Dreaming Whilst Black (2023) Movie Script
1
This programme contains
some strong language
SIGHS
Not long until you
get the sack. Huh?
I said not long until
we get to set. Oh.
Oh. How are you feeling for
your first day, my friend?
Yeah, I'm a bit nervous,
but I'm prepped.
Nuh! Nuh. Enjoy it, man.
I've been driving 20 years.
Never have I seen a black
man directing before.
You're the boss,
man. Mm, mm, mm.
You're doing this for
the culture? Yeah.
So don't mess up.
If you fail, you fail us all.
Bring down my mood,
don't bother Don't bother
I'm high up
I got problems Mm-hm-hm
I got gratitude
I'm winning...
Kwabena. Hey. How
are you? Good. Yeah.
I'm just going to get some
breakfast... Yeah. No time,
I'm afraid. Shit's
already hit the fan. OK.
Lisa the AD's got monkeypox,
so Alexandros is her
last-minute replacement.
He's going to need you to
approve these sides ASAP.
Roxie's car's late, so you won't
have any time in rehearsal.
OK, cool. And don't
fuck this today.
Whoa. I'm sorry. What? I
said you've got this today.
Kwabena!
My man. How are you? How are
you doing? I saw your shot list.
Can't wait to see the results.
Now, listen. First days can
always be a bit intense. OK.
So, you know, anything you
want, you come to me, all right?
I'm your... I'm your
sword and shield, OK?
Thank you... Now, I will have
to step away for a few hours.
I've got a meeting with
the divorce lawyer.
The ex is making a power
play for the Tesla.
I mean, she doesn't even
have a charging station,
but don't worry, all
right? I've got your back.
OK. OK, let's do it!
Thank you. Great.
Oh!
Hi, Amy. I'm Angela, the
managing director here.
It's nice to meet you. You too. You
too. So sorry for the mess. Mm-mm.
As you can see, we're still
in the process of moving in.
No worries. I was admiring your
Burning An Illusion poster.
I have the exact same one in
my bedroom. Oh, really? Mm-hm.
We're actually developing a
TV spin-off at the moment.
Are you being serious? Mm-hm.
OK. Even if I don't get this
job, please make that happen.
That would be iconic.
And if you did get it...
...how would you
approach the adaptation?
Um... I guess I would dig
into Cynthia's backstory more.
Sometimes she comes across
as this helpless victim.
I've always been curious as to why
she does the things that she does
and makes those decisions,
even when they're bad ones.
I completely agree.
So, why did you
apply for the job?
So we're just going to take you
to Rudolph's trailer now. Yep.
You all right? Hiya.
Hey, all right?
I'm Kwabena, by the
way. I'm directing.
And just around here.
Here? Thank you,
thank you. No worries.
CALMING CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
Come!
Hi, Rudolph. I'm Kwabena,
the director. Kwabena!
Pleasure. It is an honour to
be working with you. Truly.
Me and my mum used to watch
you every week on EastEnders.
To be honest, I think
she had a crush on you.
Remind me at wrap and I'll
sign something for her.
She would love that, honestly!
So, I hear it's
your first TV job.
Yeah, it is, it is. But I think
we can make something special.
And I am ready. No, I believe
you. It's just so good to see
a young brother like you in
this position. Thank you.
Don't forget, this is YOUR set.
So you hold your ground today.
Trust your instincts.
Thank you, Rudolph.
I will. And, look, I want this to
be your best screen performance yet.
So before we start
today, I was wondering,
do you have any questions
for me? Um, yeah.
I did have some
thoughts about Roxie.
Last I heard, Adjoa Ashanti
was playing Lady Bantam.
Yeah, I really pushed for her,
but we just couldn't make
it work, sadly. Is she busy?
She's such a great talent.
She is, she is, but I do think
Roxie can bring something...
magical to the project. Yeah?
Yeah, the producers love
her... KNOCK ON DOOR
Come!
Hey. Hiya! Oh, I'm so
sorry to interrupt.
No, no, no. Perfect
timing. Please, join us.
Hi. I'm Kwabena, the director.
Pleasure to meet you.
Pleasure to meet you. Rudolph,
this is Roxie, our Lady Bantam.
Pleasure to meet you, my dear.
Kwabena was just waxing
lyrical about your latest work.
Really? You watched
Love Island? Yeah.
Your agent said you were working
on other projects, right?
Yeah. Yeah. I mean,
mainly presenting stuff.
This is my first acting job,
so I've been reading
Stanislavski to prepare myself.
Um, "Love art in yourself",
"not yourself in art."
So clever.
Wow! You must have some agent.
Took me 15 years to
get my first lead role.
Oh, I can introduce you
to her, if you like.
She got me a VIP Ice Spice
tickets. You should come.
Mm. HE LAUGHS
What's an ice spice?
Er...
Oh, Mrs Mitchell.
Oh, hi, Miss Carol.
Are you OK? I'm glad
I've caught you. Mm-hm.
I've just been informed
that there was an incident
between Mayowa and another
little boy yesterday.
