[man] The reason you're sitting in this room today
is because you want the knowledge and the confidence
to stand in front of a team of producers
and convince them that you are worthy
of the opportunity to act.
If you think that you are indeed worthy,
you're in the right place.
I mean, this is the epicenter of opportunity, right?
I-it's right outside that door.
So go get it.
[chuckles] But wait a second.
Comes with a catch, doesn't it?
It just so happens that acting
is the worst profession in the world
unless you love it so much
that you're willing to sacrifice everything.
I'm talking about full commitment, people.
- [stage bell rings] - It is an existential act
that defines every aspect of your life.
There are only two potential outcomes
for you as an actor.
One, you will succeed.
[woman] Few people know of me. Even less know...
[man] And you'll live that glamorous life of limos
and red carpets and swag and fame
and bringing television and film to life
through your performance.
Or, two...
you'll quit.
- [tape continues underneath] - That's right.
the unfortunate reality is that 99% of you
will leave this town without accomplishing your goals.
[chuckles softly] I am not telling you this
to discourage you, believe me, no, no, no.
[woman] Nothing can stop me. I am a blackbird.
- Naomi Baker? - [click]
[man] I'm telling you this to challenge you,
to go out there and to hustle.
Defeat this city before it defeats you!
The real secret to all of this...
is survival.
Can you outperform and outlast that person sitting next to you?
Whenever you're ready.
[man] Are you ready?
Are you ready to win? Are you?
Well, then, let's get started.
So, Terry, where you from?
Wyoming, sir.
Wyoming?
Yeah, born and raised.
And I suppose you chose to work out here.
- Who wouldn't wanna work out here? - [scoffs]
- How long you been a cop? - Six years.
Oh, wow, probably have some pretty good stories.
Actually, six years working in this town
will make you wish you stayed in Wyoming.
Really? What makes you say that?
[police radio chatter]
[dance music playing]
See those people?
Now, you may not see that one thing
is waiting to get them, whether it be partying,
drugs...
sex.
You stick around long enough, that one thing will get you.
That's, uh, depressing.
Oh, hey. What's her story?
She is a cutie.
[indistinct conversations, dance music continues]
- Excuse me. - End of the line.
Oh, I'm on the list. Elsa Montgomery.
All right.
Thanks.
[music volume increases]
Joe!
Oh, my God! Hi! You made it! Hey!
This place is absolutely crazy.
Yeah, you came on a slow night. Naomi, this is Elsa.
Oh, my God, hi. Nice to meet you.
So you decided to be an actress?
- Why not give it a shot, right? - You and everybody else in here.
This calls for a celebration. Naomi, come here.
- All right, to Elsa... - And to hell.
[both] May our stay there be as fun as our way there.
[dance music continues]
[man] Who is it?
[rock music playing]
- [knock on door] - Just a minute!
[siren wails in distance]
[door unlocks]
I need more.
[knock on door]
[groans softly]
[groans]
Ooh...
- I know that feeling. - [chuckles]
[man speaking on radio]
[Elsa] Last night was crazy.
It's probably been a little while
- since you let your hair down. - Yeah, you have no idea.
[chuckles]
Mm. What's that picture all about?
I don't know. Naomi has a thing for irony.
[man] You want irony?
Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny,
was allergic to carrots, that's irony.
Enjoy.
Is he being serious?
That would depend on how you define "serious."
Let me guess, you're an actor, too?
Absolutely not.
Acting is pain.
[scoffs] You have no idea
what you're getting yourself into, do you?
- Don't listen to him. - So what's Naomi story?
She's sweet. I mean, a tad intense.
Can she act?
Uh, yeah. She's good.
"Good" does not explain it.
There's a reason why people call her "the machine."
The machine. Why?
The girl is a total health nut.
She starts every morning with a yoga session
to clear her head, boxing to settle any anxiety.
Then she goes for a jog while studying her lines
toting this rusty tape recorder around.
She even makes time to go and get her palm read.
I mean, the girl cooks her own vitamins.
Who does that?
She mixes mind, body, cardio, and superstition
before most people roll out of bed in the morning.
- Wow. - Good morning, ladies.
- Children. - [man] Love you, too.
- Morning. - So, our new aspiring actress,
how do you pay the bills? Do you have a job?
Actually, I landed an internship at the Angel City Reporter.
I figure it wouldn't hurt to learn
that side of the business, too, so.
And why the late start, if you don't mind my asking?
Didn't you and Joe go to college together?
You mean dropped out of college together.
We did, life just got a little complicated.
You could say that Elsa has faced her share of distractions.
Regardless, I'm here now.
So you two have been acting for a while now.
Break it down for me.
- Break it down for you? - Oh, boy, here it comes.
If we knew how to break it down, we wouldn't be bartending.
[cell phone buzzes]
Anthony? Hey.
Yeah, I'm on pins and needles over here, any updates?
- It's her agent. - Oh.
[Naomi] Uh-huh.
Are you shitting me?
Oh, my God. Thank you.
Well, what is it?
[chuckles]
Numerous species develop through a process called metamorphosis.
This is a Greek word that means transformation
or change in form.
And the chrysalis seen here
will soon be a beautiful butterfly.
Or will it?
Interesting fact, only about 10% of butterfly chrysalis
actually survive in the wild.
But what I find even more interesting
is that no one ever talks about the internal struggle
a caterpillar faces during this process.
See, the truth is, a caterpillar never knows
it's going to be a butterfly, and during the confusion,
during the... torture inside this chrysalis
it's actually convinced that its life has come to an end.
But what this little one doesn't realize
is if it can just withstand the agony,
if it can overcome the doubt of this process,
it will achieve its objective,
and it will transform into a butterfly.
So I say to you, studious caterpillars...
[light laughter]
Much like in life...
only the persistent will achieve.
Any questions?
This is a nice surprise. What's going on?
You looked like you were about to have a seizure back there.
I got the part.
You... you got the part.
- Yeah. - You g... no shit!
- No shit! No shit! - No shit!
