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THE SURFER KING poster

Screenplay data

THE SURFER KING script

Teenage surfer Robbie Zirpollo moves to Colorado, takes a job at Water World, and quickly befriends Aokee and Alex, who train him for the park's annual Surfer King competition. During the Employee Olympics, Robbie's team develops a rivalry with the lifeguard team, led by Tiffany Maxwell and Dan Peterson. Aokee, revealed to be legendary surfer Manuel Ramirez, helps Robbie prepare for the final surfing competition. Robbie wins the Surfer King title with a daring backflip in the sudden-death heat, celebrating his victory and new friendships as the park closes.

Writer
Bernard Murray Jr
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0418206
Script date
5/25/04
59Scenes
25Characters
67Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

THE SURFER KING Save the Cat analysis

Robbie, uprooted from home, starts a summer job at a water park and reluctantly learns to surf under the guidance of Aokee and Alex.

Open full beat sheet
75

Key characters

Alex

Alex is listed as Concessions. Works at Aokee's, talkative, knows everyone. In the parsed data, Alex is connected to 39 scenes, 140 dialogue lines, 164 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.

39 scenes / 140 dialogue lines

Robbie Zirpollo

Robbie Zirpollo is listed as Grounds Crew / Concessions. Almost 16, moved from California, talented surfer. In the parsed data, Robbie Zirpollo is connected to 39 scenes, 126 dialogue lines, 131 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.

39 scenes / 126 dialogue lines

Aokee

Aokee is listed as Concessions Manager. Large man, late 20s/early 30s, secret identity as Manuel Ramirez. In the parsed data, Aokee is connected to 18 scenes, 59 dialogue lines, 82 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.

18 scenes / 59 dialogue lines

Big Mike Maxwell

Big Mike Maxwell is listed as Owner/Manager. 50-something man, portly and bald. In the parsed data, Big Mike Maxwell is connected to 10 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.

10 scenes / 13 dialogue lines

Katie

Katie is listed as Lifeguard. New guard, interested in Robbie. In the parsed data, Katie is connected to 9 scenes, 23 dialogue lines, 27 text mentions, first appearing around scene 24.

9 scenes / 23 dialogue lines

Doug Fitzgerald

Doug Fitzgerald is listed as Lifeguard. Guard who is owed twenty bucks by Alex. In the parsed data, Doug Fitzgerald is connected to 9 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.

9 scenes / 7 dialogue lines

Snitch

Snitch is listed as Grounds Crew. Short, chubby lad. In the parsed data, Snitch is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 11.

9 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Eddie

Eddie is listed as Grounds Crew. 25-something grounds worker with Down's Syndrome. In the parsed data, Eddie is connected to 8 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

8 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Dan Peterson

Dan Peterson is listed as Lifeguard. Tiffany's boyfriend, lifeguard. In the parsed data, Dan Peterson is connected to 8 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 43.

8 scenes / 4 dialogue lines

Skeeter

Skeeter is listed as Grounds Crew. Tall, skinny, goofy-looking. In the parsed data, Skeeter is connected to 8 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.

8 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Amy

Amy is listed as Lifeguard. Older guard, friend of Katie. In the parsed data, Amy is connected to 7 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 24.

7 scenes / 12 dialogue lines

Jaffa

Jaffa is listed as Customer Service. Jamaican looking fellow in his early 20's, works in the kiosk. In the parsed data, Jaffa is connected to 7 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

7 scenes / 11 dialogue lines

Tiffany Maxwell

Tiffany Maxwell is listed as Owner's Daughter. Blond beauty, daughter of Big Mike. In the parsed data, Tiffany Maxwell is connected to 6 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 21 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

6 scenes / 20 dialogue lines

The Colonel

The Colonel is listed as Grounds Crew Supervisor. Army background, wears fatigue pants and glasses. In the parsed data, The Colonel is connected to 5 scenes, 16 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 43.

5 scenes / 16 dialogue lines

Melinda Tally

Melinda Tally is listed as Grounds Crew. 14-year-old girl. In the parsed data, Melinda Tally is connected to 5 scenes, first appearing around scene 11.

5 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Pipeman

Pipeman is listed as Plumber. Park plumber, mentor to Robbie. In the parsed data, Pipeman is connected to 4 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 50.

4 scenes / 9 dialogue lines

Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson is listed as Head Lifeguard. Head lifeguard of the park. In the parsed data, Richard Thompson is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

4 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Sarah

Sarah is listed as Concessions. Teenage girl working at Aokee's. In the parsed data, Sarah is connected to 3 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 13.