An incident? Have you got a
moment to pop into my office?
Yeah. Right. Through here.
Kwabena, we need to speed it
up, buttercup. Time is ticking.
OK, cool. Uh, can we
get the SA's in, please?
Lewis! Hey, man. How's it...
How's it going? Good, good.
Look, I'm directing TV now. Amazing.
You should be proud. Thank you.
Kwabena, we need to get
things moving. Sorry.
Uh, look, it's great to see you,
man. We'll catch up later, yeah?
Yeah. Absolutely, brother. Take
care. You know the director? No.
Seems nice, though.
Rudolph, welcome to set. We're
going to get a single on Roxie first
and then we'll come around and
get your single afterwards.
Right, and we are
nearly ready to go.
And I'd love to go straight
for a take, if that's OK?
Yeah, that's fine. Before we
do, who are all these people?
Oh.
Yeah, they're supposed to
be our ancestors. Yeah.
And this?
Is this my ancestor, too?
Um, we'll get rid of that.
Actually, we'll burn it.
Uh, could we get rid of
this one, please? Thank you.
Um, yeah. So first
positions, OK? Thank you.
Ready to go now? Yeah. We're
good, we're good, we're good.
Right. Yeah, yeah, let's go.
OK, we're going for a take.
BELL RINGS Quiet! Roll sound.
Roll camera.
And... BOTH: Action!
Normally, the first
AD says, "Action."
OK, um, in this
instance, could I say it?
Sure. Cool.
Roll sound, camera.
And... action!
CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
We must be strong,
for nobody can ever
know the pain you carry.
WOODENLY: But, Lord Yardaton,
my heart is broken
into 1,000 pieces.
Uh, cut. Um... Happy to move
on? Wait. Wait a second.
You should go and have a
word. OK. Give me a moment.
Roxie, it was great. Oh,
really? Oh, thank you.
We are going to go again. OK.
Yeah, but this time,
you know what? Just...
Yeah, just... Just relax.
I know. Yeah.
Sorry. I was just...
I was feeling a bit nervous,
and, um, like, I'm used to
looking into the camera, so...
Oh, yeah. Don't worry, don't worry.
Obviously, that's why I'm here.
But on this take, yeah, just
forget about your lines, right?
And just really listen to
what Rudolph is saying.
You're doing great,
my dear. Oh! Wow!
Yeah? Great. Thank you.
Right, we're going
to go again. OK.
Reset, please. Quickly. Is she OK?
Yeah, she's just a bit nervous.
Yeah, understandable.
But it's crucial this performance
is good. We can't fall behind.
And... action!
We must be strong,
for no-one can ever know
the pain you're carrying.
But, Lord Yardaton,
my heart is breaking
into 1,000 pieces.
Uh, can we just try
one more time, please?
ROMANTICALLY: But,
Lord Yardaton...
SHOUTING: But, Lord Yarda...!
But, Lord Yardaton...
Remember that you're...
You know, you're in love.
Argh!
Then, should we kiss?
Yeah. We're not going to
kiss. But, Lord Yardaton...
...my heart is broken...
TEARFULLY: ..into 1,000 pieces.
SIGHS
ROXIE: My heart... Kwabena,
we have to move on.
We're falling behind.
My heart is broken
into 1,000 pieces!
Ah, cut, cut. Line.
Cut right there. Thank
you. Thank you so much.
There's enough. We can... We'll move
on from this and go on to Rudolph's.
No, no, no, we have no time. We
have to move on to the next scene.
Why? I'm under strict instruction
that we cannot go over today.
Where's Simon? Still
getting divorced.
Alexandros is right. We just...
We've best to make the day. And
you have them in the two shot.
It's your call, but
I would move on.
All right, we're moving
on to the next scene.
Wait, wait, wait!
Kwabs, Kwabs, Kwabs.
Will you not be
getting my single?
Uh, I don't think we
need it, you know?
There was a really nice balance
between you two in the two shot.
I was saving my
performance for the single.
Your performance
was great, honestly.
Uh, OK. Um, look,
in the next scene, I promise I'll
do your single first. Is that OK?
Uh, very well. Thank you.
Actors. They're so dramatic.
EXHALES DEEPLY
Where is he? He's
with his key worker.
No, the yute that hit him, his
dad. I'm going to bang him up.
I'm telling you now, baby,
whoever hit OUR child
is going to feel it.
I don't even care if it's
that kid with the eye patch.
No, babe, we got to
get this at the source.
If these white kids think
they can hit our baby,
that means they're learning
that shit from their parents.
That's right.
What? It's her kid! Look at him
and his little Hitler haircut.
Oh! Oh, yeah. It's on site now.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. None
of that posh shit, yeah?
We're going to handle tings like
we would on ends. Do you get it?
Sorry to keep you waiting,
Mr and Mrs Mitchell.
Thank you. Please take a seat.
So, as you're aware,
there was an incident
with Mayowa and Isaac. Mm-hm.
Yeah. So what I want to know is
why you didn't say anything
yesterday when I picked him up
and why was no-one
supervising my son?
