ok, whatever.

She walks away and whiz looks over to the dance floor to see Alex dancing with a pretty girl 

CUT TO:   

EXT: HOUSE PARTY/NIGHT

Ryan and Tara are outside in the garden away from Whiz and Alex. Tara is looking around for the young boy she saw earlier.
RYAN
What’s up with you? You are acting weird.

TARA
Huh? Oh nothing.

RYAN
Yeah right! I know when something is wrong with you. What is it?

TARA
I just thought I saw someone that’s all.

RYAN
This boy?

TARA
Yeah!

RYAN
Ok. What did he look like?

TARA
He had dark hair…

RYAN
And?

TARA
He looked lost.

RYAN
He looked lost?

TARA
Yeah! I mean his mom wasn’t around.

RYAN
(Laughs)
Hold on. What are you saying? That it was a kid?

TARA
Yeah.

RYAN
I haven’t seen a kid at this party. What would a kid be doing here anyway?

TARA
(Frustrated)
I don’t know Ryan.

RYAN
Ok babe, if I see a little kid running around I’ll let you know.

TARA
(Sighs)
Ok

RYAN
Why is it bothering you so much anyway?

TARA
I don’t know, he just…….I don’t know

She looks around again 

CUT TO:   

EXT: VENICE-SACRED BUILDING/EARLY MORNING

The PIA council members are leaving the meeting place. There are gondolas waiting for the gentlemen outside. 

PIA MEMBER 4
Two days

PIA MEMBER 2
Two days

PIA MEMBER 4
I shall inform Callahan as soon as possible

The PIA members get into their gondolas and go their separate ways

CUT TO: 
  
INT: CASTILLO HOUSE/NIGHT

Lola Castillo steps into her house and breathes a sigh of relief. She makes her way into her living room where there are clothes everywhere. She looks at all the clothes and shakes her head.

LOLA
(Shouts)
Isabella…Isabella.

Isabella steps into the room with a beautiful dress on

ISABELLA
Yes mama.

LOLA
What is all this mess? Come, Clean it up you can’t live like this 

Ignoring her Isabella spins around in her dress

ISABELLA
Mama, what do you think of my new dress?

Lola isn’t paying any attention as she is trying to organise the room

ISABELLA
Mama...Mama? Do you like my dress?

Lola looks up and is impressed

LOLA
It’s beautiful, your father would be so proud of you. But he wouldn’t be proud of the way you keep this place. Look, it’s a pigs sty.

ISABELLA
Sorry mama.

She starts to help her mother with the clothes

LOLA
Is Julio here?

ISABELLA
(Sighs)
No mama.

LOLA
He should be here by now.

ISABELLA
I know mama, he’ll come.

They share a look

ISABELLA (CONT’D)
He’s probably gone to see his friends

LOLA
What friends? He has no friends. The same people who left him when he needed them most?

ISABELLA
Mama you can’t blame his friends for what he done.

LOLA
Of course I can, Julio was a good boy before he met Hector. Now what has he become? No more than a common crook.

ISABELLA
He is trying to turn his life around now mama.

LOLA
I’ll believe it when I see it. 

CUT TO:   

INT: HECTOR’S HOUSE/NIGHT

Julio, Hector and friends are sat in the living room laughing and joking, Hip-hop music blasts from the speakers. Hector hands Julio a beer.

HECTOR
I’m just glad you’re back home man.

JULIO
It’s good to be home.

HECTOR
So how was it?

JULIO
It was alright.

HECTOR
Nobody messed with you did they?

JULIO
Nah, it was cool.

JOSE
Of course he was alright, He’s not a punk. Your not a punk are you Julio...Huh?

JULIO
(Laughing)
No. I aint no punk.

They all laugh

JOSE
You see? My boy knows how to handle himself.

HECTOR
So what did you do in there?

   JULIO
What do you mean, what did I do? I did my time.

HECTOR
No, I mean how did you pass the time? Did you read? Pump iron? What?

