Tiny Pretty Yhings Episode 101 "Corps" by Michael MacLennan SECOND DRAFT January 7, 2019 FIRST DRAFT November 28, 2018 TNSURRECTION MEDIA, INC. 9696 Wilshire Boulevard, 2nd Floor Beverly Hills CA 90212 MOJO FILMS 2874 Colorado Avenue Santa Monica CA 90404

Yiny Pretty Yhings 101 second Draft pg. L. EXT. CHICAGO BALLET ACADEMY ROOFTOP - NIGHT Under a full moon, a young Dancer scratches out pirouettes and grand jetés, the city’s sultry wind rippling her short frock as PULSING MUSIC drifts across the rooftop. One great leap reveals CASSIE SHORE (17), a lithe and stunning dancer taking crazy risks as she carves out jumps four stories above the city’s gritty Lower West Side —- atop the brick parapet crowning the Chicago Ballet Academy. In the distance, a cluster of other Dancers drink and party around a tin fire-pit -- glimpses of them laughing, stretching, massaging each other by the fire's tawny glow. Dancing on that edge, Cassie starts a fouetté, sneakers scratching on the ledge as she turns on a dime... Another pirouette, then another, whipping her head around to spot the same corner of the roof shack, her turns reaching a dizzying speed on the narrow capstone. On one pirouette, in the split-second when she turns her head... BOOM, someone has appeared in the shadows: a HOODED FRIEND leaning against that penthouse wall. Startled, Cassie nearly stumbles over the edge. Holy shit. But she steps from the brink, mustering an unsettled smile. CASSIE Hey, Stranger. The Hooded Friend's only answer is to offer a bottle of something strong. Cassie hesitates -- she really shouldn‘t. Elsewhere, the party gets wilder, the music louder, unidentifiable teens up dancing while others make out. Cassie hesitates, then braves an approach... CASSIE (CONT'D) I guess if everyone else is... ... And takes a swig. Then WHOOMPH -- the Hooded Friend grabs her. Cassie panics, scrambling to wrest herself free. CASSIE (CONT'D) Ow -- don't. Hey! But instead she gets pulled in close ~- a stiff grip on her neck has her trapped for what: A kiss? A secret? A threat?

Yiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 2. While the distant party rages on, Cassie pushes away to stumble backward, desperate for distance. CASSIE (CONT'D) No. No. No... Then bam: a heel hits that damned ledge. It’s unclear: did she trip or was she pushed? Either way, her arms grapple for something to hang onto but she only keels backward... EXT. NIGHT SKY - NIGHT As Cassie falls through the night, we hear her speak with a calm entirely at odds with her terrifying fall. CASSIE (V.O.) The power to fly. It’s what most of us dream of. Just knowing it’s in you, that dazzling ability. Sure, it costs you everything to find enough strength and skill to launch yourself through space. But there’s nothing finer. Cassie continues to fall, eyes wide in terror. EXT. CHICAGO BALLET ACADEMY - NIGHT BAM! Cassie hits the asphalt, her glassy eyes fixed on the view high above... that roof’s deadly edge. CASSIE (V.0.) Though you only fly for a second or two, above a stage or studio floor... before gravity takes back what you tried to steal. From above, The Hooded Friend peers down, drops a white rose. CASSIE (V.0.) Because no matter how hard you work, how strong you are or how thin you get? Petals scatter in the breeze, onto Cassie’s unmoving body. CASSIE (V.0.) Gravity always, always wins. As we PULL UP from the carnage past the building’s sign Chicago Ballet Academy (she landed smack in front of the place) sharp searing CLACKS sound like fucking gunfire... EXT. SOUTH-CENTRAL 1.OS ANGELES, DANCE ARTS STUDIO - DAY The HAMMERING POPS continue over the view of a gritty urban block, its sun-blistered sign: “Los Angeles Dance Arts.”

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft 3. INT. DANCE ARTS STUDIO, CORRIDOR -~ DAY In these well-worn corridors, the GUNFIRE-LIKE SOUNDS grow stronger. Various diverse Teenage Dancers canter past. One warm-faced Teacher MS BANKS (55, African-American, with a dancer’s undeniable poise) strides upstream into... INT. DANCE ARTS STUDIO, DANCE STUDIO - DAY Ms Banks walks past Students of all races. busy with pre-rehearsal stretches, rolling arches, taping toes, tying pointe shoes, rosining up. She crosses to the far corner -- and the source of this damned gunshot-like BANGING now echoing off the mirrors: NEVEAH STROYER (16, African-American) kneels, wearing a busted-up tutu, threadbare tights and sweater, face etched with fierce determination. In her hand is the one pristine thing in the whole place: a pale pink satin pointe shoe. Which Neveah proceeds to SMASH into the old wooden floor. NEVEAH I gotta quiet the box. You’'re always telling me not to clomp around here like some cowgirl at a hoedown. Gonna hear a pin drop when I land my jetés. MS BANKS Well speaking of noise, I just heard -- NEVEAH I bought these babies working the birthday circuit. This whole dancing princess thing? You make good bank. MS BANKS Yes. Neveah, thing is, Chicago called. This silences Neveah -- and the whole room. Her shoe drops. NEVEAH They said they didn‘t want me. MS BANKS Well something changed their mind. There sits Neveah. Her life just changed forever. CREDITS: TINY PRETTY THINGS

