C:\Arc\Akeela & the Bee\Akeelah and the Bee Cover.wpd

COMBINED DIALOGUE AND CONTINUITY 

AND SPOTTING LIST 

"AKEELAH AND THE BEE" 

COPYRIGHT BY: © 2005 Lions Gate Films, Inc. & 

2929 Productions LLC 

EXHIBITION FOOTAGE: 9,863 Feet 07 Frames 

APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME: 109 Minutes 35 Seconds 

INITIAL DATE PREPARED: April 7, 2006 

SUPPLIED RATIO: FLAT (1:85) 

TOTAL NUMBER OF TITLES: 1527 

TOTAL NUMBER OF CUTS: 2133 

TOTAL CCSL PAGE COUNT: 403 

REEL #1 

REEL #2 

REEL #3 

REEL #4 

REEL #5 

REEL #6 

ACTUAL FOOTAGE: 

1,522 feet 11 frames 






Contact Information: 

Script Prepared by: 

OnCore Productions 

27172 Coachman Way 

Lake Forest, CA. 92630 

Ph: 949-588-9440 Fax: 949-588-8352 

www.ocpscripters.com 

script@ocpscripters.com 

Notify: Todd Rodowsky 

EXHIBITION FOOTAGE: 







TITLE # 

1-279 

280-532 

533-835 

836-1094 

1095-1338 

1339-1527 

Contact Information: 

Lions Gate Films 

2700 Colorado Ave, 2 nd floor 

Santa Monica, CA 90404 

310-449-9200

INSTRUCTIONS: 

COMBINED DIALOGUE AND SPOTTING LIST 

Prepared by: ON-CORE PRODUCTIONS 

The Column at Left 

This is the combined continuity and dialogue. Here the scene changes are numbered 

consecutively in the left margin. 

Feet and Frames are divided by a + sign. The dialogue is inserted where it 

relates to shots and action, which is described in brief terms. 

The column headed "Title No." 

In this column, the titles are numbered consecutively. Your title numbers must 

match these exactly. An "I" following a title number indicates that the title is 

in italics - that it is a narration or some other voice not in the scene - but 

does not apply for situations where the character speaking is simply off screen 

but still in the scene. 

The Columns under Spotting List Footages and Titles 

Start - where the dialogue starts, marked in feet and frames. Feet are divided 

from frames by a decimal point (.) An * in front of the footage here indicates 

that the title begins on or in the next frame after a scene cut. 

Stop - where the dialogue ends, marked in feet/frames, as in Start. * indicates 

that the title ends on the next scene cut, or the frame immediately before. 

Total - The number of feet and frames in a title. This indicates the time the 

title is on the screen and determines the maximum length permitted for your 

translation. A foot of film passes the screen in 2/3 of a second. Thus, a 6 foot 

title remains on the screen for 4 seconds. A foot of film contains 16 individual 

frames. Thus if the title total reads 4.04 it means there are 4 feet and 4 frames 

available for that title. 

You are allowed 10 letters and spaces per foot. A capital letter counts as two 

letters. Thus 4 feet, 4 frames would permit 4.25 x 10 = 42.5. Rounded yields 42 

letters and spaces. There will never be less than 1 or more than 7 feet in a 

title - if the bit of dialogue lasts more than 7 feet when the character speaks 

it, it is divided into as many component parts as necessary to make logical 

thoughts fit within the 7 feet permitted. If a bit of dialogue is less than 1 

foot when the character speaks, the footage is juggled to extend it to 1 foot - 

this eliminates "flashing." When dialogue from different characters overlaps, it 

is so indicated - any decisions about priorities and placement are up to you. 

Title - These are the titles to be translated. In general, you will adhere as 

closely as possible to the English title, but not to the detriment of your 

adaptation. Specialized colloquialisms have been pointed out and explained or 

given an alternative meaning. 