3 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Melissa

Melissa is listed as Time Clerk. Teenage girl, time clerk. In the parsed data, Melissa is connected to 2 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.

2 scenes / 4 dialogue lines

Frank

Frank is listed as Lifeguard. Guard watching The Wave. In the parsed data, Frank is connected to 2 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.

2 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Audrey

Audrey is listed as Concessions. Teenage girl working at Aokee's. In the parsed data, Audrey is connected to 2 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 13.

2 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Dave

Dave is listed as Big Mike's Staff. Works at Big Mike's. In the parsed data, Dave is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.

2 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Bob

Bob is listed as Security. Security guard. In the parsed data, Bob is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.

2 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Connie Zirpollo

Connie Zirpollo is listed as Robbie's Mother. Robbie's mother, recently moved to Colorado. In the parsed data, Connie Zirpollo is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 6.

2 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. Customer Service Kiosk - EARLY MORNING

    Jaffa arrives at the park, greets Eddie, and sets up the music system for the park opening.

    Jaffa, Eddie

  2. 2. EXT. Thunder Bay - EARLY MORNING

    Big Mike and Richard test the wave pool mechanism.

    Big Mike Maxwell, Richard Thompson

  3. 3. EXT. Surfs Up Area - EARLY MORNING

    The drill team practices their routine.

  4. 4. EXT. Fun House Area - EARLY MORNING

    Big Mike inspects the Fun House and gets drenched by a leaking tank.

    Big Mike Maxwell, Richard Thompson

  5. 5. EXT. First Aid Shack - EARLY MORNING

    Guards operate machinery above the Fun House.

  6. 6. EXT. Road to Water World - DAY

    Robbie and his mother Connie arrive at the park.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Connie Zirpollo

  7. 7. EXT. Front Gates - EARLY MORNING

    Robbie meets Alex in the employee check-in line.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Doug Fitzgerald, Melissa

  8. 8. EXT. Uniform Building - MORNING

    Robbie and Alex get their uniforms.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Tiffany Maxwell, Dan Peterson

  9. 9. EXT. Aokee's Surf & Snack Shack - MORNING

    Aokee discovers he is short-staffed and decides to recruit Robbie.

    Alex, Aokee

  10. 10. EXT. Trail to Surf's Up - MORNING

    Alex and Aokee rush to intercept Robbie.

    Alex, Aokee

  11. 11. EXT. Surf's Up Wave Pool - MORNING

    The Colonel assigns nicknames and plungers to the grounds crew.

    Jaffa, Eddie, Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee, The Colonel

  12. 12. EXT. Hill Area above Thunder Bay - DAY

    Big Mike gives a pep talk to the staff.

    Big Mike Maxwell, Richard Thompson

  13. 13. INT. Aokee's Surf & Snack Shack - MORNING

    Opening day preparations at Aokee's where Alex and Robbie work, ending with a dance routine.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Aokee, Alex, Audrey, Ramon, Sarah

  14. 14. INT. Aokee's Surf & Snack Shack - LATER THAT DAY

    Aokee rewards Alex and Robbie with smoothies and sends them on a prank errand.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee

  15. 15. EXT. Thunder Bay Concessions Area - MOMENTS LATER

    Alex and Robbie walk toward The Wave.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex

  16. 16. EXT. The Wave Area - MOMENTS LATER

    Alex shows Robbie the Wave attraction and orchestrates a prank.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Bob, Frank, Skeeter, Snitch

  17. 17. EXT. Near Surf's Up Pool - MOMENTS LATER

    Robbie asks Doug for the fake items.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Doug Fitzgerald

  18. 18. EXT. Customer Service Kiosk - MOMENTS LATER

    Alex and Robbie encounter Jaffa.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Jaffa

  19. 19. EXT. Top of Lost River Ride - DAY

    Guards discover the abandoned swimsuit.

  20. 20. EXT. Customer Service Kiosk - DAY

    Jaffa explains his persona to Robbie.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Jaffa

  21. 21. INT. Men's Changing/Rest Room - MOMENTS LATER

    Skeeter and Snitch set a trap.

    Skeeter, Snitch, Eddie

  22. 22. EXT. Men's Changing/Rest Room - MOMENTS LATER

    Eddie performs a card trick.

    Eddie

  23. 23. EXT. In front of Men's Changing/Rest Room - MOMENTS LATER

    Big Mike falls for the trap.