I can assure you, we're doing
everything that we promised to do.
Well, clearly, it's
not enough, is it?
Right. I've spoken
with Isaac's parents,
and they're very upset,
as well... She's upset?!
Baby, you see how they teach
them white tears from young? Ah!
Well, you can tell her that if
Aryan Isaac hits my son again,
Mayowa will be hitting
back. Hitting back? Yes.
No. Sorry, there's been a
misunderstanding. Mayowa is...
He's the one who hit Isaac.
BOTH: Oh!
Yeah.
Ahem.
Ahem. So, Carol,
how do we move
forward from this?
You got time to be doing that? Oh,
um, no, sorry. I was just prepping.
Yeah. I need to step off
for a couple of hours.
I'll be back as soon as I
can, but keep an eye on Roxie.
It's imperative we keep
to the schedule. OK.
I've told him to start with
Roxie first. Wait. No, no, no.
We have to start
with Rudolph first.
Remember, we didn't
get his shot last time.
OK, I really think that we
should start with Roxie.
She needs more time.
A lot more time.
You need to make a
decision quickly. Fine.
At least let me tell
Rudolph. OK, OK.
WHIMPERING
Roxie, are you OK?
Sorry. I'll be fine.
I really didn't want to
bring this to work, but, um,
I'm going through a break-up at the
moment. No, no, no. Don't apologise.
Look, I'm going through
something similar.
I mean, we broke
up some time ago
but, you know, it's
still hard sometimes.
Break-ups are so
shit, aren't they?
Yeah. You mind me
asking what happened?
Had a threesome with my
best mate on live TV.
Oh.
Kwabena, will we be getting
back to shooting any time soon?
Give me a moment.
Ahem. Um, I'm so sorry
to do this, Rudolph,
but we're going to start with
Roxie's single. What...?!
Look, we'll get your
single, I promise.
But it's just that I know you'll
hit the mark straight away.
Right? Look, I just want to spend
some time to get Roxie up to speed.
Then you can save your performance
for that pivotal speech.
Kwabena, time is money. Tick
tock. What about TikTok?
Please.
Sure, if that's what you think
is best. Thank you, Rudolph.
Roxie, look.
Everything we just spoke about,
I want you to use it. Right?
Think Stanislavski.
Lean into your reality.
Like, just imagine
you're telling your ex
everything you felt
through these words.
Yeah? Right. Great. Thank you.
All right, we're going
for a take, everyone.
Camera rolling.
Sound.
And... action.
You say love cannot die.
And maybe you're right.
I pray your heart stays
as strong as your sword.
And your soul is untouched
by the things it will endure.
But most of all...
...I pray you come back to me.
And cut!
That was perfect, Roxie!
Oh, my God. You were
amazing. Are you all right?
Oh, oh, OK. Yeah, we
can hug. We can hug.
All right. Just relax,
OK? Take a moment.
OK. OK? Thank you. You did great.
Does that do it? You did so great.
All right, can we
get playback, please?
Good...
Cue the playback.
You say love cannot die.
And maybe you're right.
It is the only explanation
as to why I'm here.
But why must you plague my mind,
Lady V? Your thoughts are your own.
If they're occupied with me, then
maybe you're not being truthful.
Tell me, Lord Kwabena,
what is your truth?
If I listen to my heart,
it speaks your name.
Then why must we be parted?
Have some self-respect, Lady
V. Is he not a man of waste?
This broketh black was
not only beneath you.
He was also a liar, posing as
a hotshot patron of the arts.
But I am a patron of the
arts! Do not permit him
to slither back into your
life like some sordid serpent.
Agreed, milady. One doth
think he is a... pussyclaat.
Mm, indeed. I should
have guessed -
your haughty maidens intent
on vexing a gentleman
for his noble pursuit
of his dreams. Noble?
THEY LAUGH
You are more of a
fool than I thought.
As thick as a yamhead
from the islands.
Bomboclaat. This is between
myself and Lady Vanessa.
Very well.
One cannot tolerate this
eediat much longer anyhow.
And let us find a more
desirable match for Lady V,
one more well-endowed
in his wealth.
And his breeches.
Leave us. You will forever
be spinsters here. Hmm!
My lady. My lord.
I just have one more
question for you.
Are you happy now?
Well, are you happy now?
Kwabena!
Are you happy? Yeah,
yeah. OK. Hokey cokey!
OK. Moving on to
Rudolph's single, please.
Yeah. We need to turn around
as fast as possible...
One minute. One minute. Right.
Why are there stitches
in my plantain, please?
Sutures, not stitches.
There's a difference.
Sutures are for cadavers.
English, please.
I'm practising how to
sew up dead bodies.
Why? Because I'm
going back to uni.
Are you being
serious? Yeah. What?
You were right. I've always
wanted to be a doctor.
And I shouldn't let those poshos
make me doubt that. So fuck them...
Right... and their rowing.
Cos you're a... Baddie.
Because you're a... Baddie.
With your whole chest. I'm a baddie!
Fix up! Look sharp! Fix this.