Music - (Music In) & (Music Out) is an approximation of the start and stop times 

and generally applies to Score only, when applicable. 

Specialized Sounds - Effects, Background noise generally captured, or special 

incidents, are commonly defined as BOLD type for hearing impaired description.

"Akeelah & the Bee" Reel 1 Page 1 

Combined Continuity and Title Spotting List Footages and Titles 

Dialogue No. Start Stop Total Title 

(00+00) PICTURE START (00+00) PICTURE START 

1. BLACK FRAME 

(12+00) 

(MUSIC IN) 

FADE IN TO; 

2. (16+14) ANIMATED 

CARD with GEARS 

ROLLING. CAMERA FLIES 

AWAY and ALONG THE 

AXIS of the GEARS. 

CAMERA FLIES through a 

KEYHOLE and... WE SEE 

LIONSGATE 

CARD FADES OUT 


CARD FADES IN 

2929 

PRODUCTIONS 

A 2929 Entertainment 

Company 



CARD FADES IN 

STARBUCKS 

ENTERTAINMENT 


5. (68+13) 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

Akeelah. 

(77+09) TITLE 

FADES IN and SPELLS. 

AKEELAH 

and the Bee 

TITLES FADE OUT 

CARD ( 39.07) ( 47.04) 

(ANIMATED CARD FADES IN 

FADES OUT 

LIONSGATE ) 

CARD ( 48.12) ( 58.00) (ANIMATED CARD FADES 

IN, FADES OUT 

2929 

PRODUCTIONS 

A 2929 Entertainment Company ) 

CARD ( 60.03) ( 68.12) (ANIMATED CARD FADES 

IN, FADES OUT 

STARBUCKS ENTERTAINMENT ) 

1. 75.12 77.04 1.08 AKEELAH:(VO) 

Akeelah. 

MT#1 ( 77.09) ( 91.01) (TITLE SPELLS IN OVER 

AKEELAH ) 

MT#2 ( 85.13) ( 91.01) 

(TITLE FADES IN, TITLES 

FADE OUT 

and the Bee )




(MUSIC - CONT) 

6. EXT. - CRENSHAW DISTRICT - DAY 

(95+06) FULL SHOT 

GRAFFITI on a wall. 

CAMERA PANS R. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

You know that feeling 

where no matter what 

you do, or where you 

go... 

7. (100+12) FULL SHOT 

A MAN WALKS along a 

deserted street with 

head hung. CAMERA 

TRACKS L. 

AKEELAH:(VO)(CONT) 

...you just don't fit 

in? 

8. (104+01) FULL SHOT 

TRAFFIC crosses a 

railroad track. 


I don't know the word 

for that. 

9. (106+12) FULL SHOT 

Workers with a truck 

and a man with a 

grocery cart on a 

sidewalk. 


Alienation... 

10. (109+01) FULL SHOT 

A DESERTED LOT. CAMERA 

TRACKS R. -- WE SEE a 

FENCE FG. 


...estrangemenet... 

2. * 95.06 100.06 5.00 AKEELAH:(VO) 

You know that feeling 

where no matter what 

you do, or where you 

go... 

3. *100.12 102.12 2.00 AKEELAH:(VO)(CONT) 

...you just don't fit 

in? 

4. 104.06 105.14 1.08 AKEELAH:(VO)(CONT) 

I don't know the word 

for that. 


Alienation... 


...estrangemenet...




(EXT. - CRENSHAW DISTRICT - CONT) 


11. (111+08) FULL SHOT 

a GIRL WALKS along a 

sidewalk BG. 


...incompatibility. 

12. (114+00) MS BARBED 

Wire, a FENCE and 

FLOWERS. CAMERA 

TRACKS L. 


Naw, those ain't 

right. 

13. (117+07) FULL SHOT 

TRAFFIC a BUS and 

STREET LIFE. 


But there's gotta 

be... 

14. (118+15) FULL SHOT 

STREET LIFE. 


...a word for it. 