Tiuy Pretty Things 101 Second Draft Pg. 4. EXT. ACADEMY ROOFTOP AND CHICAGO BALLET ACADEMY - DAY Days later, the long-doused fire-pit blows black ash over the roof’s fateful ledge, down to the street below... .. Where Officer ISABEL DIAZ (27) reels in tattered caution tape, training a skeptical eye on a stain still tinting the asphalt. Isabel has a dancer’s ram-rod discipline, but in her case it’s from two tours of duty before she traded in one uniform for another. FLASHES of memory invade her view: The fateful night, Bystanders watching as Isabel kneels, desperately performing CPR on Cassie’s motionless body. Isabel’s police cruiser illuminating the awful scene, the girl’s glassy eyes fixed on Isabel as she pumps, pumps... Arriving Paramedics wrestle Isabel off, expertly taking over as they cart the girl into a wailing ambulance. Isabel watches on, helpless and surprisingly emotional. Then: NEVEAH (0.S.) What happened? Pulled from her reverie, Isabel turns to see Neveah on the street, scuffed luggage and wary eyes on the crime scene. TISABEL I wish I knew. Good luck in there. As Isabel finishes furling the tape, Neveah takes in the edifice: a handsome old building now brilliantly renovated with glass walls and cantilevered floors -- yet still a haunted vibe. Isabel watches kindly as Neveah enters. INT. ACADEMY HALLWAY - DAY In heels and a pencil skirt, MONIQUE DUBOIS (50s) marches along, trailed by Chicago Tribune reporter ZANDARA SEGAL (40s) and her photographer VERNON (20s). MONIQUE I’'m telling you, there’s no story. ZANDARA Oour readers beg to differ. MONIQUE The Chicago Ballet Academy has bolstered its security protocols, offered counseling to all students, and put the focus squarely back where it should be ~- training the next generation of world-class dancers.

Tiny Pretly Things 101 Second Draft pg. 5. ZANDARA There are reports of angry parents, donors pulling out -- Clinging to her composure, Monique stops, turning. MONIQUE One star student defied our rules and sadly suffered a fateful misstep -- ZANDARA “Misstep”? She fell three stories! As Monique continues pedaling fake news, Cassie chimes in: CASSIE (V.O0.) course, the higher you fly, the more bone-shattering the landing. So you learn two tricks for when there’s trouble in the spotlight: never let them see you sweat... and give them something else to look at. Arriving is Monique’s lumpen, loyal assistant SELENA (60). SELENA She’s here. Monique nods -- excellent -- and continues her march. MONIQUE You want a story? Here’s your story. INT. ACADEMY LOBBY - DAY Luggage in hand, Neveah takes in the CBA’s breathtaking atrium. Then she sees them —- the backlit quartet bearing down on her. NEVEAH Monique DuBois. Oh my gosh... Monique wafts over with a warm smile and firm handshake. MONIQUE Neveah Stroyer, welcome to The Chicago Ballet Academy. (a calculated glance to Zandara) Our newest arrival, here on a full- ride scholarship thanks to an anonymous patron. We’ve helped a girl escape her dead-end life in Compton. NEVEAH Inglewood, actually, but --

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft Pg. 6. MONTQUE When we see talent, we don’t ask where it comes from. You had a good flight? NEVEAH Nothing to compare it with. MONIQUE New horizons on all fronts. And your parents? Zandara, you’ll want to hear how admission to the Harvard of ballet schools can lift up whole families. NEVEAH My folks? They’re not here. As fumes at Selena for her scant briefing, Vernon snaps pics of a confounded Neveah, and Zandara steps in: ZANDARA It’s a late age to be entering such an elite academy. Dancers here have trained since they could walk. NEVEAH Well I had years of gymnastics, then ballet three years now. I like to think I‘m catching up. MONTQUE With a girl of Neveah’s talent, two years here will prime her for success. ZANDARA Dancing in Cassie Shore’s footsteps. NEVEAH Who's Cassie Shore? As Zandara takes notes, Monique shifts to damage control. MONIQUE We’ve a tired young lady here. VERNON Be in touch for a photo release. Monique snatches up his card. As Zandara and Vernon exit, Monique’s demeanor shifts, all warmth evaporating. SELENA That went over like a lead balloon. NEVEAH Was there something I was supposed to --

Tiny Pretty Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 7. MONIQUE Yes. And you will. But for now, get her to Adam. As Monique walks away, Neveah looks to Selena: who’'s Adam? INT. ACADEMY INFIRMARY - DAY In her underwear, Neveah lies on a padded table while kindly physiotherapist ADAM RENFREW (30) manipulates her limbs like she’s a slab of meat. She struggles with the clinical vibe. CASSIE (V.0.) They start with your bones. Then your feet, frame and flexibility. Your musicality, charisma and deference. Then after they’ve taken you apart? Eyes blazing, Neveah grabs Adam’s hand, which in moving a leg, ventured a little too close for comfort. CASSIE (V.0.) They want to see a spark. Off her fiery response, Selena looks up from her clipboard. ADAM It’'s so we can check your alignment, see how your turnout is progressing. NEVEAH They did this back at my LA audition. SELENA Records were lost. We didn’t think we'd need them. As Adam shifts to testing her feet’s structure and arch, Monique slips in to observe. Selena leans over, quietly: SELENA (CONT'D) You sure she’ll do the trick? MONIQUE It’s a start. I'm also announcing the premiere of a new ballet, in Cassie’s honor. By Ramon Costa. SELENA Ramon Costa? At this, even Adam looks up, intrigued. Selena ventures: SELENA (CONT'D) We don’t have him.

Yiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 8. MONIQUE Yet. Neveah, we’ve a photo of your dad here on file. What about your mother? NEVEAH What about her. ADAM We predict how you’ll develop from ~- NEVEAH Wait. Unless I'm missing something? You already accepted me. Adam shares a look with Monique, who just sighs and exits. Unease rising, Neveah takes back her clothes from Adam. NEVEAH (CONT’D) This Cassie Shore. What went down? ADAM There was an accident. NEVEAH So is that why I'm here? ADAM You're here, Neveah, because you have something special. Now go out there and make sure they see it. Neveah takes in the encouragement, and a fortifying breath. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, WOMEN’S HALLWAY - DAY Dragging luggage, Neveah trails House Parent TORRI STERNE (30s). Part headmaster, part ersatz mother, she’s a former musical-theater hoofer who never made it to triple-threat. TORRI You're Tier Three, ages sixteen and seventeen, doors lock at curfew, all guests sign in. Eleventh Grade academics are eight to noon which you missed today but I got your homework. Then Dance from one to six-thirty, lights out at ten. Here’s home. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, NEVEAH AND ROOM - DAY Neveah stands on the threshold: On her roommate’s side is an explosion of All Things Ballet: books, posters, signed pointe shoes. Her side? A plain bed, desk and wardrobe.

Tiny Pretly Thiags 101 Second Draft pg. 9. TORRI You drink or smoke, you're out. Fail your academics? Gone. Get too skinny? Sent home. Get caught screwing a boy, or girl for that matter? Buh-bye. Basically just act like I‘'m watching everything. ‘Cause I am. Toodles. Torri leaves Neveah to unpack, liberating an array of simple dance-related garb. She marvels at her roomie’s dance-themed clock -- then notices the time: 12:55. NEVEAH Wait, did she say class is at one? INT. ACADEMY HALLWAY - DAY Neveah bolts down empty, polished halls, racing to dress herself as she runs. Then finds what she’s looking for -- INT. ACADEMY DANCE STUDIO - DAY ... Just as ballet master TOPHER BROOKS (30s, severe and feared) assembles Students for dance class. BROOKS All right everyone, let's get started. As Brooks sets the class, Neveah takes a spot at the barre running down the room’s center, ready to rock. BROOKS (CONT D) Facing the barre in sixth. Rolling through the feet four counts, repeat. But not so fast. As Dancers check out the new arrival, BETTE WINSLOW (16, blonde and ruthlessly perfect) steps in. BETTE BROOKS (CONT'D) You’re in my spot. Open to first... NEVEAH BROOKS (CONT'D) Didn’t see your name on it. ... Rolling through again... Neveah moves to claim another vacancy, now face-to-face with JUNE PARK (16, half-Korean, sweet and petite). JUNE BROOKS (CONT'D) Sorry, but that’s mine. Rise, test your balance. Neveah moves to an empty area but June stops her. JUNE BROOKS (CONT'D) And anywhere but there. Repeat in second.

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 10. BROOKS (CONT'D) Finish with side bend right, left... Nerves cresting, Neveah turns, bumping into the chest of OREN LENNOX (17), a strapping prince of a man. OREN BROOKS (CONT'D) Everyone’s got their place. Then full rond de corps... NEVEAH BROOKS (CONT'D) Yeah? Then where’s mine? ... In each direction. BROOKS (CONT'D) Thank you, Amy, let's have a waltz please. AND! The PIANIST begins, everyone starts the exercise. Neveah’s flustered -~ where to go? From a far corner, SHANE MCRAE (16, a stacked and fiery Southern redhead) waves her over. SHANE BROOKS (CONT'D) You're in the sticks Darlin. And demi-plié... Neveah had been too distracted to learn the exercise, so is following other dancers. Brooks notices: not a good start. Working through the warm-up, the other Dancers also cast sidelong glances at her. This new arrival must be good. JUMP CUTS as Brooks leads them through plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, etc. He commands the room: “Present the heel in your tendu!l... You're tucking under, we spoke about this before... That’s not an arabesque, get it behind you!... Close your ribs... Drop your hip!” Neveah works to keep up, eyeing the barre’s one empty spot that June had stopped her from taking. Then a stern tap from Brooks breaks her focus. BROOKS (CONT'D) We don’t wear junk here. NEVEAH Junk? BROOKS You’ve covered what I need to see. Embarrassed, she strips off baggy sweats, down to leggings. BROOKS (CONT'D) And grand battements en avant... Eyes now on her, Brooks repeatedly corrects her. * %

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 11. BROOKS (CONT'D) You're sinking into your port de bras. Sternum up. Drop your hip in second. Now lift to attitude derriére. They move on to the next step, Neveah doing her best. BROOKS No no no -- your weight's still in your heels. You need to be over your supporting leg. Who can show her? Bette doesn’t hesitate, doing the exercise beautifully. BROOKS (CONT'D) Yes. You see? Neveah tries again -- but Brooks sighs, stopping her. BROOKS (CONT'D) spare you. NEVEAH Look, I can -- BROOKS You can’t, it seems. Visiting? NEVEAH New admission. There was a last-minute vacancy. Sir. As the room falls silent, Brooks shifts gears: BROOKS I saw your shoes. They're a fiasco. NEVEAH What, I just got ‘em a week ago. As Bette leads the laughter, Neveah shifts, uneasy. BROOKS Visit the shoe room after class. Neveah darts a glance to Shane -- he talking about? LATER: On pirouettes, all dancers turning. Bette eyes the newbie instead of focussing on herself. Brooks sees all. BROOKS (CONT’D) Bette. Your weight is back and your second arm is too late. Again. They all pirouette again -~ but he’s all eyes on Bette.