Oh. Thank you. I thought we
were going to have a moment.
Yeah, you won't need that. OK.
Oh, there you go. Love you.
PHONE BUZZES
Hey. Hey. I'm sorry I missed your
call, but we're on lunch now.
Are you OK? Um, I was just
calling you before to let you know
that I had an interview this morning
for that job that you sent me.
Oh, yeah? Yeah.
It took me a while to, you
know, process your dickheadness.
But you were right.
Ah, you know what?
I think the service here is quite
bad. Could you say that again?
Don't milk it, OK?
You're still a
pagan. PHONE BUZZES
One sec. Uh, I've just
got an email from Angela.
OK. "Dear Amy, lovely
meeting you today."
"I was incredibly
impressed by you and...
"..would love to offer you the
role of development exec here
"at How Far
Pictures!" Jeez! Amy!
Shit. What? Well, that
salary and my mum's carer...
...Kwabs, it's not enough.
SIGHS
Being honest...
...I'm a tad relieved, babe.
You are? Yes. Look, babe,
I'm not trying to
be toxic or nothing,
but I'm kind of glad that
Mayowa was the one hitting
instead of being
the one getting hit.
Oh, my God, baby. I'm so
glad that you said that.
No, listen. The idea of our
baby boy being bullied hurts me!
Yes! Listen, they can put that
one down as reparations, innit?
Our likkle man is a lion. Mm!
Unlike that stupid boy Isaac,
crying every time the
mother drops him off.
Acting like some likkle
bitch. Likkle bitch!
HORN HONKS Bee-yotch! Oh. Oh.
Oh, my God. It is her.
Baby? It is her. Baby, OK.
Drive, drive. It's Aryan
Isaac's mama. Drive.
UPBEAT R&B MUSIC PLAYS
DOOR OPENS, KNOCKING
Bruvner. You're back.
Yeah. Sorry about that.
Word of advice. Never get married.
It's not worth the divorce.
Um, so can I have a quick word?
Yeah, please. Have a seat.
Right. I'm afraid someone has
majorly dropped the ball on this,
but Roxie's got to leave now.
She's leaving? Look, I'm so sorry.
Her agent did email, apparently,
but it just got lost in translation.
But where is she going?
Um, premier. A premier?!
Just, please, tell me
you got her coverage.
You got her close-ups, right?
Yeah, we did,
technically. Thank God.
That's one less thing to
worry about. Wait. No, no, no.
Can you not ask her to stay?
Look, this is a big scene.
And she had Rudolph to perform
it on her take. Trust me, I know.
Now, someone's head is really
going to roll for this.
No, no. And I'll tell you why.
Because you've been dropped in
the shit and that makes me angry.
She's leaving for a premiere?
I am so sorry, Randolph.
So with whom am I supposed
to perform this scene?
Well, we've arranged for a stand-in.
Unless you have another preference.
J-J... I'm sorry. Could you...?
Frankly, I would
rather not be relegated
to performing with
a marionette at all!
Look, Rudolph, I understand
why you're upset.
You'd be doing me a
massive favour. Kwabs.
We are running out of time.
We have to turn over now.
Roll the cameras.
Thank you. We're going for the
final shot of the day. Urgh!
You get one shot and then
I have to pull the plug.
Can we please get the stand-in?
OK.
Camera rolling.
Sound. Seven, take one.
And... action.
Love cannot be killed
or pushed aside.
It is eternal.
In the heavens, in the stars.
The pain you feel is precisely
because of the love you have,
the love we have. So hold
on to it. Cherish it.
For grief can only exist
where love once lived.
And... cut. That's
a wrap, everyone.
APPLAUSE
That's a wrap, everyone. Thank
you. Well done. Thank you.
Wonderful.
OK, can we pack up a bit
quickly, please? Thank you.
Oh, man. That was great.
Thank you, guys. Thank you.
PHONE BUZZES
Let's pack up, please.
Rudolph. Oh,
amazing performance.
Thank you so much for
doing that for me.
Just know it's not
going to happen again.
Oh, no, I understand,
I understand.
I know I've made some
compromises today,
but that's filming,
right? It's not, Kwabena.
You said you wanted this
to be my best performance,
but I've heard it before.
I've spent my entire career
being given smaller roles
and fewer opportunity than
my white counterparts.
And yet still, no
matter what I achieve,
I'm never afforded the
opportunity to do my best work
because all the resources have
been used to allow THEM to thrive.
Rudolph, I... I didn't realise.
That's the problem, Kwabena.
You've drunk the Kool-Aid.
You should wake up.
Here's the signed
headshot for your mum.
To keep God at my side but
They would love to
see me stressing out
Bank balance inna di red ya na
Dem man love fi
see me less ya na
Knife bored inna
di my chest ya na
They would love
fi see me dead ya na
Gunshot inna mi head ya na
But you dun know,
Jah had another plan
Mi seh God always makes
sure mi blessed ya na
You know, God always makes
sure mi blessed you know
God always makes sure
mi blessed you know
You know, God always makes
sure mi blessed you know...
