Scripts
State and Main poster

Screenplay data

State and Main script

A big-budget Hollywood film production, led by director Walt Price and producer Marty Rossen, descends upon the small town of Waterford, Vermont, seeking an authentic, old-fashioned setting for their movie, “The Old Mill.”. Screenwriter Joe White, an idealistic playwright, struggles to maintain his artistic integrity amidst the chaos and moral compromises of the film industry, while falling for local bookstore owner Ann, who is involved in community theater. The production faces numerous setbacks, including the erratic behavior of its star, Bob Barrenger, who is prone to scandal, and the financial pressures imposed by the studio. The central conflict escalates when Bob is involved in a car accident with a local waitress, Carla, prompting the film crew to conspire to cover up the incident to protect the production.

Writer
David Mamet
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0120202
Script date
Not specified
31Scenes
10Characters
91Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

State and Main Save the Cat analysis

A film production arrives in a small New England town, disrupting its inhabitants and drawing writer Joe into local politics, romance with Ann, and a scandalous car accident.

Open full beat sheet
65

Key characters

Joe White

Joe White is listed as Screenwriter. Idealistic, struggles with truth and integrity. In the parsed data, Joe White is connected to 18 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.

18 scenes / 4 dialogue lines

Walt Price

Walt Price is listed as Film Director. Driven, manipulative, focused on getting the movie made. In the parsed data, Walt Price is connected to 13 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.

13 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Ann

Ann is listed as Bookstore owner. Local resident, intelligent, involved in amateur theater. In the parsed data, Ann is connected to 12 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

12 scenes / 12 dialogue lines

Marty Rossen

Marty Rossen is listed as Film Producer. Ruthless, pragmatic, handles legal and financial crises. In the parsed data, Marty Rossen is connected to 8 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.

8 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Bob Barrenger

Bob Barrenger is listed as Film Star. Famous actor, prone to scandal and impulsive behavior. In the parsed data, Bob Barrenger is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.

7 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Doug Mackenzie

Doug Mackenzie is listed as Local Politician. Ambitious, opportunistic, Ann's ex-fiancé. In the parsed data, Doug Mackenzie is connected to 6 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.

6 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

First A.D.

First A.D. is listed as Assistant Director. Stressed, focused on production logistics. In the parsed data, First A.D. is connected to 6 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 30.

6 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Carla

Carla is listed as Waitress. Young, local, caught up in the film production. In the parsed data, Carla is connected to 5 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

5 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Claire Wellesley

Claire Wellesley is listed as Film Star. Serious actress, conflicted about her role. In the parsed data, Claire Wellesley is connected to 5 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.

5 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Mayor George Bailey

Mayor George Bailey is listed as Mayor. Local official, eager to please the film crew. In the parsed data, Mayor George Bailey is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 7.

2 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. Firehouse - DAY

    Ann walks down the street, feeds a dog, and hands a poster to a fireman.

    Ann

  2. 2. EXT. State and Main Intersection - DAY

    Morris and Spud complain about the traffic light and pothole while Doug joins them.

    Doug Mackenzie

  3. 3. INT. Coffee Corner - DAY

    Doug, Ann, and others discuss the traffic light and local politics.

    Ann, Doug Mackenzie, Carla

  4. 4. EXT. State and Main - DAY

    Walt and Bill discuss the movie production and the need for an Old Mill.

    Walt Price

  5. 5. INT. Tavern Inn Lobby - DAY

    Walt and Bill attempt to rent the hotel and discuss the town.

    Walt Price

  6. 6. INT. Walt's Office - NIGHT

    Walt manages production logistics and discusses the Old Mill.

    Walt Price, Carla

  7. 7. INT. Production Office - DAY

    Walt meets with the Mayor to secure a shooting permit.

    Walt Price, Joe White, Mayor George Bailey

  8. 8. INT. Bookstore - DAY

    Joe visits the bookstore to rent a typewriter and meets Ann.

    Ann, Joe White

  9. 9. INT. WALT'S ROOM - DAY

    Walt, Bob, and the script supervisor review the script while Joe arrives to join them.

    Walt Price, Bob Barrenger, Joe White, Carla, Claire Wellesley

  10. 10. EXT. STATE AND MAIN - DAY

    Joe runs into Ann while leaving the movie production.

    Ann, Joe White

  11. 11. EXT. SPORTING GOODS STORE - DAY

    Joe and Ann walk through town and discuss the local firehouse.