- Oh, my... oh, my God! - [laughs]
- Oh, my God! - Let's celebrate.
We are you taking me?
Uh, I'm not sure yet.
Oh, my God.
Wow.
Holy shit!
It's beautiful.
No, it's not.
[chuckles]
I've never seen the sunset like that.
[laughs]
- Yep. - That's really cute.
Nothing screams "celebration" more than drinking champagne
- out of plastic cups. - That's adorable.
- [laughs] - Cheers.
Cheers.
That... that is really bad.
It's disgusting.
I'm sorry that I don't have a better champagne for this.
That is fine.
[clears throat]
- Let's make a promise... - Okay.
That no matter what happens,
we will stay faithful to each other,
and we will drink shitty champagne out of plastic cups.
- [laughs] I promise. - Cheers.
It's not better the second time.
No.
[both laughs]
It's just crazy.
All the countless talented people out there
who are chasing the exact same dream.
Yeah, it is. But you know what?
You did it.
The chase is over.
[camera clicking, flash whining]
[man] Death to all! For we must fall!
[Elsa] All right, so how do I book a job?
How do you build a resume?
Oh, here is where the frustration begins.
The process begins and ends with landing an agent.
- That's the key ingredient. - [Elsa] All right.
But before you do that, you have to have a good reel.
Okay, how do I do that?
You know, student films, indies, anything, really.
Success doesn't mean happiness. Happiness means success.
But before you can do any of that,
you have to have your SAG card because most agents
won't consider you without one.
Okay, so how do I get a SAG card?
By booking a legitimate SAG gig, a commercial or something.
Sam, so great to see you.
Maggie, I hate you.
Remember, technically, you can't book any of those
without actually having your SAG card already.
She's right, but you do all that and you got yourself a shot.
- You confused yet? - Totally.
Okay, let me simplify it for you.
If you don't have a reel, you'll never get an agent.
Without an agent, you can't book any gigs.
If you never book a gig,
you won't ever get your SAG card.
No SAG card means no SAG jobs,
and no SAG jobs means you'll never have a decent resume.
- [Elsa] Back to square one. - [Joe] Back to square one.
So I can't actually accomplish anything
without already being accomplished?
There's the rub.
The actor's Catch-22.
And nobody walks into town and just starts booking.
- So prepare to be humbled. - And don't stop networking,
or else you'll end up like that.
[Elsa] Yeah, what's his deal, by the way?
- Don't even get me started. - Okay, you guys, come on.
Damien has a heart of gold.
If you knew what he'd been through in life,
- you'd be more sympathetic. - He sounds like a rescued dog.
Elsa, you don't even know him.
And plus, you guys, technically, we're not even a couple.
Oh, well, if you're not a couple,
then you won't mind if I set you up with someone.
- Ooh, now there's an idea. - I'm not interested.
- [laughs] - [Damien] Really?
[line rings]
[woman] Joe? Can you hear us?
[chuckles] Yeah, hi, I'm here.
Give me an update. How are you?
Did you get that pilot you read for?
Uh, no, mom, I really told you,
that was like two months ago.
So... nothing then?
Uh, nothing yet. But, um, I am doing really well.
I have two really big auditions this week,
so cross your fingers.
She should try and get on one of those soap operas.
[gasps] Yeah. Yeah, go get one of those.
Oh, oh, oh, your father and I saw that...
that bank robbery movie with that young actress.
You're much prettier than that girl.
You should've been in that movie.
Well, uh...
like I said, things are great.
I gotta go, okay? I love you guys.
Keep us posted. We send our love.
We love you, honey.
[singsong] Bullshit.
God. [sighs]
- Oh, shit. - [Damien chuckles]
[softly] Shit.
That was fun today.
Yeah, it was.
We could do that more often.
Okay, let's do it.
[Joe] Like, just the two of us.
Consistently.
Never mind.
No, actually, I do want a response from you.
What are we doing?
- What do you mean? - You know what I mean.
No, I don't. That's why am asking you.
I feel like we have something special here,
and I want to know if you feel it, too.
[chuckles] Let's just agree to have our fun
until it's not fun anymore, okay?
Do you have any idea how cold that sounds?
Are you even listening to me?
I'm trying to tell you that I care about you.
And I'm trying to spare you.
Spare me? From what? I have nothing going on.
I've even thought about taking a break
from acting for a little while.
[Joe] What are you doing?
Get out.
[Joe] Excuse me?
Get out of the car, Joe.
Get the fuck out of the car.
Are you serious?
Fine.
[vomits]
[coughing]
[man] Where the hell have you been?
You booked the gig of a lifetime,
you decide to show up late?
I was feeling a little sick, okay?
You're nervous.
Anthony, relax, I'm not nervous.
[woman] He'll see you now.
- [man] There she is. - Hello.
Congratulations, Naomi. Please, have a seat.
[Naomi] Thank you so much for this opportunity.
It was a slam dunk.
No one came off as prepared and confident as you did.
And I knew I needed someone special,
someone... someone different.
That means so much coming from you.
There's still a few details to iron out with the studio,
but we're looking to start production right away.
So, um... what do you say?
You ready to make a movie?
Yes, sir. I'm ready.
[Naomi] I chose this existence.
And the quest I'm about to embark on
cannot be explained.
Nothing can stop me. I am the blackbird.
But will I choose good in this world full of evil?
Can I forget the past that has tortured me
and made me what I am today?
If it was a hero you were looking for,
- you may want to keep looking. - [recorder clicks]
[woman] Don't forget to breathe.
[Naomi] I'm sure you have a million questions
running through your head.
I wish there were something we could do.
I wish it were easier.
I should tell you the task we were given
was decided some time ago, and it now involves you.
We were sent to save a Savior.
[woman] Let's see that hand of yours.
Mm.
If you look deeply into the palm of your hand,
you'll see the generations of your ancestors,
and all of them are alive in this moment.
Each is present in your body.
You are the continuation of each of these people.
Something wrong?
No. Nothing's wrong, actually.
Um... an opportunity's come to me.
I thought I saw something different.
Gimme that. Ah, yes.