This programme contains
some strong language
SIGHS
Not long until you
get the sack. Huh?
I said not long until
we get to set. Oh.
Oh. How are you feeling for
your first day, my friend?
Yeah, I'm a bit nervous,
but I'm prepped.
Nuh! Nuh. Enjoy it, man.
I've been driving 20 years.
Never have I seen a black
man directing before.
You're the boss,
man. Mm, mm, mm.
You're doing this for
the culture? Yeah.
So don't mess up.
If you fail, you fail us all.
Bring down my mood,
don't bother Don't bother
I'm high up
I got problems Mm-hm-hm
I got gratitude
I'm winning...
Kwabena. Hey. How
are you? Good. Yeah.
I'm just going to get some
breakfast... Yeah. No time,
I'm afraid. Shit's
already hit the fan. OK.
Lisa the AD's got monkeypox,
so Alexandros is her
last-minute replacement.
He's going to need you to
approve these sides ASAP.
Roxie's car's late, so you won't
have any time in rehearsal.
OK, cool. And don't
fuck this today.
Whoa. I'm sorry. What? I
said you've got this today.
Kwabena!
My man. How are you? How are
you doing? I saw your shot list.
Can't wait to see the results.
Now, listen. First days can
always be a bit intense. OK.
So, you know, anything you
want, you come to me, all right?
I'm your... I'm your
sword and shield, OK?
Thank you... Now, I will have
to step away for a few hours.
I've got a meeting with
the divorce lawyer.
The ex is making a power
play for the Tesla.
I mean, she doesn't even
have a charging station,
but don't worry, all
right? I've got your back.
OK. OK, let's do it!
Thank you. Great.
Oh!
Hi, Amy. I'm Angela, the
managing director here.
It's nice to meet you. You too. You
too. So sorry for the mess. Mm-mm.
As you can see, we're still
in the process of moving in.
No worries. I was admiring your
Burning An Illusion poster.
I have the exact same one in
my bedroom. Oh, really? Mm-hm.
We're actually developing a
TV spin-off at the moment.
Are you being serious? Mm-hm.
OK. Even if I don't get this
job, please make that happen.
That would be iconic.
And if you did get it...
...how would you
approach the adaptation?
Um... I guess I would dig
into Cynthia's backstory more.
Sometimes she comes across
as this helpless victim.
I've always been curious as to why
she does the things that she does
and makes those decisions,
even when they're bad ones.
I completely agree.
So, why did you
apply for the job?
So we're just going to take you
to Rudolph's trailer now. Yep.
You all right? Hiya.
Hey, all right?
I'm Kwabena, by the
way. I'm directing.
And just around here.
Here? Thank you,
thank you. No worries.
CALMING CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
Come!
Hi, Rudolph. I'm Kwabena,
the director. Kwabena!
Pleasure. It is an honour to
be working with you. Truly.
Me and my mum used to watch
you every week on EastEnders.
To be honest, I think
she had a crush on you.
Remind me at wrap and I'll
sign something for her.
She would love that, honestly!
So, I hear it's
your first TV job.
Yeah, it is, it is. But I think
we can make something special.
And I am ready. No, I believe
you. It's just so good to see
a young brother like you in
this position. Thank you.
Don't forget, this is YOUR set.
So you hold your ground today.
Trust your instincts.
Thank you, Rudolph.
I will. And, look, I want this to
be your best screen performance yet.
So before we start
today, I was wondering,
do you have any questions
for me? Um, yeah.
I did have some
thoughts about Roxie.
Last I heard, Adjoa Ashanti
was playing Lady Bantam.
Yeah, I really pushed for her,
but we just couldn't make
it work, sadly. Is she busy?
She's such a great talent.
She is, she is, but I do think
Roxie can bring something...
magical to the project. Yeah?
Yeah, the producers love
her... KNOCK ON DOOR
Come!
Hey. Hiya! Oh, I'm so
sorry to interrupt.
No, no, no. Perfect
timing. Please, join us.
Hi. I'm Kwabena, the director.
Pleasure to meet you.
Pleasure to meet you. Rudolph,
this is Roxie, our Lady Bantam.
Pleasure to meet you, my dear.
Kwabena was just waxing
lyrical about your latest work.
Really? You watched
Love Island? Yeah.
Your agent said you were working
on other projects, right?
Yeah. Yeah. I mean,
mainly presenting stuff.
This is my first acting job,
so I've been reading
Stanislavski to prepare myself.
Um, "Love art in yourself",
"not yourself in art."
So clever.
Wow! You must have some agent.
Took me 15 years to
get my first lead role.
Oh, I can introduce you
to her, if you like.
She got me a VIP Ice Spice
tickets. You should come.
Mm. HE LAUGHS
What's an ice spice?
Er...
Oh, Mrs Mitchell.
Oh, hi, Miss Carol.
Are you OK? I'm glad
I've caught you. Mm-hm.
I've just been informed
that there was an incident
between Mayowa and another
little boy yesterday.
An incident? Have you got a
moment to pop into my office?