Tiny Pretly Things 101 Second Draft pg. 12. BROOKS (CONT'D) No. Try a higher passé. Bette dutifully tries, but Brooks clearly happy. BROOKS (CONT’'D) Another year, and still not a turner. LATER: it's center work, dancers crossing one by one. Then comes an astonishing jump: NABIL ZIDANE (17, French- Algerian, with the swagger of Baryshnikov and the cold eyes of a serial killer). Brooks offers his first compliment: BROOKS (CONT'D) Very good. From him, that’s a standing ovation. But Nabil shrugs it off, unmoved. In the corner, Neveah and Shane size him up. NEVEAH Wow. He’s amazing. SHANE Yeah, if you’re hot for psychos. You ask me? He pushed her. NEVEAH Pushed who? SHANE His girlfriend. Cassie. As Neveah puts things together, Shane takes his turn, launching a series of grand jetés across the room... INT. ACADEMY DANCE STUDIO -~ DAY (LATER) Brooks walks the room, piercing eyes on exhausted Dancers. BROOKS Your summer break did you no favors. Tomorrow after class, ladies go into pointe with Ms Somova while I take the lads for allegro. I want to see solid double tours this year, gentlemen. Then it’s straight into partnering. This term we do something different. Each of you will be assigned just one partner, and one partner only. As Students react to this unusual change, he presses on. BROOKS (CONT'D) It’s a way to build trust, a seamless onstage relationship. Dismissed.

Tiny Pretty Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 13. As Students file out, Neveah approaches June. NEVEAH This shoe-room, can you take me -- But June just scurries out after Bette, leaving Neveah to watch Shane gather his things. SHANE Don‘t look at me. NEVEAH Too late. INT. ACADEMY, SHOE ROOM - DAY Awestruck, Neveah takes in walls of shelves full of pointe shoes in their little bags, all organized by size. NEVEAH This cannot be real. Neveah and Shane start rifling through the shelves. SHANE Pinch whatever you need to, and get busy. You're looking at every shoe The Griffin ballerinas decided they don't want, yours for a few bucks. You did pretty good today. NEVEAH You kidding me? I couldn’t get on my leg. SHANE We’ve all been there. NEVEAH At least you've “been there” a lot longer. You think they can make me company-ready in two years? Bette enters with June, to find shoes and scope the newbie. SHANE I've seen ‘em do more with less. BETTE But if they're wrong? You're gone. Undaunted, Neveah strides over from the shelves, hand out. NEVEAH We didn’t meet. I'm Neveah Stroyer.

Yiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 14. BETTE Bette. She’s June. Show me your arches. NEVEAH What, like... my feet? BETTE what make a dancer. Neveah reluctantly offers herself up for inspection. SHANE Bette’s just scoping the competish, scared that if they decided to let you in at your age, you must be fierce Prima material. Testing Neveah’s flexibility and arc, Bette gives a nod. BETTE All right. Friends. Where’d you train? SHANE Neveah, these look perfect for you. Double X, high vamp... Shane approaches, pointe shoes in hand. Taking them, Neveah sees a stamp on the bottom: Delia Winslow. NEVEAH These were Delia Winslow’s shoes? BETTE Well, her rejects. SHANE I can show you where to get the right pancake, marry the satin to the skin. As Neveah tries them on (bending the shank, checking them on her feet) Bette stares Shane down, dripping contempt. SHANE (CONT'D) They fit. Isn’t that interesting, Bette? BETTE You're trash, Shane. Have fun scavenging with your new petit rat. Bette exits, June in tow. Neveah looks to Shane: WTF? NEVEAH Did she just call me...

Tiny Pretly Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 15. SHANE A rat, yup. But like everything in ballet, it sounds better in French. A “little rat” is a dancer who's young, pretty, poor... and hella strong. And starting today, this one wears the shoes of Delia fricking Winslow. NEVEAH Truth is, I only applied here ‘cause my teacher told me it's where she went. SHANE Yeah? Then time for a front-row seat. Intrigued, she watches him toss her dead shoes into the bin. INT. ACADEMY, GYM -~ DAY Gleaming cutting~edge machines, reformers, wild devices. Oren works out hard, spotted by his friend CALEB (16, African-American, a lean and handsome dancer from class). CALEB Easy, man. But Oren pushes himself -- until Caleb grabs up the weight. OREN The fuck? CALEB You’'re good. OREN I'm not good. Had another one in me. CALEB Blowing a pec won't help your dancing. Gasping for air, Oren glowers through the window at his prime motivator -- Nabil, talking to Officer Isabel Diaz. OREN You heard Brooks -- out of shape. CALEB Guaranteed he wasn’t talking about you. OREN Second time that cop’s talked to him. CALEB She must smell blood.

Tiny Pretty Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 16. OREN You tell her anything? CALEB Renny, we all stuck to the same story. Cassie was alone and we there. His chat wrapped, Nabil enters, crossing to a wobble board to commence graceful adage movements with breathtaking control. Oren and Caleb marvel at his insanely good balance. OREN You sure impressed Brooks today. NABIL (a French accent) Not really. A little rusty. OREN Yeah, must’ve been a long plane-ride. CALEB Where was it from -~ Algeria? Despite his vulnerable balance, Nabil still dominates. NABIL Paris. Heard of it? OREN Must suck, coming all this way to be with your girlfriend, and she goes and falls off the fucking building. NABIL I came here to study dance. OREN What, didn‘t want you? NABIL Chicago make an offer I cannot refuse. OREN Too bad. I was watching you —- NABIL I know. OREN You don’t have the American style. NABIL True, I'm more than tits and teeth. I watch you too. You're bland. Safe.

