(film projector rattling)
(upbeat music)
- This is what I'm talking about.
- Okay. Well, let's have a look.
- Okay. Oh yeah.
This is gonna be so much fun.
Damn I got some booty.
- Shit yeah, you do. You and me both.
Bootylicious.
(women laughing)
- Maybe I need to show the girls
off a little bit more.
- Here, Holly try these.
- [Holly] Any news about the Western location?
- Yeah. According to Willard it's ours.
He's cashing in a huge favor for us.
That's for sure.
- [Holly] So cool.
How about the funding?
- Well, I check the account this morning
and he already made a deposit.
(funky music)
- What do you think?
- That's hot.
- This is so much fun.
- You did a great job, Sally.
- Thank you.
You girls are great.
(funky music)
(woman laughs)
- What?
- Who'd think we'd get this far?
I mean, look at us.
We're making a movie together.
- Right?
(funky music) (upbeat music)
- That's a really good idea, man. I think it can work.
- Okay.
- Yeah. All right, we'll talk next week.
- All right, buddy.
- Here you go.
- Hi. Thank you.
- How was your night?
- I made it through another day
without embarrassment or regrets.
So pretty good, I guess.
Hey, I know you.
- Oh yeah.
Well, I've been here a few months.
- Well, it's the first time I've been here, so-
- Oh, I'm also an actress.
- Oh.
No. I...
Who isn't in this town, you know?
- Yeah. I've been in stuff.
As a matter of fact I'm working on a movie right now.
- Oh Yeah. What's it called?
- "Deep Gorge Drifters."
- Wait, the Western?
- Yeah.
- Okay. Right.
Yeah. I saw your picture in the trades.
Man, how'd you scored a part like that.
I heard the producers are real ball busters.
- I'm one of the ball busters.
- I'm sorry, what?
- Yeah. I'm one of the producers and stars.
- So what are you doing working here?
Is this like a Daniel Day Lewis
when he worked as a cobbler type thing?
- Yeah. I wish it was something like that
but this is my day job making ends meet until, you know.
- Oh, wow. That's Awesome.
- Okay. Okay. Okay
- No, no. I mean it.
You're grounded.I dig it.
Anthony Applegate.
- Holly Washington.
- You know, I work at Centauras Pictures.
We Should talk.
- Okay, Anthony from Centaurus.
Let's make that happen.
- Holly? Holly?
There's a line. - Oh shoot.
Really nice to meet you.
I can't...
I gotta go...
I can't afford to lose this job yet.
- Nope. Yep, mad respect.
We'll talk.
- Yeah.
(funky music)
- She's a valet.
- Well, yeah, but at a pretty baller Mulholland restaurant.
- And they got Archibald Maxwell dependent.
- That's right.
- I don't know. It doesn't add up.
The whole town is jizzing over this property
and she's doing that?
- Miles there's nothing wrong-
- With spiralina and charcoal?
- They didn't have the charcoal shot.
- I need the fucking charcoal.
- I told them but...
- This is LA for Christ sakes.
Someone has charcoal.
(girl sighs)
Leave it.
- Sorry. I'm gonna get on the phone
and find the charcoal shot.
- Do that.
- Charcoal?
- Filters out the impurities in the blood.
- Gotta try that.
- Who's directing?
- I don't think they have a director.
- This is something Weinstein would do, back in the day.
Smells like his nutsack.
Who the hell is behind this?
- I'm pretty sure it's just an Indie.
The three actresses are starring in it and producing it.
- Black girls, that no one has heard of?
- They happened to be women of color. Yes.
- Well, beggars can't be choosers.
Get me that picture. Cheap.
- I though you said there wasn't a market for it.
- I never said that.
- I'm pretty sure you did.
I'm pretty sure you even said,
"Even black folks won't go see it."
- Anthony, if you remember
I predicted the success of "Black Panther'
and I'm having that same feeling about this one.
- You passed on "Black Panther."
- I'm never wrong about these things.
- You specifically-
- Anthony, get me that picture.
- Okay Miles, I'm on it.
Someone needs a charcoal enema.
- Excuse me?
- Charcoal. Need to try that charcoal shot.
- Do that.
Oh, and Anthony, hold my calls for the next hour,
I'm going to Dusseldorf.
- Journey meditation?
- That's right.
- Guten tag mama, is that chocolate?
(funky music)
- I knew I'd find you three here.
Hiding something that belonged to me.
- You stole that money from our father
before you killed him.
You may have robbed us of our daddy
but we won't let you rob us of what's rightfully ours.