Yeah. Right. Through here.
Kwabena, we need to speed it
up, buttercup. Time is ticking.
OK, cool. Uh, can we
get the SA's in, please?
Lewis! Hey, man. How's it...
How's it going? Good, good.
Look, I'm directing TV now. Amazing.
You should be proud. Thank you.
Kwabena, we need to get
things moving. Sorry.
Uh, look, it's great to see you,
man. We'll catch up later, yeah?
Yeah. Absolutely, brother. Take
care. You know the director? No.
Seems nice, though.
Rudolph, welcome to set. We're
going to get a single on Roxie first
and then we'll come around and
get your single afterwards.
Right, and we are
nearly ready to go.
And I'd love to go straight
for a take, if that's OK?
Yeah, that's fine. Before we
do, who are all these people?
Oh.
Yeah, they're supposed to
be our ancestors. Yeah.
And this?
Is this my ancestor, too?
Um, we'll get rid of that.
Actually, we'll burn it.
Uh, could we get rid of
this one, please? Thank you.
Um, yeah. So first
positions, OK? Thank you.
Ready to go now? Yeah. We're
good, we're good, we're good.
Right. Yeah, yeah, let's go.
OK, we're going for a take.
BELL RINGS Quiet! Roll sound.
Roll camera.
And... BOTH: Action!
Normally, the first
AD says, "Action."
OK, um, in this
instance, could I say it?
Sure. Cool.
Roll sound, camera.
And... action!
CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
We must be strong,
for nobody can ever
know the pain you carry.
WOODENLY: But, Lord Yardaton,
my heart is broken
into 1,000 pieces.
Uh, cut. Um... Happy to move
on? Wait. Wait a second.
You should go and have a
word. OK. Give me a moment.
Roxie, it was great. Oh,
really? Oh, thank you.
We are going to go again. OK.
Yeah, but this time,
you know what? Just...
Yeah, just... Just relax.
I know. Yeah.
Sorry. I was just...
I was feeling a bit nervous,
and, um, like, I'm used to
looking into the camera, so...
Oh, yeah. Don't worry, don't worry.
Obviously, that's why I'm here.
But on this take, yeah, just
forget about your lines, right?
And just really listen to
what Rudolph is saying.
You're doing great,
my dear. Oh! Wow!
Yeah? Great. Thank you.
Right, we're going
to go again. OK.
Reset, please. Quickly. Is she OK?
Yeah, she's just a bit nervous.
Yeah, understandable.
But it's crucial this performance
is good. We can't fall behind.
And... action!
We must be strong,
for no-one can ever know
the pain you're carrying.
But, Lord Yardaton,
my heart is breaking
into 1,000 pieces.
Uh, can we just try
one more time, please?
ROMANTICALLY: But,
Lord Yardaton...
SHOUTING: But, Lord Yarda...!
But, Lord Yardaton...
Remember that you're...
You know, you're in love.
Argh!
Then, should we kiss?
Yeah. We're not going to
kiss. But, Lord Yardaton...
...my heart is broken...
TEARFULLY: ..into 1,000 pieces.
SIGHS
ROXIE: My heart... Kwabena,
we have to move on.
We're falling behind.
My heart is broken
into 1,000 pieces!
Ah, cut, cut. Line.
Cut right there. Thank
you. Thank you so much.
There's enough. We can... We'll move
on from this and go on to Rudolph's.
No, no, no, we have no time. We
have to move on to the next scene.
Why? I'm under strict instruction
that we cannot go over today.
Where's Simon? Still
getting divorced.
Alexandros is right. We just...
We've best to make the day. And
you have them in the two shot.
It's your call, but
I would move on.
All right, we're moving
on to the next scene.
Wait, wait, wait!
Kwabs, Kwabs, Kwabs.
Will you not be
getting my single?
Uh, I don't think we
need it, you know?
There was a really nice balance
between you two in the two shot.
I was saving my
performance for the single.
Your performance
was great, honestly.
Uh, OK. Um, look,
in the next scene, I promise I'll
do your single first. Is that OK?
Uh, very well. Thank you.
Actors. They're so dramatic.
EXHALES DEEPLY
Where is he? He's
with his key worker.
No, the yute that hit him, his
dad. I'm going to bang him up.
I'm telling you now, baby,
whoever hit OUR child
is going to feel it.
I don't even care if it's
that kid with the eye patch.
No, babe, we got to
get this at the source.
If these white kids think
they can hit our baby,
that means they're learning
that shit from their parents.
That's right.
What? It's her kid! Look at him
and his little Hitler haircut.
Oh! Oh, yeah. It's on site now.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. None
of that posh shit, yeah?
We're going to handle tings like
we would on ends. Do you get it?
Sorry to keep you waiting,
Mr and Mrs Mitchell.
Thank you. Please take a seat.
So, as you're aware,
there was an incident
with Mayowa and Isaac. Mm-hm.
Yeah. So what I want to know is
why you didn't say anything
yesterday when I picked him up
and why was no-one
supervising my son?