15. (121+04) FULL SHOT 

THREE MEN walk along a 

sidewalk. CAMERA 

TRACKS L. 


'Cause it's how I feel 

all the time. 


...incompatibility. 


Naw, those ain't right. 

9. 117.07 120.02 2.11 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(VO)(CONT) 

But there has to be a 

word for it. 


Because it is how I 

feel all the time.




(EXT. - CRENSHAW DISTRICT - CONT) 


16. (124+09) HEAD SHOT 

AKEELAH ANDERSON walks 

moving to FG. CAMERA 

PULLS BACK PRECEDING. 


My name's Akeelah 

Anderson and I'm 

eleven years old. And 

this all starts at... 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

17. EXT.-CRENSHAW MIDDLE 

SCHOOL-DAY 

(132+07) MS Fence 

PLAYGROUND BG. OUT OF 

FOCUS, then ROLLS IN 

as CHILDREN PLAY on a 

basketball court. 


...Crenshaw Middle 

School, in South Los 

Angeles. 

(CLASS BELL) 

18. INT. - CRENSHAW SCHOOL - DAY 

(141+10) FULL SHOT of 

a HALLWAY. 

19. (145+06) MS FOGGED 

WINDOW PANES... WE SEE 

Children fill into 

place BEYOND THE 

GLASS. CAMERA TRACKS 

R. 

20. (149+05) MS 

LOCKERS and STUDENTS 

FG. CAMERA TRACKS R. 

(LOCKER SLAMS) 

(ECHOES) 


My name is Akeelah 

Anderson and I'm eleven 

years old. 

12. 130.08 134.01 3.09 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And this all starts 

at Crenshaw Middle 

School... 


...in South Los 

Angeles.




(INT. - CRENSHAW SCHOOL - CONT) 


21. (153+03) FULL SHOT 

of a CLASSROOM from 

the entry door. WE 

SEE BORED CHILDREN 

sitting in class. 

CAMERA TRACKS R. 

22. (157+10) MS 

TEACHER MRS. CROSS POV 

of graded class work 

papers spelling words. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

SHE WALKS to as she 

hands out the test 

papers to class 

members. 

CROSS:(OUT LOUD) 

You're all in the 

seventh grade now, and 

I know you can do 

better than this. So 

when I give you a list 

of words, study them. 

WE SEE AKEELAH 

ANDERSON sitting at 

her desk, looking AWAY 

to BG. 

CROSS:(TO AKEELAH) 

Akeelah! 

Akeelah turns to FG. 

23. (173+12) CHEST SHOT 

LOW ANGLE Ms. Cross. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

How long did you study 

for the spelling test? 

14. 158.12 164.15 6.03 CROSS:(OUT LOUD) 

You are all in the 

seventh grade now, and 

I know you can do 

better than this. 

15. 165.05 170.05 5.00 CROSS:(CONT) 

So when I give you a 

list of words, study 

them. 

16. 170.12 172.04 1.08 CROSS:(TO AKEELAH) 

Akeelah! 

17. 174.03 176.14 2.11 CROSS:(CONT) 

How long did you study 

for the spelling test?





24. (177+03) MCS 

Akeelah, FG. GEORGIA 

her friend R. BG. 

(CLASS LAUGHTER) 

25. (179+09) M FULL 

SHOT Class BG. 

chuckles. 

26. (181+08) MCS 

Akeelah FG. 

AKEELAH:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

I didn't. 

27. (183+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Cross looks to 

Akeelah FG. She places 

Akeelah's paper on her 

desk. 


See me... 

Akeelah looks to her 

paper o/s BOTTOM. 

28. (188+10) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah looks to the 

paper in Mrs. Cross' 

hand FG. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

...after class. 

CAMERA MOVES IN as 

Cross deals with other 

students o/s. 


You two? You can turn 

around. 

18. 181.11 183.12 2.01 AKEELAH:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

I didn't. 