Your outlook indeed looks more favorable.
I can see that right here.
If I may ask, how come you couldn't see that before?
- What's your name again? - Naomi.
Does the sign on my window say "fortune teller"?
People in my profession deal with a person's past,
their personality, their experiences.
[stammers] Yeah, I get that.
I'm sorry if I came off a little rude.
You were disrespectful. You're here for answers, right?
- Yeah, I am. - So if you question my conclusions,
perhaps you shouldn't ask.
Yeah. Yeah, you're right.
I'll... I'll see you next time.
[shower running]
[Elsa] How do you do it, Naomi?
This is my first audition, and I am a nervous wreck.
[Naomi on phone] Just remember to breathe,
be yourself, own the room, and call me after.
I want to hear all about it.
I will if I can avoid having a panic attack.
And thanks for setting me up with your old commercial agent.
I wouldn't have this opportunity if it weren't for your help.
My pleasure. Now go break a leg.
- Thanks, bye. - Bye!
[line disconnects]
[woman] That's good, sell that mouthwash.
And gargle.
Spit. Great.
Okay, now can you give us a big smile?
Great, awesome. That was good.
Now can you do it with a little more... excitement?
- [gargles] - Spit.
- [spits] - Okay, give us a big smile.
That was good. Okay, that's it, thanks.
Next.
[sighs]
[Naomi on phone] Okay, so how'd it go?
[sighs] I have no idea.
I feel completely unsure about it.
Honestly, you'll drive yourself crazy
if you're sitting around waiting for a phone call,
so I would say just forget about it
and move onto the next thing.
Can I ask you something?
Sure.
I know it's been a while since I've been around Joe,
but have you known her to do any drugs?
Nothing too crazy. Why do you ask?
I found something.
I mean, I've seen some heavy stuff before,
but I've never seen anything like this.
Okay, um, so what are we gonna do about it?
I think it's time I found Joe a distraction.
[light music playing on speakers]
Hmm.
[cell phone rings]
This is Elsa.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah?
[softly] Oh, my God.
Can I have a bloody Mary, please?
- Sure, no problem. - Thank you.
You okay?
Yeah. Fine.
'Cause you know you can talk to me about anything.
You know that, right?
Yeah. I know.
Oh, my God, you guys. I've got a lot going on here.
- I need your full attention. - Okay.
Apparently, I just booked the commercial.
Oh, my God. Congratulations.
Thanks! I can't believe it. My agent called and everything.
- Elsa, that's fantastic. - That's...
I'm really happy for you, Elsa.
[Elsa] Oh, my God, it's all happening so fast!
I have no idea what to expect. I am so nervous.
Elsa, did you have another announcement to make?
Yeah, yes, I do.
[clears throat]
[sighs] I hope you like Mexican food, young lady,
because I found you a date for tonight.
- Me? - Yes, you.
Elsa, why would you... I didn't ask you
- to set me up with anybody. - Come on. Just entertain me.
Do something different. Be spontaneous.
Maybe even get laid.
Oh, come on, Joe, it'll be fun.
For all of us.
[laughs]
I hate you.
[Mexican folk music playing]
[indistinct conversations, food sizzling]
[toilet flushes]
So fucking stupid.
Randy?
Joe?
- Um... - Yeah.
Wow. You look great.
Um, this whole, like, online dating thing
is totally new to me.
Me, too. First time.
Yeah. Let's get a waiter over here.
Maybe some alcohol might loosen us up.
- Actually, I don't drink. - [men arguing in background]
Right.
- [cell phone chirps] - Oh!
Oh, boy.
Oh, I think we stumbled out of the gate.
- Mm-hmm. [laughs] - Poor Joe.
[both chuckle]
- [vibrates] - [Randy] Everything okay?
Um, yeah, sorry.
So you like being a cop?
- I do. - [argument continuing]
You like being an actress?
Mm, not yet.
[man] You called my parole officer?!
You had to call my fucking parole officer.
Where did you find this place?
I know it's a little bit off the beaten path,
but trust me, but wait till you try the food.
It's amazing.
I'll have a margarita, please, no salt.
I'm fine, thanks.
- Uh, extra strong. - [man] I've been here two years!
- Please. - [man] This is bullshit!
Two fucking years!
So... what's your story?
Why don't we start with you? Have you ever been married?
Almost.
Do you have kids?
No kids.
Who is your favorite actor?
- Uh... - [cell phone chimes]
Oh, Vin Diesel. Crash and burn.
Damn it! [laughs]
- [vibrates] - [Randy] Are you sure everything's okay?
Um... sorry.
[argument continuing]
Look, I don't want to upset you,
but this whole thing was really sort of a big mistake.
I think it might be better if we just...
- [man] Fuck this! - [gunshots]
- That's right, motherfucker! - [gunshot]
- Everybody get the fuck down! - Do not get up for any reason.
I want everyone to see this. I'm going to teach you a lesson.
- I wouldn't do that. - What... fuck!
- Back the fuck up. - You kill him, you die.
- The fuck are you, a cop? - Why are you doing this?
This motherfucker called my parole officer.
Told him I was stealing. I didn't do shit!
[Randy] If you didn't do anything, then we can work this out.
- Put the gun down. - No, man. I gotta end this.
- What's your name? - Man, back the fuck up!
What did you get a bronze star for?
- What'd you say? - The bronze star on your arm.
You're a Marine, right? So you're a hero?
Man, what the fuck do you care?
I'm putting my gun down, all right?
Because I'm not cool pointing my gun at a vet, okay?
You're fucking stupid, you know that?
Maybe, but I ain't killing nobody today.
And you aren't either.
- [women scream] - [woman] Oh, my God.
- [siren wailing in distance] - You hear that?
I'd say you got about 30 seconds before you have a real problem.
Let him go.
[sirens approaching]
There's the door.
- [woman] Oh, my God! - [customers murmuring]
You okay?
- [cork pops] - Whoa!
- [laughs] - That was a good one.
[sighs] This is crazy.
So I don't know, what you think?