- You three may be party, but those sweet little asses
aren't gonna protect you from my gang of killers.
- Trust us. You don't wanna go up
against three spiteful vengeful bitches.
- Is that a threat?
- It's a promise.
- Okay. Excellent.
Thanks for coming in, sir.
Nice job.
- Thank you. It's always a pleasure Mabel.
- Hello.
- Can I help you?
- I didn't hear from you about that audition the other day.
So I thought I'd check in.
- The other day. I'm sorry.
This is a different project that we're casting.
- That's okay.
I can read for this if you'd like, what's my role?
- The part is for a man.
- I could be a man.
- Oh yeah. That's right.
You're the one who flashed your coochie at me the other day.
- That's offensive.
- Yes, it was.
- You know,
I'm pretty sure your director sexually harassed me that day
and I'm probably not the only one. So.
- You never met the director.
- I think you just sexually harassed me.
- What?
- You totally eye fucked me.
- Okay. Get security in here.
- Who am I reading for?
- Let's wait outside. Let me get you some sides.
Take some time, to look them over.
- Right, Some time. Thank you.
I will read these real good.
(phone vibrating)
- Mabel Singer.
- Yes.
- Hi, this is Anthony Applegate over at Centaurus Pictures.
- Centaurus Pictures?
Yes sir, what can I do for you?
- Well, I'm calling on behalf of Miles Blankenship.
He's very interested in the project you're casting,
"Deep Gorge Drifters,"
and I happened to run into Holly Washington the other day,
gave her my card, yada, yada, yada.
We were interested in setting up a meeting
here at the studio with all of you
to discuss a possible relationship
between "Deep Gorge" and Centaurus.
- (chuckles) Do you know how many times
I tried to cast a Centaurus Picture?
- Well, no, I don't.
- A lot. Couldn't even get a courtesy call back.
- Oh, well, I'm sorry about that.
You know, that's not really my-
- Well, look, I'll set this up for you,
but you're gonna owe me big time.
- Yeah, you got it.
- And I collect, won't be like
owing your drug dealer or your bookie.
- Well I don't have a-
- Anybody who stiffs me,
I go all Joe Peshy on their ass.
Like in the movie "Casino,"
when he put that guy's head in a vice
and then his eyes just popped out.
- Oh.
(Mable laughing)
- Oh, I'm just playing with you.
Look, I'll check their schedules
and I'll set this up for you, okay?
- Great. You know I would really appreciate that.
That's great.
- Peace in the Middle East, baby.
- Peace in the...
(phone ringing)
(upbeat music)
- Cassie it's Mable,
girl we just had an amazing stroke of luck.
Yeah, you guys need to make yourselves available
for a meeting and I'm gonna call you back with the details.
Okay? Okay. Okay bye.
(upbeat music)
- Can I get you anything? Coffee, water...
- Oh, no thank you. - No thank you.
(upbeat music)
- Have a seat and Mr. Applegate, we'll be right with you.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
- Thank you very much.
- [Lady] This is nice.
- Now remember ladies, we're just here to listen, okay?
- Yeah there's one thing I can tell you
about these meetings.
To your face they're all sunshine and rainbows
while they're actually butt fucking you
in some filthy Colombian brothel.
No offense.
- (laughs) Fuck you.
- I met him already.
He's not like that, he's sweet.
- No, Arch is right, these sharks ain't sweet.
- Hello. So sorry to keep you all waiting.
- It's okay. Good to see you again.
- Hi. You brought the whole gang, sweet.
- I'm Mabel Singer, we spoke.
- Yes. The Joe Peshy fan.
- Oh yeah.
- Thank you so much for setting this up
on such short notice really.
And of course Archibald Maxwell,
it is truly an honor sir.
Big, big fan.
- I'm surprised that someone your age knows my work.
- (chuckles) Well, I'm older than I look I guess.
- Son, I got hemorrhoids older than you.
(all laughing)
- Okay. So, "Deep Gorge Drifters.'
Wow. And I mean, wow.
- I know. Right?
- We can't believe it's actually happening.
- Well, clearly you're already on the right path
and Mr. Maxwell's pendant an incredible script.
- Have you ever been to Bogota?
(cool guitar music)
- Excuse me?
- Nevermind.
- Okay.
Well, the studio wants to talk to you guys
about blowing your movie up,
taking it from a small Indie film to a big studio picture.
Now, how does that sound?
- [Voice] Incredible. - That sounds amazing.
- Yeah?
- Reel it in ladies.
