Written in the Stars
Formerly: A Page from Love
2023
THE SCRIPT IS BELOW.
When dedicated New York editor, Olivia Carter, stumbles upon a manuscript that takes her breath away, she's excited to meet the author behind the intriguing story. The author turns out to be David Anderson, a charming, humble, and talented new writer she had a chance encounter with in Central Park. As they collaborate to refine his story, they develop a deep bond, fuelled by their shared passion for literature. Their relationship evolves naturally and organically, filled with heartfelt moments, bouts of laughter, and intellectual discussions. However, an unexpected twist occurs when Olivia receives a once-in-a-lifetime job offer in London, which she had forgotten about amidst the excitement of working with David. Her decision to move to London creates a rift between them as David interprets her decision as prioritizing her career over their blossoming relationship. The strained situation forces both Olivia and David to reflect upon their feelings for each other, realizing that what they share is more than just a professional relationship. With the help of their respective confidantes, Tess and Laura, they decide to confront their feelings. In a climactic scene under the city's beautiful starry night, Olivia and David confess their love for each other. Olivia reveals that she turned down the job offer, deciding that her relationship with David was more important. David, in turn, surprises her with the news of his newly signed book deal. They decide to navigate their future together, both professionally and personally, signifying the start of their shared journey in love and literature. Written in the StarsFormerly: A Page from Love2023"Written in the Stars is a romantic comedy that explores the concept of fate, passion, and the power of love. It is a heartwarming journey that illustrates how love can blossom in the most unexpected places, and how sometimes, the most beautiful stories are those we live off the pages. |
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[Click picture to enlarge.]
WORKING SCRIPT
This is the first project we worked on. [Edited 7/1/23; 7/4/23]
MOVIE TITLE: "Written in the Stars" [formerly, "A Page from Love"]
I. Introduction
A. Olivia is introduced at the publishing house, with her office buddy Ben making a light-hearted comment.
B. Olivia loses pages in the park, which are picked up by David.
Opening credits: The film opens with the city coming to life as dawn breaks.
Olivia's Apartment - Early Morning: We are introduced to Olivia in her cozy apartment, a place that is filled with books and reflects her personality - warm, welcoming, and vibrant. She is seen sipping her morning coffee while reviewing a manuscript with an intensity that demonstrates her passion for her work. She speaks into her phone, "Yes, Tess, I'm working. No, I didn't forget about lunch. See you at one."
Publishing House - Morning: Next, we get a glimpse of Olivia's professional life. The prestigious publishing house where she works is a hive of activity - phone calls, meetings, the clicking of keyboards. Olivia is a respected figure in this environment, her sharp intellect and dedication making her one of the best editors in the business. Her eyes are glued to a manuscript, but she occasionally peeks over the top to share a quick joke with her office buddy, BEN, a junior editor with a knack for humor. We see her displaying leadership qualities that highlight her position in the company. In her office, Olivia is seen in a meeting with her team. She instructs, "I want fresh ideas, people. Let's dig deeper, we're in the business of shaping minds." Her words are met with nodding heads and scribbling pens.
INT. TRENDY CAFE - AFTERNOON
A bustling, vibrant café in the heart of the city. OLIVIA CARTER sits across from her best friend, TESS HAMILTON. They're both in their early 30s, fashionable, and exude an air of intelligence and confidence.
Tess is animated, enthusiastically talking about the latest fashion trend. Olivia, while engaged, keeps glancing at a manuscript peeking out from her bag.
TESS (Holding up a fashion magazine) And this, Olivia, is the future! High-waisted pants are making a comeback.
OLIVIA (Smiling, but distracted) Again? Wasn't it just a few years back when they were a thing?
Tess notices Olivia's divided attention and puts the magazine down, her eyes following Olivia's to the manuscript.
TESS (Putting her hand on Olivia's) Olivia, you need a break.
OLIVIA (Laughs lightly) I know, I know. But this manuscript, Tess, it's different. It's intriguing, compelling... It's been a while since a new author has captivated me this way.
Tess softens, her playful smile turning into a more serious one.
TESS That's great, Liv. But remember, life isn't all about work. You need some fun too.
OLIVIA (Grins) That's why I have you, right?
They both laugh, and the scene ends on a warm note, showing the close bond between Olivia and Tess.
Central Park - Afternoon:Later that day [After lunch], Olivia escapes to the tranquility of Central Park. Finding an empty bench, she settles down to review a new manuscript. As she becomes engrossed in the story, a gust of wind blows through, scattering pages from the manuscript all over the park. Olivia rushes to collect them, but they're spreading too fast. Suddenly, DAVID, a stranger with an easy charm and rugged looks, appears from nowhere. "You look like you could use a hand," he offers, a charming smile on his face. "I guess I do," she responds, a hint of laughter in her voice. He aids Olivia in retrieving the pages, their hands briefly touching as they both reach for a page. Their initial interaction is brief but impactful, marked by a moment of mutual attraction that creates a hint of what's to come.