I mean, he's, like, kind of a square,
but sort of cute, right?
Yeah, I think that Elsa may have found you a winner.
[laughs] Fingers crossed.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Local police say the former employee...
Shh! Here it is!
Please, guys.
- This is unnecessary. - Shh.
And fired three shots after what appears to have been
a heated exchange of words
with his former management and staff.
However, one of our own LAPD officers, Randy Dodge...
- There he is! - Yay!
Stop, please.
The police officer came out of nowhere.
He saved us.
I wouldn't be standing here of it wasn't for that man.
Officer Dodge, a veteran of the LAPD
for over six years, he truly embodies the maxim
- "to serve and protect." - [all cheer]
- Stop, enough. I'm blushing. - [cell phone buzzing]
This has been Samantha Vista, Channel 8 News.
Hey, Anthony, can you hear me?
So, Randy, this is a great icebreaker.
You just set this up for every date you go on or what?
- Just the best ones, okay? - Oh, okay.
[Anthony] It's not confirmed yet. I don't want you to panic.
The studio may decide to change directors for Blackbird.
A new director? What does that mean?
This type of thing happens all the time, all right?
Does that mean that I've lost the part?
[Anthony] I can't say yet. Time will tell.
What do you mean you can't say? You're my agent, Anthony.
Do you at least know who the new director is?
Naomi, look, slow down, nothing is confirmed yet.
I just didn't want any news you hear
to be a surprise to you, okay?
We'll know more about this tomorrow.
Keep your chin up.
[sirens wailing in distance]
[rock music playing through door]
I can see you.
[line rings, beep]
Hi, this is Anthony, please leave a message. [beep]
[Randy] How you feeling?
Uh, good, yeah.
How about you?
I haven't felt this good in a long time.
Good.
[both chuckle]
[knock on door]
Oh, my God.
Hi. Whose car is that in the driveway?
Uh...
Something wrong?
It's not a good time.
Not a good time? What are you talking about?
- Damien, please, stop. - I got this.
Good morning, everyone! What a fine morning.
Sun's out. Birds are chirping.
And I spoke too soon.
We have a stranger in our kitchen.
This is not your kitchen, Damien.
Elsa, could I bother you for some coffee?
Damien. And you are?
Randy.
Damien, we should talk.
Thank you, Elsa.
Out of curiosity, Randy, what do you do for employment?
- Are you an actor? - Damien, stop.
Actually, I'm a police officer.
Really?
Now, Elsa, forget the picture.
That is irony.
Joe and a police officer.
Really?
This whole cop gig, it lands you the ladies, right?
Not really.
What type of gun do you carry?
.45.
You ever shoot anyone?
Not yet.
- You a homosexual? - Okay, enough.
It's a fair question. Check out his haircut.
Let me get this straight. You're not a womanizer.
You're not gay. So what's your story, Randy?
Why you become a cop?
I think we've heard enough, so why don't you just shut up?
[Randy] No, no, it's okay, I can answer his question.
I had a fiancée.
I had taken her to dinner downtown.
We were coming back that evening,
and a few men drove by and opened fire
on the parking lot.
She was hit by a bullet.
Bounced right off the concrete. She died in my arms.
Turns out the drive by was drug-related.
The police never found the gunman.
I spent two years of my life
searching for closure.
The cops never lifted a finger to help.
So...
I became a cop.
Does that answer your question?
I should, uh... I should be going.
Thank you for the coffee, Elsa.
Guess our fun is over.
Hey, Damien.
What's his deal?
Oh. That's... awkward.
- I'm really sorry. - No reason to apologize.
It's probably best I get going, too.
I gotta work.
Thank you all. I had a great time.
So, um, I'll call you, or...
I'd like that.
By the way,
I found out some information this morning.
Ooh, did you?
Yeah, um... Brandon Banks.
Brandon Banks. What about Brandon Banks?
- Brandon Banks the filmmaker... - Uh-huh.
he's the new director on Blackbird.
- Is he really? - Yeah.
Oh, shit.
[cell phone rings]
Hey, Naomi, I was just gonna give you a call.
- [Naomi] Brandon Banks. - Yeah, I know, slow down, okay?
I just found out myself.
Yeah, well, get him on the phone.
I told you, these things happen from time to time.
Anthony, would you just call him?
Oh, wait, you've already spoken to him, haven't you?
Actually, I have.
And he doesn't see me in his plans, right?
Would you just wait a second, okay?
He did say that he saw your tape
and he thinks that you are a major talent, all right?
It's just that Banks comes
as part of the package from the studio,
There's nothing anyone can do about it.
You sound like you have no fight left in you.
You think I didn't want this gig, are you kidding me?
Okay, we got unlucky. So what?
Now, you got some good exposure out of this.
What we want to do is keep the momentum,
turn this into something else for both of us, all right?
I've waited too long for this.
I'm getting Blackbird, Anthony,
even if it means I have to get it by myself.
- Naomi, wait. - [click]
[Naomi] Brandon Banks, mystery man.
I'm off to work.
Go get 'em, babe.
Okay, so how do I find this guy?
[Elsa] This feels a little obsessive.
[Joe] Els, an actor could live three lifetimes
and never even sniff at landing a potential blockbuster.
This was her Titanic,
and Naomi just hit an iceberg.
No, I totally get that, but didn't you guys tell me
we should get used to hearing the word "no"?
Oh, wait, actually, you can help me with something.
Me.
Yeah, I need you to make a phone call.
I don't understand. Who am I calling?
All right, buddy, we're coming for you.
So drinks are confirmed with Jonathan,
and you have a 4:00 at the studio with Becky,
auditions are at noon.
Oh, and the Angel City Reporter called requesting an interview.
It's on the way. But I can cancel it.
Oh, no.
Don't cancel that. Press is good.
We need more press. We want to get it out there.
Okay.
And back.
And get Larry on the phone. Now.
Okay.
[Brandon] I'm not disagreeing with you, Larry,
I just have a different vision for the film.
They brought me on 'cause they think
the franchise has legs, and they want box office!