JULIO
I read a lot.

HECTOR
Yeah? Who’d you talk to?

JULIO
There were some guys in there that I’d have lunch with, but nobody really.

Hector gives Julio an intimidating look  

HECTOR
You didn’t talk did you?

Silence

HECTOR (CONT’D)
Did you?

JULIO
Talk about what?

HECTOR
You know what I mean.

JULIO
To who Hector? Who would I have talked to?

HECTOR
I don’t know! There are a lot guys in prison, a lot of guys you could’ve told.

JOSE
Hector stop trippin’ man, you know Julio aint no snitch.

JULIO
(Angry)
I just did nine months for you and you’re gonna ask me if I snitched.

They share a stare 
HECTOR
Well I had to ask.

JULIO
Whatever man.

Julio gets up

JULIO (CONT’D)
I gotta go.

JOSE
Hey man you just got here.

JULIO
Isabella’s waiting for me.

JOSE
(Laughing)
Man, I wish your sister was at home waiting for me too.

JULIO
What did you say?

JOSE
Hey man I was only joking you know?

Looks at Hector

JULIO
Do I look like I’m laughing...?

Julio shakes his head and leaves 

CUT TO:   

INT: CALLAHAN MANSION/NIGHT

The clock in Mark Callahan’s room reads 04:30. Mark awakes from his sleep and looks at his mobile phone. The Phone rings and he answers it.

MARK
Hello brother. . .  Gresham? So what does this mean? What will I need to do?  Prague ok. . .  Two days time. 

CUT TO:   

INT: HOUSE PARTY/NIGHT

The party has died down and people are starting to leave. Whiz is asleep on the chair, Alex is talking to a young lady in a dark corner and Tara and Ryan are snuggled up on the floor.

ALEX
I’ll give you a call soon ok?

YOUNG LADY
Ok.

ALEX
Alright sweetheart.

The girl walks away. Alex waves to get Tara and Ryan’s attention. They acknowledge him as he makes his way over to Whiz. He grabs two empty beer cans and smashes them together. Whiz jumps up

WHIZ
What the hell... ALEX!

Alex is laughing

WHIZ (CONT’D)
That’s not funny man.

Tara and Ryan laugh too

RYAN
Come on guys, let’s go.

WHIZ
You don’t have to tell me twice.

ALEX
Didn’t you enjoy yourself whiz kid?

WHIZ
Yeah I had a great time.

ALEX
You need to learn to relax mate, you’re always so tense. What you need is a girlfriend.

WHIZ
I’m not tense, and I don’t need a girlfriend. I’m fine. 

ALEX
Whatever you say mate, but if you ask me, what you need is some…

WHIZ
I’M FINE!

TARA
Guys, can we just go?

They all turn and leave. The friends are being watched again and Tara turns around to see who it is but no one is there 

CUT TO:   

EXT: HOUSE PARTY/FRONT LAWN/NIGHT

ALEX
So who’s riding with me? Whiz?

WHIZ
Do I look like I have a death wish?

ALEX
(Laughs)
I’m not gonna kill ya; you might lose a few limbs if we have a crash but you won’t die.

WHIZ
Very funny, I’ll take my chances in the car thank you.

RYAN
Go on whiz take a ride, you might like it. I’ve still gotta take Tara home and you live closer to Alex.

Whiz looks at the motor bike then looks at the car

WHIZ
I don’t know guys.

TARA
Go on Whiz, live a little.

Whiz shakes his head

WHIZ
Okay!

ALEX
That’s more like it whiz kid.

WHIZ
But you better be careful, no crazy stunts.

ALEX
Me? Crazy stunts? I wouldn’t dream of it mate

Gives Tara and Ryan a wink

TARA
See ya guys.

Tara and Ryan get into the car

WHIZ
So where are the helmets?

ALEX
Helmets are for pansies. 

WHIZ
What the hell is a pansy?

ALEX
Something that you aren’t, so hop on.