David's Apartment - Evening: The story then shifts to introduce David in his element. His apartment, much like him, is laid-back and filled with evidence of a creative mind: notes stuck everywhere, piles of books, and a work desk with a laptop and drafts of his novel. On a video call with his sister Laura, David discusses his day, "I met someone interesting in the park today. Helped her pick up some papers. She seemed...different, in a good way." Laura teases him, "Uh-oh, big brother has a crush!" This conversation subtly reveals his interest in the woman he met. Through these snippets of dialogue, we get a sense of each character's personality and current life situation, effectively setting the stage for their upcoming interactions.
[This introduction effectively sets up the key characters, Olivia and David, and their individual lives before their worlds collide. It also gives the audience a taste of the connection between them, hinting at the romantic journey that lies ahead.]
II. Meet the New Author
A. Olivia is assigned to work with a new author, David, by her boss, Henry.
B. Olivia and David start to work together, with some encouragement from Laura, David's sister.
Prestigious Publishing House - Morning: The following day, Olivia arrives at work to find an urgent email from her boss, HENRY, requesting a meeting. When Olivia enters his office, he introduces her to her new assignment - working with a fresh author who has the potential to be the next big thing in the literary world. As he turns the laptop towards her, she's taken aback to see the author's picture - it's David, the man from the park. Her surprise doesn't go unnoticed by Henry, but he misinterprets it as anxiety about the project. He reassures Olivia that he has the utmost faith in her skills and abilities. She leaves the office with a mix of professional excitement and personal trepidation.
Coffee Shop - Afternoon: Later that day, Olivia arranges to meet David at a local coffee shop. This is their first official meeting as editor and author. David, seemingly oblivious to Olivia's nervousness, is casual and friendly, showing no sign that he recognizes her from the park. Their conversation is engaging and full of laughter. Despite her initial apprehension, Olivia finds herself enjoying David's company. As they discuss the manuscript, their creative energies flow, and they begin brainstorming ideas and changes, losing track of time. The chemistry between them is palpable, setting the stage for their professional and personal relationship.
Olivia's Apartment - Evening: In her cozy, book-filled apartment, OLIVIA CARTER sits at her desk, a fresh manuscript from an unknown author in front of her. She takes a sip of her tea, adjusts her glasses, and starts reading. The city lights twinkle outside her window, setting a serene backdrop.
As she reads, her eyes widen in surprise and appreciation. The author's unique style and engaging prose immediately captivate her. She flips the pages faster, the manuscript proving to be more than just another draft. It's riveting, compelling, a tale that resonates deeply with her.
She glances at the clock. It's past midnight. But she can't put the manuscript down. She's completely engrossed, her editor's instincts buzzing with excitement at the gem she's discovered. The scene ends on Olivia, lost in the enchanting world spun by the new author, her face illuminated by her desk lamp.
David's Apartment - Evening: DAVID ANDERSON is in his comfortably cluttered apartment, the city skyline visible through his window. His laptop sits open, the glow illuminating his face. He's on a video call with his younger sister, LAURA ANDERSON.
David tells Laura about his day, his words tumbling out in a rush of excitement. He shares the news about his manuscript being accepted and about his new editor - Olivia. His admiration for her is clear in the way he talks about their first meeting and the insightful comments she has already provided on his story.
LAURA (Grinning) So, this Olivia is smart, beautiful, and she likes your writing? Sounds like a perfect match to me!
David flushes, stammers out a denial, but Laura's teasing has already hit the mark. There's a hint of a smile on his face, the idea of a potential romance not entirely unwelcome. As he bids goodnight to Laura, he gazes out of the window, his mind filled with thoughts of his manuscript, his new editor, and the exciting journey he's about to embark on.
[This section establishes Olivia and David's relationship on a professional level while continuing to hint at the budding personal connection between them. Their shared passion for literature forms the basis of their mutual respect and interest in each other.]
III. Growing Closer
A. Olivia and David spend long hours working on the manuscript, growing closer.
B. After a late-night session, David kisses Olivia.
C. Olivia admits to her best friend, Tess, that she might be developing feelings for David.
[A. Various Locations - Over the Next Few Weeks: Over the course of the following weeks, Olivia and David spend countless hours together, engrossed in their work on the manuscript. Their meetings take place in various settings, ranging from the formal environment of the publishing house, to coffee shops, libraries, and even Olivia's apartment for late-night editing sessions. The montage of their working relationship reflects a growing closeness. They share lunches, exchange ideas, and sometimes find themselves caught in light-hearted debates about the nuances of the characters in the manuscript. They are both passionate and dedicated, and they respect each other's opinions, which only strengthens their bond.]