19. 188.04 190.02 1.14 

(over scene end) CROSS:(TO AKEELAH) 

See me after class. 

20. 191.09 195.12 4.03 

(over scene end) CROSS:(OUT LOUD) 

You two? You can turn 

around. Enough!





29. (194+06) CS of 

Akeelah's paper. Her 

score is an A+ and 

100%. 

CROSS:(OS)(CONT) 

Enough! 

30. (197+12) MCS 

Akeelah. 

CROSS:(VO)(TO AKEELAH) 

You know... 

31. (201+02) CHEST SHOT 

Ms. Cross at her chalk 

board. She turns to 

face Akeelah L. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

...you could be one of 

my very best students. 

But you don't turn in 

half your homework. 

32. (208+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Sometimes you don't 

even show up for 

class. 

33. (211+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Cross. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

What's going on? 

34. (213+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

I don't know. 

35. (215+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Cross sighs. 

21. 199.11 205.02 5.07 

(over scene end) CROSS:(VO)(TO AKEELAH) 

You know you could be 

one of my very best 

students. 

22. 205.08 211.06 5.14 

(over scene end) CROSS:(CONT) 

But you don't turn in 

half your homework. 

Sometimes you don't 

even show up for class. 

23. *211.14 213.06* 1.08 CROSS:(CONT) 

What is going on? 

24. 213.09 215.03 1.10 AKEELAH:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

I don't know.





36. (217+12) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah looks o/s R. 

37. (219+08) WAIST SHOT 

Georgia OUTSIDE looks 

in to Akeelah o/s L. 

38. (221+07) CHEST SHOT 


to Georgia and SMILES. 

39. (222+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Cross. 


Have you heard of... 

40. (224+13) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah SMILES o/s R. 

to Georgia. Then TURNS 

HER ATTENTION back to 

Ms. Cross o/s R. 

41. (227+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Cross. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

Have you heard of next 

week's Spelling Bee? 

42. (230+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

CROSS:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

No. 

43. (232+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Cross hands a 

paper to Akeelah. 


Well... 

44. (234+14) CS of the 

paper. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

...I think you should 

sign up for it. 


Have you heard of... 

26. 228.05 230.08 2.03 CROSS:(CONT) 

Have you heard of next 

week's Spelling Bee? 

27. 231.00 232.08 1.08 CROSS:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

No. 

28. 234.00 236.03 2.03 


Well, I think you 

should sign up for it.





45. (236+11) CHEST SHOT 


paper. 

46. (239+15) MS OTS 

Akeelah takes the 

paper from Ms. Cross' 

hand. 

IT READS: 

Inaugural Spelling Bee 

47. EXT. - STREET - DAY 

(244+05) LS WE SEE 

Akeelah and Georgia 

walking along a 

sidewalk in the local 

CRENSHAW NEIGHBORHOOD. 

GEORGIA:(TO AKEELAH) 

Does he really think 

I'm gonna be walking 

around in little 

shorts like that? He 

crazy. Oh... 

48. (252+05) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah L., Georgia R. 

they WALK TO FG., 

CAMERA PRECEDES. 

GEORGIA:(CONT) 

...is Devon comin' 

back today? 

AKEELAH:(TO GEORGIA) 

Yeah, got a two week 

leave. 


Your brother is fine! 

I got it all figured 

out. Look, he gonna be 

the pilot on a big 

commercial jet, and 

I'm gonna be the 

flight attendant. 

(GEORGIA GIGGLES) 

29.I 240.04 243.10 3.06 : 

Inaugural Spelling Bee 

30. 245.03 251.01 5.14 GEORGIA:(TO AKEELAH) 

Does he really think 

I'm going to walk 

around in little shorts 

like that? He is 

crazy. 

31. *252.05 255.00 2.11 GEORGIA:(CONT) 

Is Devon coming back 

today? 

