1995
Independent filmmaker Nick faces technical mishaps and eccentric cast members while attempting to shoot a low-budget dream sequence, including a malfunctioning smoke machine and an arrogant actor's dismissal. His efforts are further complicated by his mother, Cora, who unexpectedly arrives on set and repeatedly interrupts takes. Against all odds, Nick casts his mother in the dream sequence, leading to a successful take and a moment of unexpected harmony. The film concludes with imagined futures for the characters, including Nick winning an award, Nicole working as a waitress, and various romantic entanglements among the crew.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A chaotic indie film shoot becomes a test of the director’s patience, as technical mishaps, temperamental actors, and personal relationships collide.
Open full beat sheetNick is listed as Director. Stressed, perfectionist director struggling to complete a scene. In the parsed data, Nick is connected to 50 scenes, 179 dialogue lines, 219 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
50 scenes / 179 dialogue linesNicole is listed as Actress. Lead actress, emotionally vulnerable, struggling with the scene. In the parsed data, Nicole is connected to 50 scenes, 100 dialogue lines, 119 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
50 scenes / 100 dialogue linesWanda is listed as Assistant Director. Efficient, no-nonsense AD managing the set chaos. In the parsed data, Wanda is connected to 40 scenes, 83 dialogue lines, 104 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
40 scenes / 83 dialogue linesWolf is listed as Cameraman. Pretentious, beret-wearing cameraman with a difficult personality. In the parsed data, Wolf is connected to 31 scenes, 61 dialogue lines, 91 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
31 scenes / 61 dialogue linesChad Palomino is listed as Actor. Young, arrogant, handsome actor with a big ego. In the parsed data, Chad Palomino is connected to 25 scenes, 104 dialogue lines, 106 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
25 scenes / 104 dialogue linesAC is listed as Assistant Cameraman. Camera assistant. In the parsed data, AC is connected to 22 scenes, 23 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
22 scenes / 23 dialogue linesGaffer is listed as Gaffer. Lighting technician with aspirations of making his own movie. In the parsed data, Gaffer is connected to 19 scenes, 23 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
19 scenes / 23 dialogue linesBoom is listed as Sound Department. Boom operator. In the parsed data, Boom is connected to 18 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
18 scenes / 14 dialogue linesCora is listed as Actress. Older actress playing the mother, prone to memory lapses. In the parsed data, Cora is connected to 17 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
17 scenes / 7 dialogue linesTito is listed as Actor. A dwarf actor hired for the dream sequence. In the parsed data, Tito is connected to 15 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 26 text mentions, first appearing around scene 44.
15 scenes / 14 dialogue linesScript is listed as Script Supervisor. Script supervisor. In the parsed data, Script is connected to 14 scenes, 18 dialogue lines, 21 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
14 scenes / 18 dialogue linesJeff is listed as Intern. Young intern assigned as a driver. In the parsed data, Jeff is connected to 9 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.
9 scenes / 8 dialogue linesBert is listed as Craft Service Manager. Sleep-deprived craft service worker. In the parsed data, Bert is connected to 5 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 1.
5 scenes / 1 dialogue linesCybil is listed as Craft Service Manager. Sleep-deprived craft service worker. In the parsed data, Cybil is connected to 5 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 1.
5 scenes / 1 dialogue linesSachiko is listed as Costume Designer. Costume designer. In the parsed data, Sachiko is connected to 1 scene, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 45.
1 scenes / 2 dialogue linesLorde is listed as Makeup Artist. Male makeup artist. In the parsed data, Lorde is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 19.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBert and Cybil set up breakfast supplies on a craft service table before dawn.
Bert, CybilThe crew arrives and gathers around the craft service table.
Bert, Cybil, Wolf, Gaffer, ACNicole and Jeff discuss the upcoming scene while driving to the set.
Nicole, JeffCora rehearses her lines while waiting for her ride.
Cora, JeffNicole and Cora share an awkward ride to the set.