What would that entail exactly?
- Well, look, the script is solid.
Of course, Mr. Blankenship will have some notes, but-
- Oh Shit
- Notes?
- Okay. This is where the collective brain trust
tells you how much they love the script.
It's brilliant.
But what if the three women were talking donkeys?
- Okay. I assure you we are not gonna do that.
Okay?
I just like you guys to see this as a, an opportunity.
- And there's the loop.
- Now, okay, a lot of female actors or producers these days,
Carrie Washington, America Ferrara, Julia Louis Dreyfus-
- They're all amazing.
- So, you should join their ranks
and we wanna help give that leg up.
Just cut to the front of the line.
- Is there a catch?
- No, no catch.
- Nah I feel it squishing between my toes.
- Yeah. I mean it does seem too good to be true.
- Well, we are assuming all of the risk.
So in order to hedge our bets,
I mean, there will need to be a few changes.
- Oh, now we're about to get ankle deep in it.
- Changes.
- Cast, mostly.
The studio wants big names
and I just don't think that Mr. Pugh,
while a great, great actor,
it's just quite, you know, big namey enough.
- What? Why?
He's been in like a thousand movies,
he gets recognized everywhere we go.
- All due respect to the color purple.
It was 30 years ago.
We just need someone more current.
- Well, we had calls from all kinds of celebs
that wanted to be in it.
- Okay. There you go.
Great. Like who?
- Cuba Gooding Jr.
- Doesn't move the needle.
- What?
- Poitier.
- That's a generational disconnect.
- So who do you suggest?
- We're thinking Kevin Hart.
- And there we are, knee deep in this shit.
What did I tell you?
- And the studio would also like to go out to some names
for the leads.
(Maxwell speaking in foreign language)
(people laughing)
- We're the leads. So you mean...
- No, no, no, I'm sure he means the other leads, right?
- We're willing to spend $100 million,
but we need to sell tickets, and names sell tickets.
- Wait. So you want us to recast ourselves?
- I'm sure there are a lot of really great other parts.
You know, more supporting roles.
Look, I need you to understand this is an opportunity
that most people would kill for.
Mr. Maxwell you've been in this business a long time.
I mean, you understand.
- No, don't ask me to back you up on this one junior,
as far as I'm concerned,
this is just typical studio bullshit.
You always have to fuck up a good thing
for the shittiest reasons.
- I can assure you that we are not going to mess this up.
I want the best for you and this project.
- So you want us to sell out?
Step aside for what? Producer credit?
- Try to think of it as a stepping stone.
After this, you're gonna be able to write your ticket.
It's a lifeline.
Like when Alfred Molina says to Indiana Jones,
"Throw me the whip I throw you the idol."
It's a trade-off.
- And if you remember Alfred Molina lied to Indian
and ended up with a spike through his head.
- Okay. All right, bad example.
You guys think about this, please?
(suspenseful music)
(funky music)
- Hey, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.
Sidetracked by stuff I could not control.
- Meet some stranger and do the nasty in a public bathroom.
- Ew, no, it's carpool day.
- Carpool? Is that code for blow job?
- Oh, what is wrong with you?
- Seriously, I think Archibald
is starting to rub off on you.
- Or maybe I'm ribbing off on Archibald.
- Oh my God, whatever.
Ladies do you have a decision?
- Are we sticking to our guns or selling out?
- Maybe a deal with Centaurus isn't a terrible idea.
- I mean, look there wasn't even
supposed to be a movie, right?
- Let's not forget how all this started.
The goal was to get noticed
and we've accomplished that goal.
- True.
- I mean, we're definitely on the map.
Maybe, Anthony's right.
- And remember, even Hector said we didn't have enough money
to do this justice.
- Are we just being ass-holes
and wasting everyone's time by trying to do this ourselves?
- Cassie Robbins, Jackie from TCI
we spoke on the phone a while back.
- Yes, good to meet you.
- I heard that Archibald Maxwell wrote you
one hell of a script.
- He did. Thank you for the referral.
- That should keep him off my back for a couple of years.
- What script is this?
- It's a Western, "Deep Gorge Drifters."
It's hot, everyone's talking about it.
- Hi, I'm Eric.
- Hi.
- So why didn't you tell me about the script, Jackie?
- I don't know. I rep the rider.
That's all
- Rep the rider.
Well, girls is there a role in it
for the possibly fantastic Eric Robbins?
- Oh I'm-
- There might be.
- Eric, you don't need to be in everything.
Maybe it's not right for you.
- Since when has that stopped me?