    Ann, Joe White

  12. 12. EXT. RAILROAD CROSSING - DAY

    Joe and Ann discuss the themes of his script.

    Ann, Joe White

  13. 13. EXT. ANN'S HOUSE - DUSK

    Joe and Ann sit on her porch swing before Doug arrives.

    Ann, Joe White, Doug Mackenzie

  14. 14. INT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

    Walt finds Joe at the station and convinces him to stay.

    Walt Price, Joe White

  15. 15. EXT. HOTEL STEPS - DAY

    Marty Rossen arrives at the hotel and meets Walt Price; they discuss production logistics and the town.

    Walt Price, Marty Rossen, First A.D.

  16. 16. INT. BOB'S ROOM - DAY

    Carla delivers dinner to Bob; they share a drink and discuss the town.

    Bob Barrenger, Carla

  17. 17. EXT. MAIN STREET - DUSK

    Joe meets Ann near the playhouse; they discuss the play and Joe's broken glasses.

    Joe White, Ann

  18. 18. EXT. BOOKSTORE - DUSK

    Doug and the First A.D. have a brief, tense conversation.

    Doug Mackenzie, First A.D.

  19. 19. INT. WALT'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

    Marty berates Claire over contract issues; Joe arrives with a bandaged finger.

    Marty Rossen, Walt Price, Claire Wellesley, Joe White

  20. 20. INT. JOE'S ROOM - NIGHT

    Joe and Claire are in his room; Ann arrives to act as a typist.

    Joe White, Claire Wellesley, Ann

  21. 21. INT. WALT'S OFFICE - DAY

    Walt tries to convince Claire to stay for the film, while Marty and Walt discuss financial troubles and product placement.

    Walt Price, Claire Wellesley, Marty Rossen, Joe White

  22. 22. INT. WALT'S OFFICE - DAY

    Joe presents his vision for the film to Walt, Marty, and Bill.

    Joe White, Walt Price, Marty Rossen

  23. 23. EXT. MAIN STREET - NIGHT

    Joe witnesses a car accident involving Bob Barrenger and Carla.

    Joe White, Bob Barrenger, Carla

  24. 24. INT. BOB'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

    The production team conspires to hide Carla's presence in the car crash.

    Bob Barrenger, Marty Rossen, Walt Price, Joe White, First A.D.

  25. 25. INT. PROD. OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

    Marty and Walt discuss the situation with the Mayor and the film production while managing the fallout of the car accident.

    Walt Price, Marty Rossen, Bob Barrenger, Claire Wellesley, First A.D.

  26. 26. INT. MAYOR'S HOME - NIGHT

    The Mayor is angry after a phone call regarding the film crew and the accident.

    Mayor George Bailey

  27. 27. INT. BAR - NIGHT

    Doug and the First A.D. discuss the accident and the need for a witness.

    Doug Mackenzie, First A.D.

  28. 28. EXT. PRINT SHOP - DAY

    Joe and Ann discuss their future and the print shop.

    Joe White, Ann

  29. 29. EXT. STATE AND MAIN - DAY

    Bob Barrenger is arrested while Marty and Doug confront each other.

    Joe White, Ann, Walt Price, Bob Barrenger, Marty Rossen, Doug Mackenzie

  30. 30. EXT. Film Set - DAY

    Marty watches the filming of a scene involving a Sister and Bob, while the First A.D. manages the set.

    Marty Rossen, Bob Barrenger, First A.D.

  31. 31. EXT. Film Set / Town Square - DAY

    Ann talks with Cal while production continues in the background; Joe watches Ann.

    Ann, Joe White

Dialogue examples

The movie's about purity. So we don't show her breasts. We show them to him. She keeps her back to the camera.

Joe White / Scene 22

Whatever you need. The City Council, of course, has to pass on your...

Mayor George Bailey / Scene 7

If your memory was as long as your dick, you'd be in good shape.

Walt Price / Scene 25

Only second chance I know, chance t'make the same mistake twice.

Bob Barrenger / Scene 30

She wants eight-hundred thousand dollars to show her tits.

Marty Rossen / Scene 21

How can I thank you? How can I repay you for this part?

Claire Wellesley / Scene 9

And I've got a witness! Your Mr. White saw the crime.

Doug Mackenzie / Scene 29

You've got nothing, you don't have a witness...

Marty Rossen / Scene 29

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