"Wisenheimer" Part Four

Pilot/Episode 1: "The Phone Call" (Part Four)

Every week, a few pages post, in the spirit of serial storytellers like Dickens and Maupin—and this content is for paid subscribers only! Five bucks a month? C’mon, such a deal.

DISCLAIMER: “WISENHEIMER” is for adults over 18. If produced, it would bear an MA rating. It’s for grown-ups. There is sexual content and the story deals with strong adult themes, as well as socio-political satire and comedy. “WISENHEIMER” is an original work of fiction, written entirely by me, all rights reserved.

You can view the video pitch deck for “WISENHEIMER” here. And for a brief primer on basic screenplay stuff for easier reading, this is helpful.

INT. NEIL AND NAOMI’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

A comfortable room with en suite bathroom. Neil brushes his teeth as Naomi slaps moisturizer on her face.

NAOMI

You should have seen him. He looks like some aging punk rocker.

NEIL

You like punk.

NAOMI

Neil, focus! I mean, I don’t know what his lifestyle is like. Maybe he’s a drug dealer. He looks like one. 

NEIL

Nay, it was your idea to get your brother to take Miriam--

NAOMI

I know that! I just--don’t want it to blow up in my face. This has to fucking work, Neil. 

Neil goes to Naomi, puts his arms around her.

NEIL

If it doesn’t, we’ll handle it.

They smile at each other in the vanity mirror.

NAOMI

All I do is bitch and complain. You and the girls, you’ve already been through hell. And now this.

NEIL

Hey. For better or for worse. Right?

She turns to him. They look into each other’s eyes. Naomi goes in for a kiss. Neil gives her a peck, hugs her.

NEIL

You need some sleep. 

Naomi gets into bed. Neil puts on his robe, moves to the door.

NAOMI

Aren’t you coming to bed?

NEIL

I’m--I’m restless.  Don’t want to keep you up. I’m gonna go to the man-cave and do some gaming.

He leaves. Naomi stares after him. She pops a pill with some water, lies back, stares at the ceiling.

INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT

Neil descends the stairs to the basement. A door bears the sign: “MANCAVE--NO GIRLS ALLOWED.” 

Neil pulls a small remote from his robe pocket, points it at the door. CLICK. The door unlocks.

Neil goes in and closes the door. BEEPS as the door locks. CLICK. Above the door, a tiny green light on a discreet security camera illuminates.