I'm good in everything.
- Of course you are. You're a legend.
- Oh, well listen.
It might be a boot point anyway.
- Why?
- Well, we had a meeting with Centaurus Pictures yesterday,
they wanna produce it.
- Big budget and everything.
- We call that a high class prom.
(girls laughing)
- Yeah. Well, we'd have to step aside as the leads.
- Sounds like some parts might be opening up. Get into that.
- Don't let them fuck this up. It's yours.
Make sure they know that.
- I can be the "Deep Gorge Drifter."
Man, I'm perfect for that.
- Cassie, let me know if you need me to step in.
- I will. Thank you.
- Good guy.
Bad guy.
Dead guy.
I can play anything.
- Anyway. It was lovely to meet you all.
Sorry to interrupt.
Remember, it's your movie.
- Yeah.
- Come on Eric.
- Charlie, they took my thumb.
Remember that?
- No.
- You're too young.
- Well, are we gonna take a risk
or we're gonna take the sure thing?
(upbeat music)
- They said no?
- They said no.
- Are they stupid, or just really stupid?
- You know, it's their baby and they've got the funding.
So one way or another they're making this movie
on their own terms.
- I had a feeling this might happen.
So, I already came up with a plan B.
- Okay. What's that?
- An alternate plan.
- I know what plan B means, what is the plan?
- You know what they say?
There's always a guy.
- Well, send Derek in.
Derek, good to see you.
Please sit down.
- Hey man, Derek.
- Hey, Anthony.
- Derek is a very accomplished director
who has expressed interest
in directing "Deep Gorge Drifters."
- Oh, right on. I love your work.
- Thanks man.
- And I told him that if he can get the girls on board
he can helm the picture.
- (sighs) I don't know Miles.
I mean, they're pretty set in their ways.
- Yes. But you failed
because you were missing one important component,
emotional connection.
- Okay. So what's the emotional connection?
- Cassie Robbins is my ex wife.
We have a kid together.
- No, shit.
- I'll get this movie Mr. Blankenship.
Trust me, I know how to get there.
(piano music)
- (laughs) Good job.
(doorbell rings)
- Oh yeah. I gotta get the door, okay?
Keep trying.
(piano music) (Cassie laughing)
- Cassie Robbins?
- Yes?
- These are for you.
- Oh, thank you.
- Who are those from mommy?
- Well, let's see.
(Cassie chuckles)
"Just wanted to let you know how happy I am for you,
I wish you nothing but success on your movie.
No strings attached. Derek."
They're from daddy.
- They're so pretty. I miss daddy.
- I know.
I think this is for you.
- Aw, it's so cute.
Can we call him?
- Sure.
I should probably give him a call and thank him.
(upbeat music)
- You're very welcome.
I mean it, I wanna see you succeed in this.
This is a very exciting time for you.
- Thank you.
And I'm sorry about the other day.
I mean, you crashed my party, you know?
Like nothing had ever happened.
- Yeah. Well, you've got a pretty mean right jab
but I had it coming I don't blame you one bit.
- You think?
You fuck my best friend, lie about it to my face.
- Yeah. Looking back it wasn't a very good lie.
I know.
- I found you naked in bed with the bitch, our bed.
Hard to cover that up.
- You know, but it's all in the past now.
Okay? I fucked up big time.
- Yeah, you did.
- Listen, I wanna offer something up to you.
I have a friend with a ranch.
Since your movie is Western,
I thought it might be a good idea,
for you and the girls to get some training.
Western bootcamp of sorts.
- I don't know Derek, our budget's pretty tight.
- No, this would be my gift to you.
I'll set it all up.
You can learn to rope, to shoot, to ride horses.
- No strings?
- No strings. No, no, no, no, no.
Although maybe I could see Amber a little more often,
I'd like that.
- She'd like that too.
- Let me do this for you Cass.
- ( sighs) Okay. Okay thank you.
- Wait, I'll set it up.
I gotta run, but I will send you the details.
- Okay. I appreciate it.
- Oh, and Cassie-
- Yeah.
- This was nice.
- What?
- Talking to you, like old times.
(cool music)
- Let me know about the dude ranch.
- Okay I will. Bye.
Oh God, damn it.
(Derek sighs)
- Who was that babe?
- It was my pain in the ass ex-wife.
- What did she want?
- Oh, you know, bitches always want something.
- So, when are you gonna put me in one of your movies?
- You know what?
Come here, we should talk about that.
(birds chirping)
(bright upbeat music)
(upbeat music)