[Larry] Let's at least consider the options
that are already presented to us.
I'm not going along with someone else's vision or style.
That would make me a pussy! I'm not a pussy!
I understand. I completely get that, Brandon.
Blackbird needs a proven star. Period. End of conversation.
It's your film. It's your decision.
Look, making movies isn't all warm and fuzzy.
Open the God damn gate!
Mr. Banks, what can I get for you today?
- The usual. - Of course.
[Naomi] Mr. Banks?
Are you the reporter?
You must be so excited to be directing Blackbird.
It comes with a huge following.
Well, that depends what you define as "huge."
[chuckles] You have 10 minutes.
- Oh, uh, sure. - [chair scrapes]
The previous director of Blackbird had cast the film,
but you have decided to go in a different direction.
Care to comment on that?
Well, they brought me on because my films breed success.
You wanna write that down?
Yeah.
My films... breed... success.
And did you ever consider interviewing
the film's previous lead, Naomi Baker?
- Who? - Naomi Baker.
Naomi who?
See? I don't know who she is. No one knows who she is.
In today's marketplace, you can't cast an unknown.
Off the record, that's probably what got
the previous director fired is hiring her.
I'm Naomi Baker.
- What? You're not a reporter? - There is no reporter.
I've already battled for this film only to lose it.
I'm not going down without one last fight.
I don't have time for this.
- Stop. - Stop?
Two seconds of your time. I at least deserve that.
I know that this seems crazy, but I am made for this film,
and maybe you didn't see it before,
but if this stunt doesn't prove my commitment
or at least put a sliver of thought in your mind
about reconsidering me for this role, then go.
Go be unoriginal.
Go make your lackluster film
with your typical, processed, cookie-cutter,
Mickey Mouse Club actress
who cannot fucking act her way out of a paper bag.
With all due respect, of course.
Hmm.
You're pretty.
- Pretty fucking crazy. - Yeah.
But maybe that's what you're looking for.
My contact information.
Sleep on it.
I look forward to working with you.
Are you okay?
Oh, I'm fine, thanks.
[man] Thanks for coming in on such short notice.
So what's up?
Well, we're letting you go.
- Fucking kidding, right? - No, you're fired.
You think I don't know you're dealing fucking drugs
in my club, huh?
People talk. Don't try to deny it.
Not to mention you. You're high half the time.
Look at yourself. You're a wreck.
I need this job.
I don't care.
Let me guess, she's here to stop me
from doing something stupid, am I right?
[sighs]
Do you actually think I'm dangerous?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
But I am worried about you.
And if you go quietly, I won't cancel your last check.
Go get yourself clean, man.
Fuck!
Hey, can I get a bottle of vodka?
Uh, yeah, which one you want?
XO is fine.
Can I see some ID?
Sure.
Hey.
Happy birthday.
Yeah, thanks.
[device beeps]
You don't have a fever.
Can I get you something to eat?
No.
You've done everything you can do.
The pressure you put on yourself...
it's not healthy.
[grunts]
[coughing]
[Naomi] Will? Will!
Yeah. What's wrong?
It's not stress.
What am I gonna do, Will?
What do you mean you?
We've talked about having kids.
Yeah, but how am I supposed to build a career and have a kid?
Naomi, this isn't a curse.
Your dreams are still totally achievable.
- Oh, are they? - Yeah.
Because my window to achieve anything in this industry
is very small, and women age in dog years, you know that.
So what are you suggesting? That we abort our baby?
- No. - Okay, so what's the issue?
I'm just scared. Can you understand that?
Having a family is something that I wanted to plan for.
I have issues with family.
The only family I have completely abandoned me.
No one understands that more than I do.
But I couldn't be happier than to build a family with you.
All right. Change of plan.
Where are we going?
- Far away from here. - Will, I have things to do.
Not today. Not today, you don't.
[birds chirping]
It's crazy when you stop and take everything in.
You realize that maybe you don't have any control
over what's going on, you know?
Everyone down there thinks that I'm fearless.
But the truth is...
that I'm terrified.
And it's that fear that drives me more than anything else.
What are you so afraid of?
I'm... afraid of being a failure.
I know all this is scary.
I do.
I'm scared, too.
This is what matters, right?
You and me?
[both chuckle]
Maybe it's not about me conquering the world anymore.
Maybe another Blackbird will come along, maybe not.
That's fine, right?
None of that changes.
You can still take on the world.
It's just...
you don't have to do it alone.
[man] All right, gargle with the mouthwash.
That's good. Spit it out.
Give us a big smile. Big smile.
All right, we got it. That is a wrap, everyone.
- Thank you very much. - [stage bell rings]
Good job. That was excellent.
You did great. Good job, guys.
- You did really great. - Thank you, it was so fun.
Here, take your makeup off. I'll be right back.
Thank you.
[sighs deeply]
[horn honks]
[line ringing]
- [click] - [woman] Hello?
Elsa?
Are you there?
Hello?
Elsa, can you hear me?
[horn honks, Elsa gasps]
[pounds on door]
[television playing in background]
Let's make it quick.
Whoa.
Business is good, yeah?
Highs and lows.
You're definitely on a high, my friend.
Me? Not so much.
That's life, right?
Sometimes you win.
Sometime you lose your job and your girl
in the same 24 hours.
What?
- Fucker! Fucker! - [screaming]
- Get the fuck off me! - [bellows]
[both grunting]
Get the fuck off me!
- Ahh! - [groans, coughs]
You know, I'd be happy to put you
out of your misery, you fucking junkie.
Huh? Huh? Give it to me.
Hey, look at me, fucker! Fucking give it to me!
Sorry.
Thank you.
We're good now, right? We're good! Hey, look at me!
We're fucking good now 'cause I think
we can be fucking friends again now, huh?
God, damn it.
[woman] Can you slate for me, please?
- Joe Jennings. - Great.
So we're looking for a lot of positive energy here.
Yeah, right.
So I'll take you through the basic premise.
We're walking down the street,
and something gathers our interest.
It stops you in your tracks. Then deliver your lines.