    Eddie, Alex, Robbie Zirpollo, Big Mike Maxwell, Skeeter, Snitch

  24. 24. EXT. Top of River Country - MOMENTS LATER

    Robbie and Alex talk to Katie and Amy.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Katie, Amy

  25. 25. EXT. Bottom of River Country - DAY

    A rescue occurs at the splashdown area.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex

  26. 26. EXT. BIG MIKE'S - MOMENTS LATER

    Alex and Robbie discuss the rookie initiation of searching for non-existent items at the park.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex

  27. 27. EXT. BACK OF BIG MIKE'S - DAY

    Alex and Robbie get burgers and malts from Dave at the back door.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Dave

  28. 28. INT. AOKEE'S SURF AND SNACK SHACK - DAY

    Alex and Robbie observe Aokee heading out to clean pigeon droppings.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee

  29. 29. EXT. AOKEE'S SURF AND SNACK SHACK - DAY

    Alex explains the significance of the trophy stand and the Employee Olympics to Robbie.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee

  30. 30. INT. AOKEE'S SURF AND SNACK SHACK - MOMENTS LATER

    Robbie serves Amy and Katie, and Alex distracts Amy to help Robbie flirt.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Katie, Amy

  31. 31. EXT. THE WAVE AREA - MOMENTS LATER

    Robbie demonstrates his superior surfing skills on The Wave.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex

  32. 32. INT. AOKEE'S SURF & SNACK SHACK - LATER THAT DAY

    Aokee and Alex decide to train Robbie for the Surfer King competition.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee

  33. 33. INT. AOKEE'S SURF & SNACK SHACK - MOMENTS LATER

    Robbie calls his grandmother to request his surfing gear.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee

  34. 34. INT. BIG MIKE'S OFFICE - DAY

    Big Mike scolds Tiffany for her elitist attitude.

    Big Mike Maxwell, Tiffany Maxwell

  35. 35. EXT. TIME SHACK - MORNING

    Skeeter and Snitch hang a prank banner for the Luau.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Skeeter, Snitch

  36. 36. EXT. OUTSIDE AOKEE'S SURF & SNACK SHACK - NIGHT

    The Employee Luau takes place.

    Big Mike Maxwell, Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Doug Fitzgerald, Tiffany Maxwell, Aokee

  37. 37. EXT. NORTH EDGE OF THUNDER BAY - MOMENTS LATER

    Robbie and Katie talk about their backgrounds.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Katie

  38. 38. EXT. CUSTOMER SERVICE KIOSK - MOMENTS LATER

    Alex and Amy flirt in the kiosk.

    Alex, Amy

  39. 39. EXT. GRAND PAVILION - NIGHT

    Robbie and Katie overlook the party, Robbie asks Alex to turn down the music.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Doug Fitzgerald, Alex

  40. 40. EXT. CUSTOMER SERVICE KIOSK - NIGHT

    Alex and Amy are kissing when Alex receives a radio call from Robbie.

    Alex, Amy

  41. 41. EXT. GRAND PAVILION - NIGHT

    Robbie and Katie dance and discuss Robbie's past as a child actor.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Katie

  42. 43. EXT. SURF'S UP WAVE POOL EAST SIDE - LATER THAT DAY

    The grounds crew performs a drum routine with trash cans and brooms, followed by a Roman-themed entrance by the lifeguards and Cowboy, who is crowned as Caesar for the games.

    Jaffa, Eddie, Big Mike Maxwell, Richard Thompson, Robbie Zirpollo, Alex

  43. 44. EXT. SURF'S UP WAVE POOL EAST SIDE - LATER THAT DAY

    A three-legged race involving teams from grounds, concessions, and lifeguards.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Doug Fitzgerald, Dan Peterson, The Colonel, Skeeter

  44. 45. EXT. THUNDER BAY - LATER THAT DAY

    A swimming race in Thunder Bay.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Doug Fitzgerald, Dan Peterson, The Colonel, Skeeter, Snitch

  45. 46. EXT. SURF'S UP WAVE POOL SOUTH SIDE - LATER THAT DAY

    A relay race involving trays of drinks.

    Sarah

  46. 47. EXT. AOKEE'S SURF & SNACK SHACK - LATER THAT DAY

    A table-clearing competition.

    Eddie, Robbie Zirpollo, Doug Fitzgerald, Dan Peterson

  47. 48. EXT. SURF'S UP WAVE POOL - LATER THAT DAY

    A CPR simulation competition.

    Alex, Doug Fitzgerald, Dan Peterson

  48. 49. EXT. IN FRONT OF THE CANNING COMPANY - LATER THAT DAY

    A chili cook-off competition.