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 17. OREN Yeah, safe till you showed up, then beeeuuwww splat. And now the cops? NABIL I tell them how Cassie tell me how you always drop her. Perhaps sabotage? Biting the hook, Oren give Nabil a shove off the ball. OREN I was the best partner she ever had. NABIL Yes? Then show her some respect. As their scuffle intensifies, Caleb races to step in. CALEB Guys. Hey. Break it up. MUSIC UP as Oren storms out. Grateful, Nabil glances over to Caleb... who just glowers, pumping iron. INT. GRIFFIN BALLET STAGE - DAY MUSIC CONTINUES as alone on a starkly-lit stage, the great DELIA WINSLOW (26) rehearses, dancing a breathtaking solo. Neveah and Shane hide in a theatre box, watching. For Neveah, seeing dance of this caliber is a revelation -- a glimpse of the beauty she aspires to one day achieve. NEVEAH Delia Winslow and me. Breathing the same air. RAMON COSTA‘s baritone can be heard in the dark auditorium. SHANE, RAMON (0.S.) Griffin’s lucky to get her Delia, you’re behind the back. After rocking it in phrase. Don’t be dragged by Europe last year, she could the tempi. Anticipate. write her own ticket. NEVEAH RAMON (0.S.) (CONT'D) I'd be happy dancing for The All right, let this section Griffin in two years. travel more. SHANE You and me both. Solo over, Delia stands catching her breath. Ramon (45) emerges from the shadows, a lean Cuban god in a black tee. * X ¥ % * %

Tiny Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 18. RAMON Footwork needs refining. DELIA I'm giving all I’'ve got, Ramon. There’s no room for me in the choreography. From her secret perch, Neveah watches Ramon approach her alone on stage, a soothing touch to her head... RAMON You're dancing from here. ... Then lowering his hand to her breast... RAMON (CONT'D) But I need to see it here. ... Then even lower, to her crotch. RAMON (CONT'D) And when the night comes? Here. Delia welcomes his touch... and offers her own in return. RAMON (CONT'D) This piece is in you, Delia. I‘m only drawing it out. Come on. Touch an audience the way you touch me. Shane and Neveah watch amazed as she reaches for a kiss. DELIA Like that? RAMON Yes. Now use it. Shane’s leaning in... SHANE Come on, girl -- tear off his shirt. ... But Neveah shifts, uncomfortable to be watching this. NEVEAH Let’s go. Now. Shane sighs, disappointed, but lets Neveah pull him out. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, NEVEAH AND JUNE'S ROOM - DUSK Back from watching Delia, Neveah takes in her gear-strewn jumble, and finally starts to properly unpack.

Tiny Pretty Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 19. In the wardrobe she finds a photo slipped behind a shelf, peels it free: Cassie in a bikini on a boat, arm draped around... but half the photo’s torn off. Strange. Then she hears a ripple of LAUGHTER from down the hall. Stashing the pic, she goes in search of its source. CASSIE (V.0.) Always something hurts. Somewhere on your body there’s pain. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, WOMAN'S COMMON ROOM - DUSK Bette, June, ESME (another music-box ballerina from class) and other young women lounge, recovering from the day. They massage each other, roll out muscles, plunge feet into ice buckets and salt baths, pour shellack into pointe shoes. CASSIE (V.0.) An ache that comes from pushing beyond what any person was ever meant to do. But there’s strength in being part of a larger body -~ the corps de ballet. Neveah finds some scoffing and laughing around a cellphone. it, a YouTube video, hip-hop R&B music. JUNE Well she’s definitely got style. BETTE For a backup dancer in a Drake video. ESME This isn’t even ballet. Dread rising, Neveah steps in to find the video is of her in front of an LA underpass mural, dancing her heart out. NEVEAH At least I love dancing. I mean, do any of you? June pounces to stop the video as Bette stares Neveah down. ESME Is this seriously what you did before you got here? BETTE Good to have something to fall back on. NEVEAH You just told me in the shoe~room I was good enough to be your friend.

Tiny Pretly Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 20. BETTE Not because I thought you were good. Because I knew I was better. Refusing to be cowed, Neveah stands up to her, eye to eye. NEVEAH I get that I'm late to the party. I get you‘re scared I might also wreck your little plans for world domination. But that doesn’t make me your enemy. Others turn, surprised to see Selena in the doorway. SELENA Miss Stroyer. Madame DuBois wants to see you. Now. Oh shit. Amid a ripple of reaction, Neveah strides out. INT. ACADEMY, OFFICE -~ SUNSET A capacious room lined with art and city views. Hair and make-up done, Monique wears a stunning dress -~ laying a syringe and vial on her desk. Officer Diaz watches on. MONIQUE Relax, Officer, it’s cortisone. ISABEL If T could just speak to a few more students MONIQUE I spoke to your sergeant -— the case is closed. Yet here you are, exploiting a tragic accident, traumatizing my students, and for what -- a promotion? ISABEL You can’t tell me you're satisfied. MONIQUE And you can’'t tell me getting anywhere. You had a week to find one iota of foul play, but all got is a silly girl and an awful accident. ISABEL Piercing this takes time. Every institution has its secrets. MONIQUE To a woman working in a man’'s world, yes. Before the police it was army?

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 21. ISABEL Two tours in Afghanistan. MONIQUE Did you leave or were you kicked out? Now there’s a mystery. ISABEL It was time to finally do some good. MONIQUE Well you won’t find redemption in ballet. Entrez. just wrapping up. There’s Neveah and Selena on the threshold. Monique waves them in. Isabel eyes Neveah, taking in what she can. ISABEL Settling in, I hope. Neveah balks at the sight of a cop: she done wrong? As Isabel MONIQUE Detective. ISABEL Some other time. exits, Selena crosses to ready the needle. NEVEAH Ma’am, I don’t know what I did wrong, but I just want to say -- MONIQUE And I don’t need to hear it. You're to attend tonight’s donor reception. A driver will fetch you with the others. As Monique hands Neveah a few pages of talking points, Selena injects her boss’'s feet: bunions, scars and mangled toes from years spent on a few inches of contorted flesh. MONIQUE (CONT'D) Selena can help you find something presentable in the costume department -- NEVEAH Miss DuBois, I have my own clothes. MONIQUE 0f course. No doubt you’re a unique personality, but ballet asks us to bend to a greater -- (MORE)

