Chapter 25: Neat Script

"…I'm currently performing at a community theater,"

Jessica Chastain continued, observing Murphy's impassive demeanor. She added, "I also serve as a trustee for the theater, handling ticket sales, scheduling, and other duties."

Murphy nodded. From her introduction, he could tell that this Juilliard graduate had faced significant challenges integrating into the professional world, and her Hollywood journey was as rocky as most others'.

Looking at his notebook, Murphy asked, "Why should I hire you?"

Jessica Chastain pondered briefly before responding, "I have professional knowledge and experience working in production roles at Lincoln Center and off-Broadway in New York. Since arriving in Hollywood, I've worked as a temporary assistant on a film set. I believe I can excel in this role…"

She hesitated before adding, "I need this job, a position closely connected to Hollywood and the film industry."

Murphy twirled his pen and asked, "You haven't graduated yet?"

"No," Jessica Chastain admitted frankly, "I'm currently interning."

"I see…" Murphy mused for a while before saying, "I can hire you."

Jessica Chastain visibly relaxed.

"But since you haven't graduated yet, I can only take you on as an intern."

Understanding this meant unpaid work, Jessica Chastain shook her head, "Sorry, I can't do that. I need money right now."

Murphy had expected this. If she had accepted, he would have had free labor; her refusal lowered her salary expectations.

"I'm offering you a chance to explore your career options and learn about my company." Murphy offered hope again, "Based on your performance, I will consider giving you a full-time position later."

He emphasized, "My company will start shooting a film in about a month and a half to two months."

This seemed like a great opportunity. Hearing about an imminent film project, Jessica Chastain was tempted. She bit her lip but swallowed her agreement.

Murphy observed her reactions. This girl lacked sufficient social experience but wasn't stupid.

His previous words had an effect. Jessica Chastain hesitated before saying softly, "I need a salary. I've just moved out of my parents' home and need money."

She looked at Murphy, clearly eager for the job.

Murphy knew his mention of an imminent film project had piqued her interest.

"Alright, given your situation…" Murphy pretended to be hesitant, "I can offer you $300 per week."

While not much considering her qualifications, it was an opportunity. Jessica Chastain thought for a while before nodding, "Okay, when can I start?"

Murphy replied, "Today is Friday. You can start next Monday. I'll contact you."

Jessica Chastain stood up, extending her hand, "Thank you for this opportunity."

Murphy shook her hand confidently, "You won't regret this decision."

With a polite smile, Jessica Chastain said goodbye and left the café.

Over the next two days, Murphy mostly finished the script. It was a rough draft needing further refinement. Meanwhile, he had several interviews lined up. This was the world's most developed film industry, attracting countless dreamers. Many called to apply after seeing the ads.

Fortunately, Murphy wasn't alone anymore. Stanton Studio now had its first temporary employee—Jessica Chastain.

On Monday morning, Murphy received a call from Jessica Chastain. He picked her up and drove to the Latin community.

Two rough-looking young men with intimidating tattoos approached. Seeing the dilapidated surroundings, Jessica Chastain began to regret her decision. Watching Murphy's back, she wondered if she had fallen for a scam.

What kind of film studio operated in a slum?

She slipped her hand into her pocket, pretending to check the time, and discreetly dialed "911," keeping her thumb on the call button, ready to call for help if necessary.

Following Murphy through the Latin community's twists and turns, they finally arrived at an old gray building. As Murphy turned into the stairwell, Jessica Chastain became more alert, gripping her purse, which contained strong pepper spray.

"The company just started. All funds are invested in the film project,"

Murphy explained as they climbed the stairs. He could see her wariness, which was normal. If Jessica Chastain had been naive, he wouldn't have hired her. "We're temporarily working here, but I'm looking for a better place."

He referred to the film's shooting location but didn't elaborate.

Jessica Chastain nodded but didn't relax. Reaching the third floor, she followed Murphy to a door. After he opened it, she hesitated, inspecting the inside first.

This caution was typical. Murphy didn't mind, opening the door wider to alleviate her doubts.

After a moment, Jessica Chastain saw nothing suspicious. The small apartment was visible from the doorway. The living room served as a bedroom, simply furnished with a bed, sofa, and TV, all neatly arranged, indicating the occupant's preference for cleanliness.

A door to the side led to a small space just large enough for a desk and a shelf. The desk, near the window, held a laptop and printer, while the shelf housed a camera and a telephoto lens.

Satisfied, Jessica Chastain stepped into Stanton Studio.

Murphy pointed to the kettle, "Water is over there. There's a cheap burger place fifty feet to the left when you exit."

He sat at the desk by the window, pointing to the chair opposite, "You'll work here for now."

Jessica Chastain said nothing but internally sighed at the simplicity, worse than her lowest expectations.

Murphy pulled a stack of documents from the left folder, "Here's your work for today."

He handed her a list, "These are potential candidates for our film project. Contact them and schedule interviews, preferably at Milton Café."

He then gave her another document, "This is a list of camera equipment I need. You've been in film crews; you should be familiar with these. Find rental suppliers and get the best prices."

Finally, Murphy gave her a stack of printed posters, "These are job postings. Go to USC School of Cinematic Arts and California Institute of the Arts this afternoon and post them nearby."

Among the applicants, several were interns from these schools. Seeing the posters worked, Murphy had printed more.

Lastly, Murphy handed Jessica Chastain the script he had registered last week, "This is the project script. It's a first draft. Familiarize yourself with it. I need your help with shot lists and shooting schedules."

Seeing the script, Jessica Chastain relaxed. Murphy wasn't a scammer; he seemed genuinely serious about his work.

"Can I read the script first?" she asked tentatively.

Murphy, already working on storyboards, waved his hand for her to proceed.

Jessica Chastain opened the script and began reading. As a top student in Juilliard's drama department, she had a good understanding of scripts. She quickly skimmed it, recognizing it as a well-structured screenplay.

The first page described a bloody and brutal opening scene, an effective way to grab the audience's attention. Though words and images differ, Jessica Chastain could imagine a scene where a perverted man tortured and killed a young girl.

She glanced at Murphy, engrossed in drawing storyboards.

"This script…"

Jessica Chastain shook her head and continued reading. By page five, the theme was clear.

Pages 1 to 10 provided standard setup scenes.

A standardized Hollywood script should convey its tone, mood, genre, and theme from the start. The opening is also a chance to show the protagonist's starting point. If the writer shows the "before" scenario, there will be an "after" situation showing how things develop.

Her script certainly met these criteria.

Additionally, the script's opening must have a corresponding beat: the climax.

A good script must have progression and change, and these two scenes are how the film's development is delineated.