Copyright (c) 2022
Draft 02
C.Quinn@lafilm.edu
SCAMMED
Written by Catherine QuinnINT. MAX'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
MAX(22) sets up band equipment in the living room of his college house. Beer boxes and old band posters line the walls. Max pushes an old couch to the side to make room for the drums, revealing the many stains on the carpet.He talks to his best friend, GUS(22) on the phone while he works.
MAX into the phone ( ) Bro that's sick! you're still coming to band practice right?
The doorbell rings.
MAX (cont'd)
Yo I think that's my new electric! I'll see you when you get here!
Max goes to meet the box off of his front porch. he stares at the box and smiles for a moment.
MAX (cont'd) under his breath, to ( himself) Siiiiiick.
He picks it up and furrows his brow, perplexed at how light it is.
INT. MAX'S KITCHEN - DAY
He brings it to the kitchen table and opens it to reveal a tiny electric guitar, about the size of a house key. Max stares in shock.
MAX
You've got to be kidding me. Just then, Gus walks in with his drumsticks in hand. He calls out for Max.
GUS
YO! MAX?
MAX
I'm in the kitchen! You gotta see this!
Gus walks into the kitchen to see Max still staring down into the box at the tiny guitar. Gus looks into the box and immediately starts laughing.
GUS
Bro, this? is the guitar you've been so stoked on? That"s rich!
Gus slaps Max on the back and continues to laugh.
MAX
It's not funny! How was I supposed to know it was microscopic?!
Gus, seeing that Max is actually upset, suppresses his laughter and rests his hand on Max's shoulder.
GUS
Well, buddy, where did you buy it from?
Max timidly looks up at Gus.
MAX
Um, somewhere, online. But it was such a good deal! It seemed super legit though I promise!
GUS
Okay, well did you at least read any of the reviews?
MAX
Yes! They were all super positive! Here I'll show you!
Max opens his computer and pulls up the guitar listing. The boys focus in on the reviews. Gus brings his face to his hands and groans.
MAX (cont'd) What?!? They're all good reviews!
GUS
Max, do you really think 'Sarah Jones' and 'John Robbins' are real people? First of all, they have zero credibility because they are not verified buyers, they've left only 5 star reviews, and both use the same extreme language, basically claiming that this guitar saved their lives!
Gus looks over to see a looks of horror on Max's face.
MAX
I can't believe I just got scammed.
GUS
Look, it's a common mistake. Just make sure you sort through reviews to find the honest ones before making a purchase. hey, at least you got a good deal?
Gus and Max laugh. Max's roommate, KEVIN(22), enters the kitchen.
KEVIN
Hey guys! What are you up to?
GUS
I'm teaching Max how to spot fakes on the internet. You'll never guess what he did!
The doorbell rings.
KEVIN
Hold that thought! I think that's my new basketball! Thought we could shoot some hoops before band practice.
Kevin walks over and opens the front door. He gasps and then freezes. Max and Gus look at each other concerned and walk over as Kevin opens a box to reveal a 5 foot basketball.
Kevin stands eyes wide, Gus drops his face into his hands again, and Max lets out a chuckle.
MAX
We're gonna need a bigger hoop.
THE END