Nicole, Cora, JeffNick, Wolf, and Wanda discuss the technical approach to the scene.
Nick, Wolf, WandaThe crew attempts to film the scene, facing multiple technical interruptions.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Cora, GafferNicole and Cora rehearse a scene on the couch while Nick directs.
Nick, Nicole, CoraA dream-like sequence where Nicole is in a hospital room with her mother.
NicoleThe run-through of the scene begins, but Wolf is missing.
Nick, Nicole, Wanda, Cora, AC, BoomWolf is sick in the bathroom.
Wolf, NickNick attempts a pickup shot, but a mysterious beeping interrupts the set.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Cora, BertNick wakes up from a nightmare at 4:00 AM.
NickWanda and Wolf discuss the upcoming shoot and Chad Palomino.
Wanda, WolfNick and Jeff wait for Chad Palomino.
Nick, JeffChad Palomino leaves Nicole in a hotel room.
Chad Palomino, NicoleNick, Jeff, and Palomino drive to the set.
Nick, Jeff, Chad PalominoThe Gaffer and AC discuss their own film project.
Gaffer, ACNick and Nicole discuss her late arrival.
Nick, Nicole, Lorde, Chad PalominoThe crew prepares for the love scene.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Chad PalominoThe love scene is filmed, but it is lifeless.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Chad Palomino, ScriptNick directs Chad and Nicole in a love scene, Wanda calls for a take.
Nick, Nicole, Wanda, Chad Palomino, AC, BoomTake two of the scene; Chad changes his blocking, causing confusion.
Nicole, Chad PalominoNick cuts the scene and discusses the failed take with the crew.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Chad Palomino, GafferNick confers with the actors about the scene's emotional motivation.
Nick, Nicole, Chad PalominoTake three of the scene; Chad sprawls on the bed.
Nicole, Chad PalominoChad flirts with Wanda and the Script Supervisor.
Wanda, Chad Palomino, ScriptTake four preparation; Chad suggests a new blocking idea.
Nick, Wolf, Wanda, Chad Palomino, GafferCrew members interact while waiting for the light setup.
Nicole, Wanda, Chad Palomino, ScriptChad interacts with the lighting crew.
Wolf, Chad Palomino, Gaffer, ACNick and Nicole have a private conversation.
Nick, NicoleTensions rise between Wolf and Wanda; Chad wears an eyepatch.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Chad PalominoTake four of the scene; Nicole jerks away from Chad's hair-stroking.
Nicole, Chad PalominoNick cuts the scene; Nicole listens to the playback.
Nick, Nicole, Chad Palomino, BoomChad threatens to quit; Nick tries to keep him.
Nick, Chad PalominoNicole overhears Nick and Chad's conversation via the boom mic.
Nick, Nicole, Chad PalominoNicole suggests improvising the scene; Nick and Chad agree.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Chad PalominoTake five; the improv begins.
Nicole, Chad PalominoA chaotic scene where Nicole and Palomino's tension boils over into a physical fight, involving the crew.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Chad Palomino, BertPalomino is escorted out by the crew and given a script by the Gaffer.
Chad Palomino, Jeff, Gaffer, ACNick and Nicole reconcile after the fight.
Nick, NicoleNicole wakes up from a dream.
NicoleWanda manages the set and prepares for the dream sequence.
Wanda, ACAC encounters Tito in the bathroom.
AC, TitoNick, Nicole, and Sachiko prepare for the dream sequence.
Nick, Nicole, Sachiko, TitoCrew attempts to fix the smoke machine.
Wolf, Gaffer, AC, BoomNick and Wanda coordinate the shoot; Wolf and Wanda end their relationship.
Nick, Wanda, WolfNick directs the dream sequence setup.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Tito, AC, WandaFilming the dream sequence, take one.
Nicole, TitoNick reviews the take and gives notes.
Nick, Nicole, Tito, WandaFilming the dream sequence, take two.