32. 255.11 257.11 2.00 AKEELAH:(TO GEORGIA) 

Yeah, got a two week 

leave. 


Your brother is fine! 

34. 261.07 267.03 5.12 GEORGIA:(CONT) 

I got it all figured 

out. Look, he is going 

to be the pilot on a 

big commercial jet... 

35. 267.09 270.04 2.11 GEORGIA:(CONT) 

...and I'm going to be 

the flight attendant.




(EXT. - STREET - CONT) 

CAMERA PULLS BACK to 

reveal a man STEVE R. 

FG. with his hand out. 

STEVE:(TO GIRLS) 

Got any change for an 

old man, girls? 

GEORGIA:(TO STEVE) 

I ain't got no change 

myself. 

49. (277+15) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah walks. 

(MUSIC IN) 


to the sound of the 

music. 

50. (281+01) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE a classy, 

shinny 4 door SUV roll 

to FG. 

GEORGIA:(OS) 

(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Damn, Derrick-T's new 

ride is tight! 

CAMERA PANS R. to 

follow DERRICK-T in 

the passenger's side 

of the vehicle. 

CAMERA PANS R. and 

FRAMES Akeelah L, 

Georgia R. as they 

walk to FG. 

Derrick-T's SUV PULLS 

AWAY to BG. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

36. 272.05 274.07 2.02 STEVE:(TO GIRLS) 

Got any change for an 

old man, girls? 

37. 275.13 277.05 1.08 GEORGIA:(TO STEVE) 

I ain't got no change 

myself. 

38. 283.10 286.14 3.04 GEORGIA:(OS) 


Damn, Derrick-T's new 

ride is tight! 

(Damn: An oath.) 

(Tight: Slang, "impressive.")







He's been tryin' to 

get Terrence in 

trouble. 


Girl, your bro' can 

get his own self in 

trouble. What'd did 

Ms. Cross want? 


Spelling Bee paper in 

her hand. 


Nothing. Just talkin' 

'bout some stupid ass 

Spelling Bee. 


You gonna do it? 

Well, you'd probably 

be good. 


And get up in front of 

everybody? I'd 

probably pee my pants. 

Akeelah CRUMPLES the 

paper and THROWS it 

AWAY to BG. 

39. 290.04 293.15 3.11 


He has been trying to 

get Terrence in 

trouble. 


Girl, your brother can 

get his own self in 

trouble. 

41. 298.08 300.11 2.03 GEORGIA:(CONT) 

What did Ms. Cross 

want? 


Nothing. Just talking 

about some stupid ass 


(Ass: Expletive.) 


Are you going to do it? 

Well, you would 

probably be good at 

it. 


And get up in front of 

everybody? I would 

probably pee my pants. 

(Pee: Urinate.)






51. (318+00) MS LOW 

ANGLE the girls FEET 

walk AWAY. WE SEE the 

Spelling Bee paper 

DROP FG. 

AKEELAH:(CONT) 

So, tell me about the 

boy who asked you to 

wear them shorts. 


I think he's cute. 

52. INT. -AKEELAH'S BEDROOM- NIGHT 

(323+15) MS a STAND of 

BOOKS on a SHELF in 

Akeelah's bedroom. WE 

SEE REFERENCE BOOKS 

for words, a, 

THESAURUS, a 

DICTIONARY, Several 

NOVELS and a SCRABBLE 

BOOK. 

(MUSIC IN) 

(COMPUTER SFX) 

53. (331+11) CS of a 

COMPUTER MONITOR. WE 

SEE that Akeelah o/s 

IS PLAYING SCRABBLE on 

the Computer. Letters 

ARE PICKED and MOVE. 

54. (335+07) ECS 

Akeelah's EYES ONLY. 

WE SEE the REFLECTION 

of the game on her EYE 

GLASSES. 

55. (337+03) CS HIGH 

ANGLE Akeelah's MOVES 

A COMPUTER MOUSE with 


45. 318.12 321.08 2.12 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

So, tell me about the 

boy who asked you to 

wear shorts. 