Tiny Pretly Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 22. MONIQUE (CONT'D) (reacting in pain) Merde! That was bone you hit! Grabbing the needle, Monique soldiers through the pain. MONIQUE (CONT'D) We're about to invest thousands of dollars in you, and need to know that in two years you’ll be a product -- NEVEAH “Product”? MONIQUE -- We can make use of. You're either the CBA’'s future or a bad gamble. Our key donors tonight will be asking themselves that very question. On that paper is the story you’ll want to tell. NEVEAH Madame DuBois, I'm just here to dance. MONIQUE Wrong. Tonight decides your future as much as anything you do in class. On that chilling note, Monique tosses down the needle, slips on her glossy Louboutin heels, and gracefully exits. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, MEN’'S HALLWAY - NIGHT Torri strides through her domain, looking in on each room. CASSIE (V.0.) There’s a price you pay, learning to fly. They take your childhood, your family, any friend who doesn’t hope every day your Achilles will snap. But even then, they don‘t let you grow up. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, MEN’S HALLWAY -~ NIGHT (ELSEWHERE) Shane arrives to find a dance-belt hooked on his doorknob. CASSIE (V.O.) So if you want to live a little? You gotta get creative. With a sigh, he leans against the jamb... and stands guard. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, OREN AND SHANE'S ROOM - NIGHT Oren and Bette lock lips, tearing off clothes as they drag each other to bed. He slips down between her legs...

Tiny Pretty Yhings 101 second Draft pg. 23. BETTE God I needed this. OREN I was thinking we should get ourselves cast as partners. We'd dominate. They keep going at it, Bette directing Oren’s head. BETTE Word is I'm getting paired with Nabil. OREN So we fight it. BETTE I don‘t want to rock the boat. OREN You think Frenchie’s better than me. BETTE And you don’t wanna be stuck tossing around the new girl. OREN We can all fake a lot of things on stage... but we fake love. BETTE I can. Bette pulls close, working her magic. He's loving it. They kiss deep, she’s arcing closer, pulling him in... OREN Whoah. Easy. No condoms. BETTE (continuing, driving him wild) Orrie. You got me going here. OREN Maybe Shane’s got some. He moves to check -- but Bette pulls him back to her. OREN (CONT'D) Bette, you get pregnant? It’'s over. BETTE Won’t happen. Haven’t had my period in months. There she is, so close, so damn beautiful...

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 24. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, MEN'S HALLWAY - NIGHT Standing guard, Shane sees Torri round the corner, dipping into various dorm rooms as she makes her way toward him. SHANE Aww jeeze... INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, OREN AND SHANE'S ROOM - NIGHT Ramping up to climax, Oren and Bette hear the CODE-KNOCK. OREN Hang on a sec, almost there... BETTE Someone’s coming! Bette pushes him away, scrambling for her clothes. OREN Well I guess it’s not gonna be me. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, HALLWAY - NIGHT Buttressed against the door, Shane smiles at Torri as he cranks a hard tennis~like ball into a shoulder blade. SHANE Just gotta work out this cramp. Brooks had us do a million pushups after barre. TORRI I don’t care if you broke a bone -- if Bette’s in there, door’s open. SHANE Except busy. Fighting. TORRI I don’t hear it. SHANE The silent-treatment phase. Brutal. TORRI You wanna see “brutal”? No he does not. As he steps aside, Torri yanks the door... INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, OREN AND SHANE'S ROOM - NIGHT ... To reveal Bette and Oren dressed, studying. Bed made, curtains flutter, not a whiff of suspicion. Oren looks up:

Tiny Things 101 Second Draft pg- 25. OREN Oh. Hi, Torri. TORRI You know the rules. BETTE Did the door blow shut? I hadn‘t noticed. Oren, did you notice? OREN Was deep into causes of the Cold War. Bette nods, getting up and deftly leading Torri out. BETTE Actually, Torri, I'm glad you came by. need the iron tonight... The two roommates alone, a relieved Oren flops onto his bed. SHANE Oren. I'm done playing this game. OREN You and me both. Hey. I owe you one. Oren manages a chummy smile as Shane looks off. INT. ACADEMY DORMITORY, NEVEAH AND JUNE'S ROOM - NIGHT Neveah pulls various outfits, struggling to assemble a look. NEVEAH Why didn’t I just borrow one of theirs? June watches on, feet jammed into the radiator slots, torqued hard in the hopes of an ever-improved arch. JUNE That’s nice. Shows the goods. I mean, your anonymous patron will probably be there, not that I’d know since you think I ever get invited to these things? NEVEAH Oh man. I am so not ready for this. Confidence waning, Neveah has a mini-meltdown at the mirror. Sympathizing, June extricates herself and approaches. JUNE If you tug up the side here, extend the drape, gives more drama.

Tiny Pretty Yhings 101 second Draft pg. 26. June expertly assembles her new roomie’'s look, getting a shawl from her own things. Draping it, she ventures: JUNE (CONT'D) The other girls. They’re just jealous. NEVEAH what? You saw the Ballet Master go at me “wrong this, wrong, that.” JUNE At least he was paying attention. Me, I never get a single correction. NEVEAH Maybe you’re already good enough. JUNE It’'s ballet -- nobody’s good enough. If Topher Brocks doesn’t see me? Then nobody else does. NEVEAH Okay? So how do we fix that? Sadly chuckling, June backs off to admire her handiwork. JUNE It’s s0 cute how you think we actually have power around here. MUSIC UP as Neveah studies herself in the mirror, girding herself for the evening ahead. INT. WINSLOW MANSE - NIGHT MUSIC CONTINUES: Welcome to Kenilworth, enclave to retired senators, investment bankers and old money. Enter the Chosen Four: Neveah, Oren and Nabil trail Bette through a stunning home impeccably furnished in modern decor. They turn heads of various Board Members and wealthy Donors who watch these young marvels with reverence. CASSIE (V.0.) There’s a twisted bargain to ballet. After all your hard work, your pain and sacrifice... when you walk among mortals, you become a god... Bette’s on a charm offensive, shaking hands with various guests. She pulls over stone-cold Nabil, introducing her new dance partner to the powers that be.