Various Locations - Over the Next Few Weeks [Edit: 070223]
A. Publishing House - Day: Olivia and David sit in a glass-walled conference room. Papers are strewn across the table, and they're deeply involved in a discussion. Olivia points out something in the manuscript. David looks thoughtful, nods, and jots down some notes. The scene shows their professional rapport and shared passion for the story.
B. Olivia's Apartment - Late Night: One such late-night session at Olivia's apartment takes a different turn. They have just solved a major plot issue in the manuscript and are celebrating the small victory with take-out food and laughter. In the moment of shared success, David, overcome by the intimacy of the situation and his growing feelings for Olivia, leans in and kisses her. Olivia, taken aback, hesitates at first but soon finds herself reciprocating. The tension between them finally finds its release.
C. Tess's Apartment - Day: The next day, Olivia visits her best friend, TESS, a fashion magazine editor who is always her sounding board. Tess is quick to notice something different about Olivia. Under her friend's keen observation, Olivia confesses that she and David shared a kiss. Tess, excited, teases Olivia about her budding romance. Despite Olivia insisting it was a one-time thing and trying to downplay it, Tess encourages Olivia to explore her feelings for David, telling her that it might be more than just a fleeting attraction.
[By the end of this part, Olivia and David's relationship has moved beyond just professional, hinting at a romantic tension that neither can deny.]
IV. The Twist
A. David, after a chat with Laura, finds out about Olivia's job offer in London.
B. David confronts Olivia in Central Park, leading to a painful argument and separation.
Publishing House - Day Several days pass and DAVID ANDERSON finds himself back at the publishing house, eager to meet with Olivia. However, as he waits in the reception area, he learns that OLIVIA CARTER has been called away to an unexpected meeting.
David strikes up a conversation with JANE, one of Olivia's colleagues who happens to walk by. They exchange pleasantries, and during their conversation, Jane casually mentions Olivia's upcoming job offer from a prestigious London publishing house.
David is stunned. He didn't know Olivia was considering leaving, let alone moving to another country. His mind starts spinning with questions and concerns. Why didn't Olivia tell him? Is their project at risk? Is their budding friendship over before it has truly begun?
B. Central Park - Afternoon: David can't shake the news about Olivia. He decides to confront her about it directly and calls her, asking to meet in Central Park, the place where they first met and where their journey together began.
On a park bench under the spring sun, David wastes no time. He brings up the London job offer, and Olivia is taken by surprise. She tries to evade the question, only increasing David's sense of betrayal and frustration.
DAVID (voice raised) So it's true then? You're just going to leave without a word?
OLIVIA (defensive) I was going to tell you, David. It just...it wasn't the right time yet.
Their conversation quickly escalates into an argument, the serene park atmosphere now charged with tension. David feels Olivia has been keeping secrets, while Olivia believes she had every right to wait until she was ready to discuss her potential move.
The heated exchange ends with Olivia standing up abruptly and walking away, leaving a hurt and confused David behind. His emotions are a whirlwind - hurt from Olivia's perceived betrayal, confusion about their future, and a sense of loss for what could have been.
[This unexpected twist brings a sense of conflict and tension into the narrative, adding depth to their relationship and setting up the drama for the next part of the story. Their bond is tested, and it becomes clear that they'll need to confront their feelings if they want to overcome this hurdle.]
V. Reflection and Realization
A. Olivia, preparing to leave for London, reflects on her relationship with David.
B. David, missing Olivia, realizes his feelings for her and decides to stop her from leaving.
A. Olivia's Apartment - Evening: In the solitude of her apartment, OLIVIA CARTER spends her evening contemplating the day's events. The empty space around her feels especially silent after her argument with David. She finds her gaze drifting to the manuscript, the document that had brought them together and created a bond beyond work.
As she sits in the quiet, she can't help but remember their shared moments - their laughter echoing in the cafe as they joked about a character, the heated debates about plot twists, and the spark of something more between them. She thinks about the intensity of their argument in the park and recognizes an underlying emotion she hadn't fully admitted to herself - her feelings for David run deeper than she anticipated.
Feeling conflicted, she calls her best friend, TESS HAMILTON, and reveals her turmoil. Tess listens attentively, offering a comforting presence. She gently advises Olivia to follow her heart, reminding her that it's okay to choose love over career, especially when she can find a balance between the two.
B. David's Apartment - Evening: Meanwhile, across town in his apartment, DAVID ANDERSON finds himself immersed in his thoughts. The apartment feels too quiet without Olivia's presence, her laughter, her brilliant ideas, and her deep understanding of him and his work. He realizes that he isn't angry about her not telling him about the London offer; he's actually scared. He's scared of losing her, of losing the unique connection they share.
David opens his laptop and starts writing, pouring his feelings onto the page. His words flow as he tries to make sense of his emotions, each line echoing his longing for Olivia.