They get on and Alex starts the engine. Whiz grabs Alex around the waste

ALEX (CONT’D)
Oh hello, I never knew you cared Whiz.

WHIZ
Shut up and drive.

ALEX
(Laughs)
If you say so.

He screeches off 

CUT TO:   

INT: CASTILLO HOUSE/NIGHT

Julio sneaks through the front door trying his hardest not to make a sound. He bumps into a table and listens to see if anyone has woken up. He continues up the stairs and comes to a door which he opens slowly. Asleep in her bed is Isabella, he walks in and closes the door. Julio sits on her bed and watches her for awhile.

JULIO
Psssssst...Pssssst. Izzy, hey wake up.

Isabella stirs 

JULIO (CONT’D)
Hey sleepy head.

Isabella opens her eyes

ISABELLA
(Hugging him)
Julio!

JULIO
Shhhhh. Hey sis.

ISABELLA
Oh my god, where have you been? 

JULIO
I had some stuff to do.

ISABELLA
Mom is so angry with you. 
She thought you were coming straight home.

JULIO
Is she here?
 
ISABELLA
She’s sleeping. She hasn’t gone to work yet.

JULIO
I was hoping I would’ve missed her.

ISABELLA
She was gonna cook a big meal and everything.

JULIO
How have you been?

ISABELLA
(Smiling)
I’ve been good, missing you though.

JULIO
You still trying to be a fashion designer?

ISABELLA
Trying? Excuse me. My first fashion show is next month.

JULIO
(Impressed)
Okay.

ISABELLA
Julio I don’t want you to leave again.

JULIO
Izzy, I not going anywhere.

ISABELLA
I mean it, you need to stop!

JULIO
Stop what?

ISABELLA
Julio you know what I mean. Hanging with Hector and the rest of those idiots just gets you into trouble.

JULIO
Izzy, I’m smarter now. I’m not going back to jail.

ISABELLA
(Smiles)
You better not.

JULIO
(Smiles)
Are you threatening me now little sister, Huh?

ISABELLA
That’s right.

JULIO
And when did you get so brave? I’ll still put you in a head lock like I used to.

ISABELLA
I’d like to see you try

Julio laughs

CUT TO:   

EXT: ROAD/NIGHT

Alex and Whiz are speeding down an open road. Whiz closes his eyes and holds tight to Alex.

WHIZ
Could you please slow down!

ALEX
Slowing down is for pansies. 

WHIZ
Come on Alex, I’m serious.

Alex laughs

WHIZ
PLEASE!

ALEX
A little speed never hurt anybody.

Alex makes a turn and pulls up outside Whiz’s house

ALEX (CONT’D)
There we go my friend, home in one piece.

Whiz steps off the bike

That’ll be $10 please.

Whiz gives Alex a cold stare and walks inside, Alex laughs and screeches off into the night 

CUT TO:   

INT: TARA’S HOUSE/NIGHT

Tara steps into her house and walks into the living room. Patrick is passed out on the sofa, she walks passed him and you can see the disgust in her face. Tara steps on a squeaky floorboard and Patrick wakes up. The two of them stare at each other for a while.

PATRICK
And what are you looking at?

Silence

PATRICK CONT’D
I said what are you looking at?

TARA
Nothing!

PATRICK
Where’s your little boyfriend huh?
He not coming back tonight

TARA
That’s none of your business.

PATRICK
You keep on like that and you’ll be pregnant soon enough.

TARA
Whatever!
PATRICK
Just like your mother was.
She really got herself a reputation after having you so young. 
People would call her all kinds of names.

TARA
You’re pathetic.

PATRICK
(Laughs)
Yes I am.

TARA
I don’t know what my mom sees in you.

PATRICK
Your mom loves me because she doesn’t know any better.
She’s as stupid as they come.

TARA
If she’s so stupid, why the hell are you still here?