    Big Mike Maxwell

  49. 50. INT. THUNDER BAY PUMPHOUSE - MORNING

    Robbie finds Pipeman and asks for help with surfing.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Pipeman

  50. 50. EXT. SURF'S UP WAVE POOL EAST SIDE - LATER THAT DAY

    Aokee, Alex, and Robbie discuss the competition standings and Robbie's upcoming surf championship.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Tiffany Maxwell, Aokee

  51. 51. INT. AOKEE'S SURF & SNACK SHACK - EVENING

    Aokee and Alex confront Robbie about his plans with Tiffany and reveal Aokee's true identity.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee

  52. 52. EXT. THUNDER BAY - EARLY MORNING

    Crowds gather for the final surfing competition.

    Alex, Aokee

  53. 53. EXT. AOKEE'S SURF & SNACK SHACK - EARLY MORNING

    Robbie arrives to join Aokee and Alex for the competition.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee

  54. 54. EXT. THUNDER BAY - EARLY MORNING

    The surfing competition takes place, resulting in a tie between concessions and lifeguards.

    Big Mike Maxwell, Robbie Zirpollo, Dan Peterson, The Colonel, Melinda Tally

  55. 55. EXT. AOKEE'S SURF & SNACK SHACK - MOMENTS LATER

    Robbie, Aokee, Alex, and Pipeman prepare the surfboard for the sudden-death heat.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Alex, Aokee, Pipeman

  56. 56. EXT. Thunder Bay - DAY

    Robbie prepares his surfboard with Pipeman's help while discussing his backflip plan with Aokee and Alex.

    Robbie Zirpollo, Pipeman, Aokee, Alex

  57. 71. EXT. Thunder Bay - MORNING

    Cowboy surfs, followed by Robbie who successfully lands a backflip and wins the competition.

    Dan Peterson, Alex, Robbie Zirpollo, Connie Zirpollo, Katie, Aokee

  58. 72. EXT. Wave Pool - EARLY EVENING

    Grounds crew closes the park for the season.

    Jaffa

  59. 73. EXT. Time Out Shack - EVENING

    The staff clocks out, Tiffany arrives, and Eddie leaves with her.

    Alex, Robbie Zirpollo, Katie, Amy, Tiffany Maxwell, Eddie

Dialogue examples

Listen, you're new, so let me tell you how things are. First those guys were wearing blue shorts. That means concessions. The Water World social structure is organized on three levels. At the bottom are the Trash Rats. Bottom feeders. Grounds kids. Babies. They clean the toilets and empty the trash. Most are only 14 years old. It's the only job younger kids can do here. Next up is concessions. They're our "middle class". We don't hang with them and they don't much hang with us. At the top of heap are the guards. You are a guard. Girl, if you want to go out with someone, stick with your own kind.

Amy / Scene 24

I have a theory. Sometimes it snows here so hard, that it's a challenge just to get to work or to school. Everything shuts down for a day or so. If your car gets stuck, people appear from nowhere to help pull you out and get you back on the road. Most people here don't just look out for themselves. A lot of times, they're looking out for you, too.

Katie / Scene 37

See, Princess Tiffany and her friends pretty much have the run of the park. Her boyfriend is Dan Peterson, a guy we all call Cowboy, one of the lifeguards. Pretty decent guy from what I can tell. But she's a piece of work. Your best strategy is to steer clear of her and she won't cause you any trouble.

Alex / Scene 8

A name I picked up reading an obituary in the paper. I sent away to Hawaii and got his birth records and social security number. This way, I never have to worry about immigration. I spent weeks watching tapes of Hawaii Five-O just to get the accent right. "Book 'em Danno". Huh. What's that all about?

Aokee / Scene 51

I'll let you in on a little secret. Perception is everything...now, Jamal from Aurora, he's probably over with those guys... cleaning the rest rooms. But Jaffa from Jamaica, he's in customer service, wearin' the nice shirt and playing the music. Perception and atmosphere. You get it?

Jaffa / Scene 20

Reading from the rules, "...in the event of a tie at the end of three heats in the surf competition, the teams who are tied will participate in a sudden-death surf off. Additional heats will be run until a winner can be declared." The "Sudden Death" heat will begin in five minutes.

Big Mike Maxwell / Scene 54

One time, these tourists from Japan on the beach at La Jolla offered me a hundred bucks to do a full spin at the top of the wave, and then slide down and cut back and do a full back flip. I pulled it off. A friend of mine had a tricks board with just a single fin and foot pockets.

Robbie Zirpollo / Scene 55

For one thing, start mingling with "the commoners". You'd be amazed at how nice some of the people who work here are. Make some friends outside that little group of yours. It's the work of the average teenager here that puts food on our table. Show some gratitude.

Big Mike Maxwell / Scene 34

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