TV Show Introduction & Scene Excerpt - Daphné at the Restaurant
28/02/2021
Hello, folks!
So, I've told you a year ago how I started screenwriting. I love it! While I paused the writing of my movie, I'm having a blast writing my TV show, The Carousel! I took three screenwriting courses, including one last month for a TV show pilot and it was not only extremely enjoyable but also very informative (which I'll tell you about in another post as a review). As an exercise in the last course, I had to write a scene where my protagonist went to a restaurant alone. Since I have two protagonists, Daphné and Philip, I decided to write two scenes.
Thus, I am sharing the scene with Daphné so you can get a taste of my screenwriting and connect with her (hopefully).
My face claim for Daphné Vegas? Camila Cabello, ladies, gents, and all other folks!
I particularly love this GIF because, as you'll see in the scene, this is the perfect display of my Daphné's whole attitude, vibe, and energy:
So, here is my scene for Daphné at the restaurant (enjoy!):
DAPHNÉ
You sure you're not coming?
Daphné walks into the diner, speaking on the cellphone. She looks around her.
DAPHNÉ
No, it's fine. Another time. See you tonight, Phil.
Daphné hangs up and puts the phone away in her black leather jacket. She licks her lips and goes to the counter to order. She stands straight and proud, her short boots tapping the tiled floor.
DAPHNÉ
Hello, I'd like a--
The foreign man behind the counter lifts a finger to silence her as he finishes writing down on a receipt. Daphné snaps her head backward, offended, and scoffs as she crosses her arms over her chest.
CASHIER
(smiles)
What'd you say?
DAPHNÉ
(opens wide eyes)
Nothing, I couldn't finish.
Silence. The cashier nods slowly but still smiles at her. Daphné relents and uncrosses her arms, gently tapping her boot on the floor.
DAPHNÉ
I mean: I'll take a hamburger with mustard, onions, tomatoes, and salad, please. Add a root beer. No take-out. Thanks.
The cashier nods, writes down the order on an old receipt. With a wink, he turns and gives the paper to an Arab woman who cooks the order. Daphné waits, looking curiously at the several pictures from their home country.
CASHIER
Here. 9.76$ please.
He smiles at her and opens his palm. Daphné forces a smile and takes out a debit card. The cashier's smile vanishes. Daphné raises an eyebrow and keeps the card up in mid-air.
DAPHNÉ
You take debit, right?
CASHIER
(serious)
Yes.
The cashier hands her the debit machine roughly. Daphné exhales loudly by the nose and slides her card. She gives the machine back with a glare, then picks up her tray and goes to sit at the farthest table, near the bay window.
Daphné eats for a while as she watches calmly passers-by and other customers come in. When she's done, she stands up and gazes at the tray questioningly. She gives in and takes it to the counter. When she reaches the door, the cashier calls out to her.
CASHIER
(curt nod)
See you next time!
DAPHNÉ
(grimaces)
No lo creo, nah... Adiós.
She smiles sarcastically and waves at him. Then, she whirls around and leaves quickly.
Did you like it? I rather love the distinct format for screenwriting? What do you think of Daphné? Did you like her?
I've got a funny story about her strong character: While I loved her, I couldn't really grasp her whole personality unlike Philip (her childhood best friend). I thought she was the calm and peaceful one, but writing this scene, I realized she was the one with the loud mouth and ready retorts. Haha, I laughed so hard! So, Philip is the calm and polite one. They both surprised me (mostly Daphné!). In the end, thanks to this exercise, I fell in love with Daphné even more deeply, and now I got a good grasp on her.
If you have any questions or comments for me about screenwriting, this scene or Daphné, please leave comments or contact me on Twitter at @CatGV6 or by email! I'll be so glad to discuss this with you.
See you next post, lovelies! I'll come back with the scene for Philip!
Ciao!