I can assure you, we're doing
everything that we promised to do.
Well, clearly, it's
not enough, is it?
Right. I've spoken
with Isaac's parents,
and they're very upset,
as well... She's upset?!
Baby, you see how they teach
them white tears from young? Ah!
Well, you can tell her that if
Aryan Isaac hits my son again,
Mayowa will be hitting
back. Hitting back? Yes.
No. Sorry, there's been a
misunderstanding. Mayowa is...
He's the one who hit Isaac.
BOTH: Oh!
Yeah.
Ahem.
Ahem. So, Carol,
how do we move
forward from this?
You got time to be doing that? Oh,
um, no, sorry. I was just prepping.
Yeah. I need to step off
for a couple of hours.
I'll be back as soon as I
can, but keep an eye on Roxie.
It's imperative we keep
to the schedule. OK.
I've told him to start with
Roxie first. Wait. No, no, no.
We have to start
with Rudolph first.
Remember, we didn't
get his shot last time.
OK, I really think that we
should start with Roxie.
She needs more time.
A lot more time.
You need to make a
decision quickly. Fine.
At least let me tell
Rudolph. OK, OK.
WHIMPERING
Roxie, are you OK?
Sorry. I'll be fine.
I really didn't want to
bring this to work, but, um,
I'm going through a break-up at the
moment. No, no, no. Don't apologise.
Look, I'm going through
something similar.
I mean, we broke
up some time ago
but, you know, it's
still hard sometimes.
Break-ups are so
shit, aren't they?
Yeah. You mind me
asking what happened?
Had a threesome with my
best mate on live TV.
Oh.
Kwabena, will we be getting
back to shooting any time soon?
Give me a moment.
Ahem. Um, I'm so sorry
to do this, Rudolph,
but we're going to start with
Roxie's single. What...?!
Look, we'll get your
single, I promise.
But it's just that I know you'll
hit the mark straight away.
Right? Look, I just want to spend
some time to get Roxie up to speed.
Then you can save your performance
for that pivotal speech.
Kwabena, time is money. Tick
tock. What about TikTok?
Please.
Sure, if that's what you think
is best. Thank you, Rudolph.
Roxie, look.
Everything we just spoke about,
I want you to use it. Right?
Think Stanislavski.
Lean into your reality.
Like, just imagine
you're telling your ex
everything you felt
through these words.
Yeah? Right. Great. Thank you.
All right, we're going
for a take, everyone.
Camera rolling.
Sound.
And... action.
You say love cannot die.
And maybe you're right.
I pray your heart stays
as strong as your sword.
And your soul is untouched
by the things it will endure.
But most of all...
...I pray you come back to me.
And cut!
That was perfect, Roxie!
Oh, my God. You were
amazing. Are you all right?
Oh, oh, OK. Yeah, we
can hug. We can hug.
All right. Just relax,
OK? Take a moment.
OK. OK? Thank you. You did great.
Does that do it? You did so great.
All right, can we
get playback, please?
Good...
Cue the playback.
You say love cannot die.
And maybe you're right.
It is the only explanation
as to why I'm here.
But why must you plague my mind,
Lady V? Your thoughts are your own.
If they're occupied with me, then
maybe you're not being truthful.
Tell me, Lord Kwabena,
what is your truth?
If I listen to my heart,
it speaks your name.
Then why must we be parted?
Have some self-respect, Lady
V. Is he not a man of waste?
This broketh black was
not only beneath you.
He was also a liar, posing as
a hotshot patron of the arts.
But I am a patron of the
arts! Do not permit him
to slither back into your
life like some sordid serpent.
Agreed, milady. One doth
think he is a... pussyclaat.
Mm, indeed. I should
have guessed -
your haughty maidens intent
on vexing a gentleman
for his noble pursuit
of his dreams. Noble?
THEY LAUGH
You are more of a
fool than I thought.
As thick as a yamhead
from the islands.
Bomboclaat. This is between
myself and Lady Vanessa.
Very well.
One cannot tolerate this
eediat much longer anyhow.
And let us find a more
desirable match for Lady V,
one more well-endowed
in his wealth.
And his breeches.
Leave us. You will forever
be spinsters here. Hmm!
My lady. My lord.
I just have one more
question for you.
Are you happy now?
Well, are you happy now?
Kwabena!
Are you happy? Yeah,
yeah. OK. Hokey cokey!
OK. Moving on to
Rudolph's single, please.
Yeah. We need to turn around
as fast as possible...
One minute. One minute. Right.
Why are there stitches
in my plantain, please?
Sutures, not stitches.
There's a difference.
Sutures are for cadavers.
English, please.
I'm practising how to
sew up dead bodies.
Why? Because I'm
going back to uni.
Are you being
serious? Yeah. What?
You were right. I've always
wanted to be a doctor.
And I shouldn't let those poshos
make me doubt that. So fuck them...
Right... and their rowing.
Cos you're a... Baddie.
Because you're a... Baddie.
With your whole chest. I'm a baddie!
Fix up! Look sharp! Fix this.
