Just a Cliche
2023
THE SCRIPT IS BELOW.
"Just a Cliché" is a heartwarming romantic comedy that revolves around Charlotte Barnes, a quirky bookstore owner in a quaint small town, and James Avery, a city-dweller who inherits a dilapidated theater in Charlotte's town. Their paths cross and, despite their initial clashes, a romantic spark is ignited between them. Charlotte shows James the charm and camaraderie of small-town living while he teaches her to dream bigger. Their love story takes a turn when Charlotte overhears James criticizing the town and its people, leading to a fallout. Their journey takes another unexpected twist when James receives a job offer from the city. Torn between his newfound love and his previous lifestyle, James decides to stay in town, surprising Charlotte during the grand reopening of the restored theater. He professes his love for her publicly, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation. "Just a Cliché" is a story about love, second chances, and the clash between small-town charm and big-city dreams, peppered with moments of humor and the enduring bonds of community. |
|Cast>
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Charlotte Barnes Bookstore owner |
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James Avery Theater owner |
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Lucy Martin Bakery owner |
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WORKING SCRIPT
| FADE IN: INT. COFFEE SHOP - MORNING We meet CHARLOTTE (late 20s, quirky, romantic, charming, and a little clumsy) as she spills coffee on her favorite shirt. ________________________________________ EXT. SMALL TOWN MAIN STREET - MORNING As Charlotte walks down the street, she is nearly hit by a moving van. Out of the van steps JAMES (early 30s, handsome, but somewhat cold and distant). ________________________________________ INT. BOOKSTORE - DAY Charlotte, who runs the local bookstore, is surprised to find out that James is the new owner of the town's historic but dilapidated theater. ________________________________________ They interact over the coming days, their conversations sprinkled with humorous banter and light-hearted disagreements. ________________________________________ INT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT They get caught in a rainstorm and end up spending the evening in the bookstore, sharing stories and a makeshift dinner. ________________________________________ EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY James helps Charlotte set up for the town's annual book fair. During a particularly funny moment, they share an unexpected and awkward kiss. ________________________________________ INT. THEATER - NIGHT Charlotte visits the theater, but overhears James on the phone saying harsh things about the town and its people. Hurt, Charlotte distances herself from James. ________________________________________ INT. BOOKSTORE - DAY James comes into the bookstore to apologize, but Charlotte is cold towards him. She avoids him for days. ________________________________________ EXT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT James surprises Charlotte with a special showing of her favorite movie at the theater, decorated with roses and candles. They share a romantic dance under the starlight projected on the theater's dome. ________________________________________ INT. THEATER - NIGHT Charlotte accepts his apology. They share a passionate kiss. ________________________________________ INT. BOOKSTORE - DAY They start spending more time together, Charlotte teaching James to appreciate the small town's charm and James teaching her to dream bigger. ________________________________________ EXT. MAIN STREET - DAY They make plans for a grand reopening of the theater. But then, James gets a call offering him a job in the city. ________________________________________ INT. THEATER - NIGHT James reveals the job offer to Charlotte. They have a fight, with Charlotte feeling betrayed and James torn between his new love and his old life. ________________________________________ INT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT Charlotte pours her heart out to her best friend LUCY, who gives her some sound advice about love and chances. ________________________________________ EXT. THEATER - DAY On the day of the grand reopening, James announces that he's decided to stay and help restore the town's culture. Charlotte is shocked. ________________________________________ INT. THEATER - NIGHT James confesses his love for Charlotte in front of the whole town. Charlotte confesses hers too. ________________________________________ FADE OUT: TO BE CONTINUED... ________________________________________ FADE IN: EXT. THEATER - MORNING One year later, we see a bustling theater and a happy couple, Charlotte and James, hand in hand, walking down Main Street. FADE OUT. THE END |