Okay.
[woman] Fire away when you're ready.
Oh. [clears throat softly]
[pages rustling]
[rustling stops]
[woman] We're ready whenever you are.
[doorbell rings]
What the hell happened to you?
I had my reasons, you know?
I tried to talk to you, Damien.
- Are you using me? - Using you?
What is that supposed to mean?
Why else would you be here? For me?
I destroy everything I touch.
Why is that, Joe?
I'll tell you why.
Because I'm an addict.
You're an addict.
I am not an addict.
Look... it's no secret.
I have my issues.
It's just...
I don't know how to deal with the rejection, you know?
I've been here four years.
Four years, Damien.
You'd think I've paid my dues.
And then someone like Elsa just waltzes in here
and immediately books a gig.
How is that supposed to make me feel?
Not a day goes by in this town without someone telling me
that I'm not good enough.
I'm either too tall or too young
or too old or not exotic enough.
You...
this...
it makes me forget about all of that.
I'm really not an addict.
Well, you're lucky.
'Cause I am.
Either I quit or I go all in.
And we both know I can't quit.
But you can.
I'm never leaving you again.
[line rings]
Hi, this is Joe. Leave a message.
[beep]
Hey, Joe, sorry to bug you again.
I'm sure you're busy.
I just wanted to check in with you.
I'm not sure if you changed your mind about the other night
or I don't know what.
So if I'm bugging you, I'm sorry.
I just think when you come across something
that feels right, you go for it.
Hope to talk to you soon. Bye.
[man] Congratulations, Dodge. You made the department proud.
Thank you, sir.
- You wanted to see me, sir? - Oh, Randy,
- Yeah, come on in. - Sir.
I just want to tell you personally how impressed I was
with the way that you handled that incident at the restaurant.
- Thank you, sir. - Now, Randy,
I see here that you've been in the top 10
of the outstanding pool for Metro.
Yes, sir, for nine months now.
Well. What better time than now?
- Sir? - Congratulations, Dodge.
The powers that be have decided that you be transferred
over to SWAT just as soon as possible.
That is, if you're ready to change out of that uniform.
I'll take that as a yes.
Yeah. Yes, sir.
- You earned it, son. - Thank you, sir.
[cell phone chimes]
[cell phone buzzes]
[cell phone chimes]
[cell phone buzzes]
[cell phone chimes]
[cell phone buzzes]
[cell phone chimes]
[reader] Something's on that mind of yours.
It's plain as day. Let's hear it.
It's just funny how ironic life is, that's all.
How's that?
It's just when you have everything figured out
that you're forced to start all over again.
Let's see your hand.
Mm-hmm.
You see anything?
Mmm, nothing jumps off your hand at the moment, no.
What if I told you I was gonna be a mother?
Mother.
Really.
[Naomi] Yeah.
Well, that is a big deal.
Yeah, it is, it's... it's funny, you know?
If you can't see that in my hand,
what can you see?
What do you want from me, huh?
You come in here week after week
with your questions over and over.
What do you think $10 buys you?
You think I care what happens to you?
You think I'm interested in your problems?
Well, I'm not.
You're on your own in this world, young lady.
You gotta remember that.
Yeah.
- Yeah, you're right. - Keep it.
[cell phone rings]
Hello, this is Naomi.
[Brandon] Is this the imaginative Naomi Baker?
This is B squared, Brandon Banks.
How are you?
Uh, yeah, I'm... I'm good.
Is this for real?
Yes, this is for real.
I'm calling 'cause, uh, I want to reconsider.
Reconsider what?
Blackbird. I want to talk to you about it.
That is, if you're still interested in the role.
You're kidding, right?
No, I'm serious. I'm dead serious.
I want you to meet some of the investors
and the executive producers.
I'm thinking something casual to start out,
you know, maybe at my house sometime this week.
What do you think?
- Are you there? - Yeah, I'm still here.
Um... that sounds great. Thank you so much.
No... thank you.
[laughs]
Shut up.
They called you?
Brandon Banks called me personally.
That's the best news ever. Why aren't you more excited?
Just a lot of stuff you guys don't know about.
What could possibly be going on
that is more important than that?
I'm pregnant.
Shut up.
- What are you gonna do? - I don't know.
What do you mean you don't know? You're not keeping this baby.
- You can't keep this baby. - [Elsa] Joe!
How can you say that?
It's not something you can just wave your hand and make go away.
- It's not that simple. - I know, Naomi,
but this is everything that you have ever wanted, right?
You achieved it.
You can have a baby after Blackbird.
- Jesus, Joe, are you serious? - Elsa, stop.
Naomi needs to be reminded of why she's here.
- She needs to hear this. - [Elsa] Why she's here?
What about you, Joe?
What about me?
Maybe it's time we talk about the drugs
- I found in the bathroom. - Elsa...
Drugs? This isn't about me, Elsa.
I'm not trying to upset you.
I only bring it up because I want to help.
You think I want your help?
You are such a fucking hypocrite!
- Me? - Yeah, you!
How convenient is all of this, huh?
Did you tell Naomi that you have a child?
Did you tell her that you left your son
to chase some selfish pipedream?
Did you?
Elsa, you have a son?
- How dare you? - [Joe] Please.
I trusted you.
You are running from the same reality
that I am running from, admit it.
Admit it, Elsa!
I admit that I never planned on having a child so early,
but I love my son, Joe.
Then why isn't he here?
Don't have time for this.
I can't...
do what you do, Naomi.
And it kills me to be reminded of that
every... single day.
If I had the opportunity that you had,
I wouldn't give it up for anything.
But I'm not you.
...you seem like you have questions about it.
Hey.
Naomi. What a nice surprise.
- I was hoping we could talk. - Of course.
Come on.
So it was all very... shocking, as I sure you can imagine.
And you're the only person I could think of
coming to about this.
I've been doing this a long time.
And...
I've had my share of crossroads in my career.
But...
I gotta tell you...
having a child is...
an absolute blessing.
I mean, it's... [chuckles] it's wonderful.