PATRICK
(Laughing)
Honey I know which side my bread is buttered on.
Who else is gonna cook and clean for me?
I’m not a moron; I got a roof over my head and beer in the fridge.

TARA
You’re a bitter and twisted old drunk.

PATRICK
Yes I am, but somebody loves me.
Who loves you huh? Your boyfriend? Your dead daddy?

TARA
Don’t you dare talk about my father, you know nothing about him.

PATRICK
I know he ran out and left your mom before he died.
What kind of daddy is that huh?

TARA
What kind of father are you to Aiden? 
He deserves better than you.

PATRICK
Maybe, but I’m all he’s got.

TARA
I’ve been more of a role model to him than you ever have
PATRICK
Just because you’ve read a couple more books than I have, doesn’t mean you’re better than me missy.

TARA
I don’t have to listen to this.

Tara walks away

PATRICK
(Swigging a beer)
Yeah, you run away miss smarty pants. 

CUT TO:   

INT: ALEX’S BEDROOM/MORNING

Alex is asleep in his bed, his father Radcliff Bishop bursts in waking him.

RADCLIFF
Ten hundred hours Alexander, wake up.

Alex stirs

RADCLIFF (CONT’D)
I said it’s ten hundred hours Alex.

Alex sits up in his bed

ALEX
Ok ok, I’m up. I got in late last night, this morning.

RADCLIFF
You know the drill. No matter what time we go to sleep, on weekends we wake up at ten hundred hours. Days are short and we don’t want to waste them do we?

ALEX
No of course not.

RADCLIFF
What are your plans for today?

ALEX
I don’t know yet, I just woke up.

RADCLIFF
Well if you have nothing to do, I can find something for you. My car needs to be washed, the trash has to be taken out and we need some groceries.

ALEX
Can I please have some time to think? Give me five minutes and I’ll be downstairs.

RADCLIFF
You’ve got two. 

Radcliff walks out and closes the door. Alex makes disrespectful gestures as the door closes. He then drags himself out of bed and then goes over to his music system and turns it on. He dances for a while then realises he has to go downstairs 

CUT TO:   

INT: ALEX’S KITCHEN/MORNING

Radcliff Bishop is in the kitchen drinking coffee and Alex strolls in.

RADCLIFF
The early bird catches the worm son.

Alex walks straight to the cereal and pours himself some

RADCLIFF (CONT’D)
Good night last night?

Silence
RADCLIFF
If you ask me, you kids should be using all that energy to do something constructive.

ALEX
Like what general? Push ups.

RADCLIFF
So what are you doing today then?

ALEX
(Sighs)
What would you like me to do today general?

RADCLIFF
Ah ha, that’s more like it. Wash the car and mo the lawn by twelve hundred hours.

ALEX
(Shocked)
You want me to wash the car and cut the grass by twelve o’ clock?

RADCLIFF
Did I stutter?
ALEX
(Sighs)
No general.

Alex walks out of the kitchen 

CUT TO:   

INT: MARK CALLAHAN’S STUDY-FOYER/MORNING

Mark is at his desk sorting through some papers. He opens up a drawer and there is a picture of a young girl in amongst some documents. He takes the picture out of the drawer and looks at it. On the back of the picture it says “Aged 9”. He puts the picture back into the drawer and closes it. Mark gets up and goes out into the hallway and down the stairs. Lola is in the foyer.

MARK
Morning Lola.

LOLA
Good morning Mr. Callahan.

MARK
Nice day huh?

LOLA
Perfect for you, you can spend all day on the golf course today.

MARK
I wish I could but I have too many things to do.

LOLA
Oh well, maybe another day.

MARK
I guess so. There isn’t much to be done today so if you finish early you can go home.

LOLA
Thank you Mr Callahan.

MARK
No problem Lola.

LOLA
Is Demetrius home?

MARK
I think so; you might want to clean his room too. Last time I checked he was living like a pig

LOLA
(Laughs)
Ok.