Oh. Thank you. I thought we
were going to have a moment.
Yeah, you won't need that. OK.
Oh, there you go. Love you.
PHONE BUZZES
Hey. Hey. I'm sorry I missed your
call, but we're on lunch now.
Are you OK? Um, I was just
calling you before to let you know
that I had an interview this morning
for that job that you sent me.
Oh, yeah? Yeah.
It took me a while to, you
know, process your dickheadness.
But you were right.
Ah, you know what?
I think the service here is quite
bad. Could you say that again?
Don't milk it, OK?
You're still a
pagan. PHONE BUZZES
One sec. Uh, I've just
got an email from Angela.
OK. "Dear Amy, lovely
meeting you today."
"I was incredibly
impressed by you and...
"..would love to offer you the
role of development exec here
"at How Far
Pictures!" Jeez! Amy!
Shit. What? Well, that
salary and my mum's carer...
...Kwabs, it's not enough.
SIGHS
Being honest...
...I'm a tad relieved, babe.
You are? Yes. Look, babe,
I'm not trying to
be toxic or nothing,
but I'm kind of glad that
Mayowa was the one hitting
instead of being
the one getting hit.
Oh, my God, baby. I'm so
glad that you said that.
No, listen. The idea of our
baby boy being bullied hurts me!
Yes! Listen, they can put that
one down as reparations, innit?
Our likkle man is a lion. Mm!
Unlike that stupid boy Isaac,
crying every time the
mother drops him off.
Acting like some likkle
bitch. Likkle bitch!
HORN HONKS Bee-yotch! Oh. Oh.
Oh, my God. It is her.
Baby? It is her. Baby, OK.
Drive, drive. It's Aryan
Isaac's mama. Drive.
UPBEAT R&B MUSIC PLAYS
DOOR OPENS, KNOCKING
Bruvner. You're back.
Yeah. Sorry about that.
Word of advice. Never get married.
It's not worth the divorce.
Um, so can I have a quick word?
Yeah, please. Have a seat.
Right. I'm afraid someone has
majorly dropped the ball on this,
but Roxie's got to leave now.
She's leaving? Look, I'm so sorry.
Her agent did email, apparently,
but it just got lost in translation.
But where is she going?
Um, premier. A premier?!
Just, please, tell me
you got her coverage.
You got her close-ups, right?
Yeah, we did,
technically. Thank God.
That's one less thing to
worry about. Wait. No, no, no.
Can you not ask her to stay?
Look, this is a big scene.
And she had Rudolph to perform
it on her take. Trust me, I know.
Now, someone's head is really
going to roll for this.
No, no. And I'll tell you why.
Because you've been dropped in
the shit and that makes me angry.
She's leaving for a premiere?
I am so sorry, Randolph.
So with whom am I supposed
to perform this scene?
Well, we've arranged for a stand-in.
Unless you have another preference.
J-J... I'm sorry. Could you...?
Frankly, I would
rather not be relegated
to performing with
a marionette at all!
Look, Rudolph, I understand
why you're upset.
You'd be doing me a
massive favour. Kwabs.
We are running out of time.
We have to turn over now.
Roll the cameras.
Thank you. We're going for the
final shot of the day. Urgh!
You get one shot and then
I have to pull the plug.
Can we please get the stand-in?
OK.
Camera rolling.
Sound. Seven, take one.
And... action.
Love cannot be killed
or pushed aside.
It is eternal.
In the heavens, in the stars.
The pain you feel is precisely
because of the love you have,
the love we have. So hold
on to it. Cherish it.
For grief can only exist
where love once lived.
And... cut. That's
a wrap, everyone.
APPLAUSE
That's a wrap, everyone. Thank
you. Well done. Thank you.
Wonderful.
OK, can we pack up a bit
quickly, please? Thank you.
Oh, man. That was great.
Thank you, guys. Thank you.
PHONE BUZZES
Let's pack up, please.
Rudolph. Oh,
amazing performance.
Thank you so much for
doing that for me.
Just know it's not
going to happen again.
Oh, no, I understand,
I understand.
I know I've made some
compromises today,
but that's filming,
right? It's not, Kwabena.
You said you wanted this
to be my best performance,
but I've heard it before.
I've spent my entire career
being given smaller roles
and fewer opportunity than
my white counterparts.
And yet still, no
matter what I achieve,
I'm never afforded the
opportunity to do my best work
because all the resources have
been used to allow THEM to thrive.
Rudolph, I... I didn't realise.
That's the problem, Kwabena.
You've drunk the Kool-Aid.
You should wake up.
Here's the signed
headshot for your mum.
To keep God at my side but
They would love to
see me stressing out
Bank balance inna di red ya na
Dem man love fi
see me less ya na
Knife bored inna
di my chest ya na
They would love
fi see me dead ya na
Gunshot inna mi head ya na
But you dun know,
Jah had another plan
Mi seh God always makes
sure mi blessed ya na
You know, God always makes
sure mi blessed you know
God always makes sure
mi blessed you know
You know, God always makes
sure mi blessed you know...