Tiny Prefty Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 27. CASSIE (V.0.) ... A perfect, worshiped celebration of what the body is capable of. On the gidelines, Neveah spots Oren watching Bette. Neveah and he share a look... before he turns to greet a donor. Elsewhere, Ramon squires Delia around, stopping to pull out his phone. A text had just plinged: Ignore me all U like, the world will still know what U did. He reads it, shaken. LATER, Monique wraps up a speech before the crowd. There's Ramon with Delia, newspaper photographer Vernon snapping society pics, Zandara taking in the spin. MONIQUE ... And I admit after this past week, I no longer believe that all press is good press. But thanks to you all, the Academy has never been stronger. Taking in the room, Monique can see they’re not convinced by her platitudes. She takes a breath, shifting gears. MONIQUE (CONT'D) And perhaps our best indicator is a new ballet the school will be creating, in Cassie’s honor, by renowned choreographer Ramon Costa. This does the trick. The ripple of excitement is enough to pull Ramon from his phone, muttering to himself RAMON You gotta be kidding... MONIQUE The world will once again watch the school and its dazzling dancers, for all the right reasons. And tonight? A chance to meet those thoroughbreds. To a bright future! Stepping in to re-joining the fray, Monique is stopped by KATRINA WINSLOW (40s, rail-thin and ruthless). KATRINA This had better work. MONIQUE I know. Now if you'll excuse me, Katrina, I‘'m not quite done yet. LATER: Taking in the room, Neveah is approached by Adam.

Tiny Pretly Things 101 Second Draft 28. ADAM So you made the cut. Adam Renfrew, CBA physiotherapist. We met earlier. NEVEAH Yeah, quite the inspection you gave me. ADAM And I'm happy to report, you’ve natural facility and enviably open hips. NEVEAH Tell it to that sadistic asscrack. She indicates Brooks, off chatting up a Wealthy Enthusiast. ADAM Topher Brooks does have a reputation. NEVEAH He should. If folks knew how he rolls? ADAM I do know. He’s my husband. Neveah chokes down her water. Yikes. NEVEAH Right. Well I better mingle. ELSEWHERE: Delia nearby, Ramon has Monique against a wall. MONIQUE You saw their response? Ils sont en extase. RAMON Except I'm not doing it, Monigque. Once I‘ve set this new piece at The Griffin, it’s back to New York. MONIQUE To choreograph more obscure art-wanks. DELIA His new work I’'m dancing will be a hit. MONIQUE It’s also ten minutes long. Ramon, I'm offering you a safe place to work out big ideas, get a jump on talent. DELIA He’s got all the talent he needs.

Tiny Pretty Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 29. MONIQUE It would show loyalty to the school, which means loyalty to the Griffin. They commission a full-length work next year. I can make sure it’s yours. RAMON I can see you're desperate for a new story to tell, Monique, but long past being your boy-toy. Monique takes in this defeat, bowed but not broken. ELSEWHERE: Schmoozing with Oren, Bette nabs passing canapés. KATRINA Darling, there’s cheese on that. Bette turns to see Katrina Winslow smiling kindly. BETTE Trust me, Mother, I earned it today. KATRINA Glad to hear. Oren, what a delight. OREN Mrs Winslow. Thanks for having us. KATRINA I swear we host these jamborees just to clap eyes on our girls. I hope we’ll all be seeing lots of you two this year, onstage and off. OREN (with a look to Bette) I hope so too. Katrina pulls in Brooks, passing with Adam. KATRINA Tell us, Topher -- do we have a star pairing here or what? BROOKS Partners have already been finalized. ADAM Though I do encourage an open mind. KATRINA Well I‘m sure you’ll do the right thing. As the men nod and pass by, Bette turns to Katrina:

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 30. BETTE You can’t boss around my ballet master! KATRINA I wouldn’t dream of it. Now let’s get you in front of Ramon Costa. ELSEWHERE: Monique approaches Neveah. MONIQUE Miss Stroyer, you look as anxious as the ugly duckling at a party of swans. NEVEAH Ma’am. The ugly duckling was a swan. Monique pivots for a few “candid” shots of them talking. Camera in hand, Vernon snaps them for the society pages. MONIQUE Yes of course. Now we’'re set up for you to speak with that reporter. As Vernon wraps up (”That’s excellent, thank you”) Monique leans in, tapping sheet of talking points. MONIQUE (CONT’'D) Anything you’d like to review? NEVEAH It’s pretty clear. The school’s wonderful and you'‘re saving my life. Monique smiles -~ atta girl -- and leads her into the library where Zandara awaits, closing the door behind them. INT. GIBSONS STEAKHOUSE - NIGHT June sits with sharp-eyed businesswoman SOO-YUN (45), who digs into the bone marrow atop her 320z tomahawk chop. June picks at her wedge salad, micro~dosing blue cheese dressing. S00~-YUN the shawl that goes with that dress? JUNE Didn’t need it tonight. SO0-YUN Well those bony shoulders are turning heads. You're not eating enough. JUNE I‘m fine, Mom. And glad to see you.