'Cause I've always wanted to be a mom, you know?
Yeah, but... [chuckles, sighs]
I gotta say...
I'd be lying if I said this role wasn't the chance a lifetime.
I know.
I just want it so badly, you know?
I love teaching.
I truly do.
But I have to confess,
I never got an opportunity...
like the one you have right now.
That's why I teach.
[both chuckle softly]
I don't envy you, girl.
But it's gotta be up to you.
[Naomi] Few people know of me.
Even less know what I'm trying to accomplish.
I chose this existence, and the quest
I'm about to embark on cannot be explained.
[tape rewinds, click]
Will I choose good in this world full of evil?
- [tape rewinds, click] - Can I forget the past
that has tortured me and made me what I am today?
[tape rewinds, click]
If it was a hero you were looking for,
you may want to keep looking.
[man] Why am I here?
I need a job.
Yeah? Why the fuck are you coming to me?
Can't go to Arlo.
That's why your face is all fucked up.
You gonna partner up with me or not?
Ah.
You're supposed to sell the product, not use it.
You know that, right?
I know that.
Okay, good.
[van door slides closed]
[Joe] Any luck?
We did it.
[laughs]
What are you doing?
That isn't what I think it is, is it?
No needles, Damien, we always said that.
You got a better idea?
Gimme your arm.
Look at me.
If you don't want this, tell me right now.
[Joe moans softly]
Oh, my God.
I feel better already.
[slaps arm]
Oh, shit.
[grunting]
[coughing grunts]
Joe. Joe?
Joe? Look at me.
Look at me, Joe.
Fuck, Joe. Joe!
Joe? Look at me.
Joe. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up, Joe.
- [knock on window] - Security. Pack it up.
- You can't be here. - Go away. Go away!
- [knock on window] - You got 30 seconds till I call the cops.
What's going on in there?
[door slides open]
[door slides closed]
Easy there, buddy. What's with you?
- Echo 3 to dispatch. - Stop.
We're leaving. We're leaving. Don't do that. Don't do that.
Please send backup, I have a subject under the influence.
- I said don't do that! - Hey, hey, hey! Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Hold on, hold on, okay?
Be advised we have on officer in need of assistance.
Rover number 133 has been activated.
Any available units, please respond. Code 3.
Just stop trying to fix the situation.
Okay, look, you've obviously got some problems.
Problems? What do you know about me, huh?
Take it easy, your gun's cocked, man.
Stop talking. Just stop talking.
Let's get you some help.
Stop talking!
[ears ringing, car alarm blaring]
Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
Please don't die.
Somebody help!
[police radio chatter]
[tires screech]
[engine starts]
[panicked breathing]
Joe, hold on.
[tires squealing]
Joe?
Hold on.
Shit.
Shit, shit, shit. Fuck!
[Brandon] There she is.
Ladies and gentlemen, Naomi Baker!
- Hi. - Hi.
Wow.
You have a gorgeous house.
Thank you.
I thought you would say it was unoriginal.
- Like my movies. - Oh, no, I'm sorry.
Can I offer you something to drink?
Yeah. Whatever you're having is fine.
[Naomi] Oh, my God. You have a gorgeous view.
[Brandon] The view.
That's everything in Hollywood.
- So. - So.
To Blackbird.
May be it success for the both of us.
- Are you okay? Yeah? - Yeah.
- You seem a little nervous.
Where's that confident girl that I met at the restaurant?
It's just been an... interesting week.
I'm actually really looking forward
to meeting your investors.
Are you expecting them anytime soon?
Uh, with the short notice, they... they just...
they couldn't make it tonight.
I promise you, you will meet them.
Okay.
Listen, that moment...
at the restaurant,
you know, I really admire what you did.
I play it in my head all the time now.
And you're right.
That... that kind of spontaneity...
that passion is exactly what this movie needs.
Can I use your bathroom?
Sure.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- Oh, it's over there. - Okay, great, thank you.
[door opens]
[panicked breathing]
[television playing in background]
[Joe coughs]
[gasps] Oh, What the fuck?!
What are you doing?! Oh, it's cold, you asshole!
Turn it off! Damien, turn it off!
- [water stops] - Oh, Jesus.
What is wrong with you? [groans]
God, will you please tell me what is going on?
Answer me, Damien.
We have to go.
Where are we going?
Hey.
You're scaring me.
[Will] So... I assume it didn't go well.
You haven't answered my calls.
Are you okay?
I'm so sorry.
Sorry? Hey...
What do you have to be sorry for?
I broke our promise.
I don't understand.
You fucked him?
I ca... I can't believe you.
- No, Will... - You selfish...
Y-you're everything you never wanted to be.
Do you even know if you got the role?
Do you?!
After what I've been through, I better have.
Will, no, Will. Will, please!
Don't you... get away from me.
We're having a baby, Naomi.
And you do this?
We're not having a baby, Will.
What do you mean we're not having a baby?
You... you wouldn't...
No.
[tea kettle whistling]
- I know what that is. - Jesus, Damien, you scared me.
Those aren't vitamins, are they?
What are you talking about?
You and I aren't so different after all, are we?
You know what, Damien?
I don't need this from you, not today.
It's kratom, right?
Nature's speedball?
I'm not an idiot.
A small dose of that will stimulate you, right?
Make you feel good and strong.
But if you have too much, it gives the opposite effect.
Fuck's with your mind.
Yeah, and what would you know about that?
Oh, I know all too well.
It's not illegal, Damien.
It's not illegal. Yet.
Is that how you get your source of confidence?
Is that how you become the machine?
What do you want from me, Damien?
You have your reasons, I have mine.
What are your reasons, huh? Why are you such a fuck up?
Was your mother a prostitute? Did she abandon you?
Look at me. My mother didn't want me.
Excuse me if I have trouble dealing with that, okay?
What's your fucking excuse?
I didn't know that about you.
I ruined everything, Damien.
I worked so hard.
[voice breaks] I'm just like her.
I came to tell you...
I'm taking Joe away from here.
I'm going to make things right.
So bye.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[cell phone ringing]
Hello?