I think he is cute.




(INT. -AKEELAH'S BEDROOM - CONT) 


56. (337+15) CS 

COMPUTER SCREEN. WE 

SEE the word "FUCHSIA" 

Assemble on the 

screen's Scrabble 

board. 

: 

FUCHSIA 

57. (341+01) MS 

ANIMATED GAME 

EXPLOSION 

(GAME SOUND) 

: 

BINGO 

--- appears. 

(FIRE WORKS) 

CAMERA TILTS UP and WE 

READ 

: 

Akeelah played 

"FUCHSIA" for 69 

points. 

58. (346+01) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah L., smiles and 

looks to her computer 

monitor R. 

(FOOTS STEPS) 

KIANA Akeelah's sister 

and her BABY ENTER BG. 

KIANA:(TO AKEELAH) 

Keelie, mama says go 

eat. 

AKEELAH:(TO KIANA) 

I'm about to get a 

high score. One 

minute. 

47.I 339.05 340.13 1.08 : 

FUCHSIA 

48.I 341.11 343.03 1.08 : 

BINGO 

49.I 343.09 345.09 2.00 : 

Akeelah played "FUCHSIA" for 69 points. 

50. 349.07 352.00 2.09 KIANA:(TO AKEELAH) 

Keelie, mama says go 

eat. 

(Keelie: A familiar name, a nickname.) 

51. 352.06 354.00 1.10 AKEELAH:(TO KIANA) 

I'm about to get a high 

score. One minute.






59. (353+15) CHEST SHOT 

Kiana and her Baby. 


I don't care. Mama 

says go eat. 

60. INT. - DINING ROOM - NIGHT 

(357+12) M FULL SHOT 

WANDA ANDERSON steps 

from her kitchen and 

WALKS to FG. with FOOD 

to be served. CAMERA 

PULLS BACK to include 

DEVON ANDERSON L. at 

the family table. 

DEVON:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Oh yeah! I've been 

dreamin' about your 

cookin' for the last 

five months. Here, 

let me take that. 

WE HEAR a TV running 

o/s. 

Wanda puts food down 

as CAMERA PULLS BACK 

as FAMILY MEMBERS 

ARRIVE. 

WANDA:(TO DEVON) 

At least I got one 

baby who appreciate 

what I do around here. 

DEVON:(TO WANDA) 

Oh, we all appreciate 

ya. 

Akeelah ENTERS FG. 

DEVON:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hey... 


I don't care. Mama 

says go eat. 

53. 358.05 364.04 5.15 DEVON:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Oh yeah! I have been 

dreaming about your 

cooking for the last 

five months. Here, let 

me take that. 

54. 364.10 368.01 3.07 WANDA:(TO DEVON) 

At least I got one baby 

who appreciate what I 

do around here. 

55. 368.07 369.15 1.08 DEVON:(TO WANDA) 

Oh, we all appreciate 

you.




(INT. - DINING ROOM - CONT) 

61. (370+09) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah R. Devon 

FG. BACK TO CAMERA. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

Give me some sugar. 

Akeelah KISSES Devon 

on the cheek. 

62. (373+06) FULL SHOT 

Devon and Akeelah FG. 

Wanda BG. 

WANDA:(TO AKEELAH) 

Where is Terrence? 

AKEELAH:(TO WANDA) 

I don't know... 

63. (375+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...maybe he's still at 

practice. 

64. (377+07) FULL SHOT 

Wanda BG. looks to 

Akeelah FG. 


Practice was over an 

hour ago. I know one 

thing, he better not 

be hanging out with... 

56. *370.09 372.07 1.14 DEVON:(CONT) 

Give me some sugar. 

(Sugar: Slang, affection, a kiss.) 

57. 373.10 375.03 1.09 WANDA:(TO AKEELAH) 

Where is Terrence? 