His sister, LAURA ANDERSON, enters the room, noticing his restlessness. She sits beside him, offering him a sympathetic ear. David finds himself opening up, admitting how much he misses Olivia and how much she means to him. Recognizing the depth of his brother's feelings, Laura encourages him to fight for his love, instilling in him the courage he needs to face his feelings head-on.
[This segment is crucial as it is the turning point for both Olivia and David. It's when they both realize the depth of their feelings for each other, setting the stage for the climax of the story.]
VI. The Climax
A. David rushes to the airport, hoping to catch Olivia before her flight.
B. A heartfelt confrontation at the airport terminal, where David confesses his love for Olivia.
A. New York City Streets - Day: As the day of Olivia's departure nears, DAVID ANDERSON finds himself wrestling with his feelings and the reality of her leaving. He walks aimlessly through the streets of New York, the vibrant city serving as a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him. As he navigates the bustling sidewalks, an undeniable truth surfaces - he doesn't want to lose Olivia. This realization brings clarity and resolution. He decides to go to the airport, hoping to catch her before she boards her flight.
Meanwhile, OLIVIA CARTER finds herself in a similar state of introspection. She is lost in thoughts about David, her feelings for him wrestling with her professional ambitions. The choice between love and career weighs heavy on her heart.
B. JFK Airport - Day: At the bustling JFK airport, David is a man on a mission. He moves swiftly, weaving through the crowds, his eyes scanning the area for Olivia. He pauses at the digital information boards, scanning the flight details, looking for the one bound for London. With every passing minute, his panic grows - the fear of not reaching Olivia in time gnawing at him.
C. Airport Terminal - Day: Then, amidst the sea of people, he spots her. Olivia, standing in line for her flight, her figure distant but unmistakable. Without a moment's hesitation, David starts running towards her, his heart pounding in his chest. He calls out her name, his voice echoing in the vast terminal.
Olivia turns around, surprised at hearing her name. Her eyes widen as David approaches her, breathless from his sprint. He doesn't care about the scores of people around them, his focus solely on Olivia. He confesses his feelings for her right then and there, his words raw and sincere.
DAVID (Panting, out of breath) Olivia, I can't let you leave. Not without telling you... I've fallen in love with you. If you must go to London, I... I want to go with you.
A hush falls over the terminal, the bustling noise replaced by a palpable tension as everyone waits for Olivia's response. She looks at David, shock and a myriad of emotions reflected in her eyes as she processes his heartfelt confession.
[This is the turning point of the story where the tension reaches its peak, and David's confession creates a high-stakes moment that will determine the future of their relationship. The climax is filled with tension, drama, and heightened emotions, leading up to Olivia's final decision.]
VII. Resolution
A. Olivia accepts David's proposition and they share a passionate kiss.
B. Mrs. Robinson sees the couple together and gives a knowing smile, hinting at a happy future.
A. Airport Terminal - Day: OLIVIA CARTER, initially shocked by DAVID ANDERSON'S impromptu confession, finds a smile spreading across her face. She's taken aback, but not because she doesn't reciprocate his feelings. Quite the opposite.
OLIVIA (with a smile) David, I... I feel the same way. I was struggling with my decision to leave because of you.
The crowd around them, caught up in the emotional whirlwind, breaks into cheers and applause. Olivia decides not to board her flight, choosing to stay with David instead. He pulls her into a passionate embrace, their kiss a promise of the love they have for each other. The terminal bursts into applause, their intimate moment creating a ripple of joy amidst the usual hustle and bustle of the busy airport.
B. Central Park - Day: Days later, we see Olivia and David in Central Park, the place that played a significant role in their love story. They stroll hand-in-hand, radiating contentment. During their walk, they bump into MRS. ROBINSON, Olivia's wise and understanding elderly neighbor. Mrs. Robinson sees them together and gives them a knowing smile, wishing them happiness for their future.
MRS. ROBINSON (teasingly) I always knew there was something special between you two. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!
David and Olivia share a laugh, their hearts full of hope and anticipation for the new chapter of their lives together.
C. Publishing House - Day: In the final scene of our story, we find ourselves back at the publishing house. This time, Olivia is not alone at her desk working on David's manuscript. David is there with her, their relationship having blossomed both personally and professionally. Their interaction is filled with shared smiles and loving glances, signaling a profound understanding and love between them.
Their love story, much like the novels that surround them, has found its beautiful ending, proving that every story unfolds in its own time and every book indeed has its destiny. As the camera pans out, leaving the couple immersed in their world, we're reminded that sometimes, love is indeed, written in the stars.
THE END4>
[This final resolution brings closure to Olivia and David's story, wrapping up their journey with a hopeful and romantic conclusion. The characters have overcome their challenges, reaffirmed their feelings, and are finally together, paving the way for a future full of possibilities.]