- Hey, Naomi. - Hi, Anthony.
I got some bad news. Um...
They're gonna go with someone else.
Yeah.
[woman on television] Welcome to Your Movie News.
Fans of the upcoming blockbuster Blackbird
will be happy to hear that the lead role
has been cast with none other than Caitlin Vivey.
The new film's director, Brandon Banks,
felt that star power was a key ingredient
for his film's success.
The new film begins shooting in just two months.
So, fans, the wait for this flashy action thriller
is almost over.
[man] We'll be located outside here
in our position TAC vehicle.
We have a standing warrant.
We've also had surveillance on the establishment for 36 hours.
So we know it's a beehive of activity.
Now you three will be coming with me.
Any questions? Let's ship out.
[line rings]
Hi, it's Will. Please leave me a message.
[beep]
[crying]
[knock on door]
[Elsa] Naomi? Are you okay in there?
I just wanted to say I'm sorry about Blackbird.
[knock on door]
Naomi, answer me.
[Joe] Talk to me.
Is there something that you're not telling me?
Look, I know that I need help, okay?
But we don't have any money.
How are we planning to pay for this?
Let me worry about that.
I leave this message for Eleanor Wilkins.
My name is Naomi.
A long time ago, you decided that I was not worth keeping.
I am your daughter.
We'll wait for confirmation, then we'll move in.
Assume everyone inside is armed and extremely dangerous.
Weapons stay on safety till I tell you otherwise.
I decided to look you up a while ago, and...
no surprise, you have been in prison
for robbery and prostitution. [chuckles softly]
But it turns out that you and I are just alike
because...
I have also used my body to get what I wanted.
And I've abandoned the only family I ever had.
I spent my whole life trying to be everything you weren't.
And I failed.
I don't want to be anything like you anymore.
[Joe] What are we doing here?
You gotta trust me.
Here.
This'll keep you occupied.
I'll be right back.
[Arlo] Just a minute.
You got a lot of balls coming back here.
Let me make it up to you.
[groans]
[Damien] Junkie, huh? You call me a junkie?
You fucking lowlife.
You're a fucking dead man.
Fuck you!
- Fuck you! - [door opens]
- Damien, what are you doing? - Close the door!
That's our cue, let's go! Go, go, go, go, go!
[Damien] Open the drawer and fill the bag.
Joe!
I'll find you. Wherever you go.
Where we're going, I doubt it.
Naomi?
Naomi.
Take it all. Everything.
[both grunting]
Naomi?
Oh, my God.
[both grunting]
[crying] Naomi!
Naomi, please!
[choking]
Agh!
No...
What are you... stop.
- [cocks gun] - Damien! Stop. Damien!
[gunshot]
What did you do?
- Freeze! Put the gun down. - Stay where you are!
- Put it down! - Drop your weapon now!
- Put it down now! - Put it down now!
Get on the floor! Drop the fucking gun!
[Randy] Get on the ground now!
[man] Stay where you are! Put it down now!
- I'm sorry. - Drop your weapon now.
- Put it down, put it down! - [Joe screams]
[steady beep]
Where is Naomi Baker?
Naomi Baker. Where is he?
She's in defib! Get the crash cart!
- We're losing her! - [man] Go ahead, hook her up!
[man] Grab the paddles.
- [woman] All clear. - [man] Everyone clear.
[Will] No one ever talks about the internal struggle
a caterpillar faces during this process.
All clear.
'Cause if it can just withstand the agony...
[man] Out of the way, out of the way!
...if it overcome the doubt of this process,
it will achieve its objectives,
and it will transform into a butterfly.
- [woman] All clear. - [man] All clear.
[sobbing] Damien...
Oh, no.
No.
[sirens approaching]
Damien...
No!
[respirator hissing, heart monitor beeping]
Hello?
You okay?
She was out of her mind. You know that, right?
I'm starting to think we all are.
[sighs] I should have never come here, Will.
I kept wanting to prove to everyone...
especially myself...
that leaving my family was the right choice.
I guess I felt trapped?
And I used this to escape? I don't know.
But...
I'm beginning to think that maybe
I needed all of this to happen.
Maybe.
What about you?
What are you gonna do?
I'm still here, ain't I?
[woman] She's awake now.
- Would you like to come in? - [softly] Yeah.
[line rings]
[click]
[toddler] Hello, mommy, is that you?
Yes, sweetie. It's me.
I miss you. When you coming home?
I'm coming home now, my little man.
Yay, she's coming home!
I love you, and I'm so sorry.
I'll never leave you again.
I love you, too, mommy.
Bye.
[lecturer] There's no safety net in this profession.
There are no half measures.
I'm telling you,
the real truth to all of this is survival.
So what are you gonna do?
I mean, one thing I can guarantee you
is that you will crash and burn in this town continuously.
It's inevitable.
This town feasts on inspiring people.
It teases you. It distracts you.
And eventually, it reminds you
you're not good enough.
It's not supposed to be easy.
If it were easy, you wouldn't be here today
looking for that sharper edge.
The pace is fast. The industry is cruel.
You don't keep a thick skin, it will consume you.
And acting, it's not any different
from any other aspiration in life.
It's just magnified
because it's deeply personal.
Do yourself a favor.
Eliminate those negative influences that...
that drag you down, that are an anchor
to your development, and believe me,
you need to be brutally honest with yourself
and who you really are.
[Naomi] I leave this message for Eleanor Wilkins.
My name is Naomi.
A long time ago, you decided that I was not worth keeping.
I am your daughter.
[Michael] One of my favorite sayings...
the greater glory is not in never falling
but in rising every time we fall.
This town is waiting to judge you every day.
Which one of you will be that person
who refuses to quit?
Which one of you will be that person...
that sees it through?
I have no doubt that most of you
have what it takes to make it in this business.
- [stage bell rings] - But can you filter out the nonsense?
Can you ignore the distractions and the insecurities
that cripple you before you even get started?
It's time to prove it, people.
So if you're ready...
[man] Naomi Baker?
..it starts and ends right now.