58. 375.06 377.03 1.13 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO WANDA) 

I don't know. Maybe he 

is still at practice. 

59. 377.15 383.15 6.00 

(over scene end) WANDA:(TO AKEELAH) 

Practice was over an 

hour ago. I know one 

thing, he better not be 

hanging out with no 

Derrick-T





65. (382+01) MCS 

Akeelah. 

WANDA:(OS)(CONT) 

...no Derrick-T. 

DEVON:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Derrick-T? 

66. (384+11) HEAD SHOT 

Devon looks o/s R. to 

Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

That fool still alive? 

67. (386+15) MCS 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO DEVON)(OS) 

Not after you get done 

with him. 

DEVON:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

That's... 

68. (388+15) FULL SHOT 

Devon C., Akeelah C., 

Wanda BG. Kiana 

ENTERS L. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...right. 

Kiana gives Devon a 

jovial head push with 


DEVON:(TO KIANA) 

Hey you. 

AKEELAH:(TO DEVON) 

So. How... 

60. 384.05 386.04 1.15 

(over scene end) DEVON:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Derrick-T? Is that 

fool still alive? 

61. 387.07 388.15* 1.08 


Not after you get done 

with him. 

62. 389.05 390.09 1.04 

(over scene end) DEVON:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

That is right! 

63. 390.15 392.07 1.08 DEVON:(TO KIANA) 

Hey you. 

64. 393.00 395.11 2.11 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO DEVON) 

So. How many planes 

have you shot down so 

far?





69. (393+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...many planes have 

you shot down so far? 


So far, zero. 

70. (396+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

But you don't do too 

much shooting sitting 

behind a computer 

screen in Nevada. 

71. (401+11) MCS Wanda 

looks o/s L. to Devon. 

WANDA:(TO DEVON)(OS) 

Oh good. You stay on 

the ground. Let them 

white boys go up 

there. You stay down 

here... 

65. 396.01 397.09 1.08 

(over scene end) DEVON:(TO AKEELAH) 

So far, zero. 

66. 397.15 401.10 3.11 DEVON:(CONT) 

But you don't do too 

much shooting sitting 

behind a computer 

screen in Nevada. 

67. 402.00 407.00 5.00 WANDA:(TO DEVON)(OS) 

Oh good. You stay on 

the ground. Let them 

white boys go up there. 

68. 407.06 409.07 2.01 

(over scene end) WANDA:(CONT) 

You stay down here 

where you belong.





72. (408+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon L., Akeelah 

C,. BACK TO CAMERA, 

Wanda R. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...where you belong. 

DEVON:(TO WANDA) 

Mama, I'm gonna have 

my wings, and my 

college degree before 

you know it. 


Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

Unless, of course 

this... 

73. (415+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...one beats me to it. 

WANDA:(OS)(TO DEVON) 

Not... 


looks o/s R. to 

Akeelah. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...skipping class with 

Georgia Cavanaugh, she 

won't. 

75. (419+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon. 

DEVON:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

Skipping class? 

69. 410.00 413.12 3.12 DEVON:(TO WANDA) 

Mama, I'm going to have 

my wings, and my 

college degree before 

you know it. 

70. 414.10 417.01 2.07 

(over scene end) DEVON:(CONT) 

Unless, of course 

this one beats me to 

it. 

71. 417.07 419.09 2.02 

(over scene end) WANDA:(OS)(TO DEVON) 

Not skipping class with 

Georgia Cavanaugh, she 

won't. 

72. *419.15 421.07 1.08 DEVON:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

Skipping class?





76. (421+10) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Only PE. 

DEVON:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

You better... 

77. (423+13) MCS Devon. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...not be skipping no 

class. 

78. (425+12) MCS 

Akeelah concentrates 

on her food. 

WANDA:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Akeelah go turn... 

79. (427+08) MCS Wanda. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...off the television. 

80. (429+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah heads for 

the television. 