Nicole, TitoNick gets frustrated with the performance and the smoke machine.
Nick, Nicole, Tito, Wolf, Gaffer, WandaNick and Wolf argue in a corner about their professional relationship and Wolf's personal struggles.
Nick, Wolf, WandaThe crew struggles to operate the smoke machine.
Bert, Gaffer, AC, BoomNick prepares for another take of the dream sequence.
Nick, Wanda, Gaffer, AC, Boom, ScriptThe smoke machine explodes during the take.
Nicole, TitoChaos ensues as the set fills with smoke, revealing an unexpected visitor.
Nick, Nicole, Wanda, Cora, Jeff, GafferWanda handles the situation with Cora while Nicole and Jeff talk.
Nicole, Wanda, JeffNick confronts his mother about her arrival.
Nick, Nicole, CoraTito paces alone.
TitoNick settles his mother and talks to the crew.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Cora, TitoNick and Nicole argue about the shoot.
Nick, Nicole, WandaNick returns to the set to try again.
Nick, Nicole, Wanda, AC, Boom, ScriptThe take is interrupted by Cora.
Nicole, Cora, TitoNick stops the take.
Nick, WandaNick secures his mother.
Nick, CoraNick tries to communicate with Tito.
Nick, Nicole, TitoWolf and Cora share a moment.
Wolf, CoraTito quits the production.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, TitoNick decides to shoot the scene with his mother.
Nick, Wolf, WandaThe final take with Cora.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, CoraThe scene is a success.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Cora, ACRecording room tone.
Nick, Nicole, Wolf, Wanda, Cora, JeffNick imagines winning an award.
Nick, Chad PalominoNicole imagines a future as a waitress.
NicoleWolf imagines a confrontation with Wanda.
Wolf, WandaNicole reacts to a thought while the camera captures Wolf and the stopwatch.
Nicole, WolfWanda begs Wolf for forgiveness while dressed in a wedding gown.
Wanda, WolfWolf looks hopeful while the camera focuses on Wanda.
Wolf, WandaWanda and Chad share an intimate moment.
Wanda, Chad PalominoIn closing I'd like to say to all the people who told me not to make this movie, who wouldn't meet with me or return a simple phone call. To my favorite professor at Film School whose parting advice to me was to take a job teaching at a women's college. To Delores DelSporto, the girl I loved in high school who left me for a Jr. Varsity football player: to all these people I'd like to say thank you but I can't because what I really feel like saying is go fu --!!
No. She was in my hotel room and she didn't want you to know it. OK? I'm sorry it had to come out like this but I told her this morning "thanks a lot, it was a lot of fun last night but let's get something straight -- it was just a one-time deal," and she didn't want to hear that. She wanted more, you see what I'm saying? It's rejection.
It's called "Tsunami." A Japanese tidal wave hits New York. You've an ex-Navy S.E.A L. frogman, working undercover. You save the city. You'd be perfect for the lead. That's my number; call me, or I'll call you. Either way it's been great working with you, man.
Just need to see a run-through and we're all set. I'm going to make your job easy today, Wanda. Wandaful. Mmm, I'm glad you wore that perfume. And don't worry about Palomino; I'll take you to a jazz club tonight.
Nick, it's my fault the scene isn't working. I apologize. Chad, I apologize to you too. I'm completely unfocused here and I think you're absolutely right; what we need to do is loosen the scene up somehow.
The more I thought about it the more it didn't seem right. And I'm thinking, watch me here, instead of coming around the bed, what if I just slip here like this and do the whole scene lying down?
I got two films coming up right after yours, Nick. One I play a rapist that Michelle Pfeiffer falls in love with. The other I'm kind of a sexy serial killer who shacks up with Winona Ryder.
Ellen, come on now; concentrate. Remember; you're marrying Damian tomorrow. You're a little anxious. You have this dream. Let's call it an Anxiety Dream, and Tito represents the anxiety.
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