Mark’s phone rings and he looks at the screen  

MARK
Lola I have to take this call, remember if you finish early you can go.

LOLA
Ok.

Mark moves off. Lola makes her way up the winding staircase and along the corridor to Demetrius’ room. She knocks on the door 

LOLA
Demetrius 

Lola slowly opens the door

LOLA (CONT’D)
Demetrius?

Demetrius appears to be asleep on his bed he is laying on his back. Lola walks over to him and tries to wake him

Come on, rise and shine.

She is shaking him but he doesn’t respond and her voice gets more frantic

Demetrius?

Lola looks around the room and spots the bottle of whiskey and the pills on the desk. She walks over and inspects them, then runs over to Demetrius again

LOLA
Oh my god!

She runs out of the room shouting
 
LOLA
Mr Callahan Mr Callahan 

She makes her way downstairs to where Mark is

Mr Callahan, Demetrius!

MARK
What?

LOLA
Hurry!

MARK
What’s going on?

LOLA
Please come!

She rushes back up to Demetrius’ room with Mark following behind her. She shows him the pills and whisky

LOLA (CONT’D)
We have to call 911

Mark calmly looks at the whisky and pills and lets out a sigh

   MARK
Calmate` Lola.

LOLA
Calmate`? 

MARK
Yes, don’t worry it is ok.

LOLA
Mr Callahan please! Call 911.

MARK
I will take care of it, don’t worry.

LOLA
Don’t worry? Call the ambulance, he might be dead.

   MARK
You go home and I’ll call them, I’ll pay you for a full day.

LOLA
Go home? Don’t you need my help?

MARK
(Ushering her out of the room)
Go on, it’s all under control, take the day off.

LOLA
But Mr Callahan he needs to go to a hospital

MARK
(Stern)
Lola, go home!

A frantic Lola makes her way down the hallway and out of the house. Mark walks over to Demetrius and bends down to look at his face. He takes Demetrius’ face in his hands and grins at his son then walks out of the room. . . . . . . . 

UNTIL THE NEXT EPISODE. . . . . . . .

MAKING SLEEP EASY

After reading the SLEEP synopsis, treatment, character breakdown and script for the first time, you may be a little perplexed by some of the words and terminologies used in the story. For example: The names DURA and PIA may have you wondering what???? who???? Well, this is the beginners guide to MAKING SLEEP EASY.

So let us begin with the DURA. The DURA, Pronounced (Du-ra) is taken from the brain. The DURA is the tough outer membrane on the surface of the brain which protects the softer parts from being harmed. This is why in the story the DURA are the protectors of all things Polyphasic. The PIA, pronounced (Pee-ah) is the delicate innermost layer which covers the brain and spinal cord. This mesh-like membrane attaches itself to blood vessels and runs deep into the brains’ cortex. This is why in the story the PIA are the government, they control all things Polyphasian. The whole Polyphasic movement in the story is one great big brain; every single Polyphasian has and knows their purpose.     

You may or may not have noticed that the five friends are about to embark on a momentous game of human chess. The characters Ryan knight, Tara king, Elvis “whiz” Penhor, Alexander Bishop and Isabella Castillo are all named after pieces on a chess board for this reason. Penhor is Portuguese for pawn and Castillo is Spanish for castle (rook).   

The creators of SLEEP, Steven Burrell, Emmanuel Orelaja, David knight and Emmanuel Williams came up with the idea after learning of Polyphasic sleep. Polyphasic sleep, pronounced (Poly-fa-sick) is the sleep pattern rumoured to be used by Leonardo Da Vinci, Napoleon Bonaparte and Albert Einstein among many other “successful” people in the history of our great world. The creators looked at this pattern of Polyphasic sleepers and their unrivalled success and created a real/fantasy story using this information. The result is SLEEP, a conspiracy/thriller that explores our curiosity about the government while keeping your mind guessing as to how real or fake the story really is. SLEEP is a fresh and innovative series with the potential to be one of the biggest shows on U.S television.