Tiny Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 31. S00-YUN I'd a flight back to New York tonight, but some things are more important. JUNE Exactly. What happened to Cassie reminds us all ~- life’s short. June’s reaching for connection... but Soo-Yun pulls away. S00-YUN So why waste time. What'’'s your role? JUNE My... role? S00-YUN In your ballet showcase. JUNE Oh. With the accident, they delayed any casting announcements. SO0-YUN Damn artists can’t stick to a schedule. JUNE Mom, it’s The Sleeping Beauty this year, which is perfect for me. Everyone says I'm a shoo-in to dance Aurora. Why can’t you believe in me? S00-YUN I do! That’s why I didn't raise my only daughter to prop up the scenery. JUNE I get it. You want a doctor, lawyer, senator. But I just want to dance. S00-YUN That’s 1t? JUNE everything! SO0-YUN So dance in your bedroom, the shower -- go tear up the floor at your school prom like every other teenage girl. But I‘m not paying through the teeth so you can get a crap education and no future. You’re either on track to make prima ballerina, or you’'re out.

Tiny Pretly Things 101 Second Draft pg. 32. As others Mom! JUNE I am on track!!! Diners look askance, June tamps down her emotions. JUNE I'll get a big part, and every artistic director will want me. Because Cassie’s not here stealing my spotlight. SO0-YUN She didn’t *steal” it, June. She was better than you. JUNE Well she's not better than me now. Soo-Yun stares down her daughter’s cold, fervent glower... then gives a hearty laugh, drinking deep from her wine. S00-YUN Now that’s my girl. INT. WINSLOW MANSE - NIGHT Neveah exits the library with Zandara, Monique and Vernon. NEVEAH I think it was the gymnastics, helped me advance so quick. The street dancing was just, I dunno... a way to make sense of what’s in me. ZANDARA And you say it’'s a kind of... fusion? NEVEAH I put up some videos if you want a look. They’re pretty rough -- already got a harsh crit from my girls here. I tell you, I've seen some rough stuff on the streets back home, but nothing compared to what goes down here. Yes, MONIQUE though I think what Neveah wants to emphasize is how the CBA is about -~ NEVEAH (shifting, speaking by rote) The fundamentals, yes. Which I am in great need of. I have raw talent, but it needs shaping if I want a career in ballet. And for that, there’s no better place than the CBA.

Tiny Pretly Yhings 101 Second Draft pg. 33. MONIQUE Couldn’t have said it better myself. ZANDARA Thank you, Neveah. And good luck. Quietly proud, Neveah smiles as Zandara and Vernon exit. MONIQUE You had a script. NEVEAH Sorry. It’s just... I had a life too. Watching the reporter exit, Neveah’s confidence wavers under Monique’s harsh glare. ELSEWHERE: The party loosens up. Bette stands with Delia. BETTE Why're you here slumming with students? DELIA I figured if Ramon was coming... BETTE Yeah. Smart. Keep an eye on him. Bette drinks deep, all smiles as Katrina leads Ramon over. KATRINA Ramon Costa, may I present my daughter Bette, the CBA’'s next star graduate. DELIA He's already working with a graduate. BETTE not potato chips, Delia. You can have more than one. RAMON (smoothing waters) Bette. What makes you stand out? BETTE My passion, musicality... and a wicked ballon. But don’t take my word for it. Watch me in class tomorrow. RAMON Not in the habit of viewing students. DELIA Or setting ballets on them.

Tiny Pretly Things 101 Second Draft pg. 34. BETTE Too bad. You might be surprised. interrupted by Ramon’s phone BUZZING, a new text: U R finished. Ramon steps away to type back: What do U want? ELSEWHERE: Neveah works the room with Oren and Nabil. They’re glad-handing various Donors and retired Dancers. Then Neveah sees her: Delia Winslow. She braves an approach. NEVEAH Just gotta say it: huge fan., I'm sure you’re sick of hearing it, but your Giselle? They streamed it at this big theater in LA and I begged my dad to take me. When I saw how much feeling you could pack into those old steps... it showed me what ballet could be. DELIA You’'re very kind. NEVEAH Neveah Stroyer. Just got into town. DELIA I saw Monique parading you around. NEVEAH Yeah, except I'm not sure I landed my jumps, you know what I mean? DELIA Don’'t worry, Monique wants her ballerinas to kick high and keep quiet. Neveah takes in her encouragement as Bette weaves over. BETTE This one wears your shoes. DELIA My what? BETTE Your pointe shoes, crams her bunions into them like she’s Cinderella. NEVEAH Actually, Cinderella's feet did fit. DELIA Bette, have you been drinking?

Pretty Things 101 Second Draft pg. 35. NEVEAH Did nobody here get told fairy tales? BETTE We were too busy living them! This isn’t your world, Neveah. You’'re no ballerina. NEVEAH Well someone here must think I am. BETTE You get it, do you? DELIA Bette, quit it. BETTE The only reason Monique let you in here was to fix her image, give the Academy a shiny new distraction to talk about instead of that stupid girl bleeding out on the street. But you’re even stupider, can’t see they’‘re using you. No, you’d rather stand here star- fucking my sister. Sister? Reeling from the connection, the insults, awful logic... Neveah moves to leave, passing others in her search of an exit. DELIA Hey., If you’re here? You’'re good. But Neveah just pushes past, accidentally toppling a CBA display. Others watch as she rushes out. Baffled, Oren locks to Bette, who only shrugs. BETTE The Stroyer. Living up to her name. Elsewhere, Monique sighs. Katrina passes her: KATRINA You don’t fix this? You're out. Monique swallows hard: her job is far from done. EXT. WINSLOW MANSE - NIGHT A shattered Neveah paces, grappling with fury and regret. Something pulls her focus: a glint of metal in the garden. Picking it up, she pulls a drawstring, unearthing a half- charred hoodie like the rooftop Hooded Friend's (though Neveah doesn’t yet know it). She studies it, puzzled --