Hey, hey, flip over 

to... 

73. 422.03 423.11 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO DEVON)(OS) 

Only PE. 

(P.E.: Physical Education.) 

74. 424.01 425.09 1.08 

(over scene end) DEVON:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

You better not be 

skipping classes. 

75. 426.10 428.10 2.00 

(over scene end) WANDA:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Akeelah go turn off the 

television. 

76. 429.08 433.06 3.14 

(over scene end) DEVON:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hey, flip over to ESPN 

real quick. Let me 

check out the Lakers 

score. 

(ESPN: A sports network.) 

(Lakers: Professional Ball Team.)





81. (431+03) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...to ESPN real quick. 

Let me check out the 

Lakers... 

82. (433+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...score. Alright? 

Akeelah STANDS. 

83. (436+01) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Devon BG. 

CAMERA TILTS UP as she 

moves to FG. into the 

living room and toward 

the Television set. 

(TV) 

A commercial runs as 

she picks up a remote. 

84. (447+03) MS OTS of 

the TELEVISION SET. 

(CLICK) 

The SCREEN flips to 

ESPN and SHOWS a 

Spelling Bee in 

progress. WE SEE a 

FEMALE JUDGE on the 

screen L. and a MALE 

JUDGE R. The TV 

screen cuts to a RED 

HAIRED GIRL standing 

at a microphone. 

FEMALE JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

If you spell the next 

word correctly you 

will be the champion. 

77. 448.06 452.08 4.02 FEMALE JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

If you spell the next 

word correctly you will 

be the champion.





85. (453+04) CHEST SHOT 


to the television. 

Wanda and Devon BG. 

AKEELAH:(TO HERSELF) 

What's this? 


Akeelah, turn of the 

TV now. 

MALE JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

Brunneous. 

(MUSIC IN) 

86. (460+02) MS OTS of 

the Red Haired Girl. 

GIRL:(FROM TV) 

B-R-U... 

87. (464+15) MCS 

Akeelah watches 

intently. CAMERA 

MOVES IN. 

GIRL:(FROM TV)(OS) 

...N-N-E-O-U... 

88. (471+00) MS 

Television with Girl. 

GIRL:(CONT) 

...S. Brunneous. 

FEMALE JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

Congratulations... 

89. (474+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

FEMALE JUDGE:(CONT) 

...You are the Scripts 

National... 

78. 453.04 455.08 2.04 AKEELAH:(TO HERSELF) 

What is this? 


Akeelah, turn of the TV 

now. 

80. 459.05 460.13 1.08 

(over scene end) MALE JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

Brunneous. 

81. 461.04 464.04 3.00 GIRL:(FROM TV) 

B-R-U... 

82. 466.07 470.05 3.14 GIRL:(FROM TV)(OS) 

...N-N-E-O-U... 

83. 471.08 473.13 2.05 GIRL:(CONT) 

...S. Brunneous. 

84. 474.03 479.13 5.10 

(over scene end) FEMALE JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

Congratulations, you 

are the Scripps 

National Spelling Bee 

champion.






90. (477+03) MS 

Television with 

Judges. A CROWD BG. 

goes wild. 


...Spelling Bee... 

91. (478+08) MS 

Television. The Red 

Haired Girl is 

ASTONISHED and MOVED. 

She puts her hands to 

her face. 


...Champion. 

92. (481+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah takes this in. 


Akeelah needs to... 

93. (484+13) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Wanda and 

Devon BG. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...listen. Turn it off 

now. 

Akeelah lifts the 

remote INTO SHOT. 

94. (489+08) MS the Red 

Haired Girl LIFTS HER 

TROPHY. 

(CROWD CHEERS) 


(491+12) MS of 

Akeelah's hand. SHE 

WRITES the new word 

into a note book. 

85. 483.00 489.07 6.07 


Akeelah needs to 

listen. Turn it off, 

now.






96. (493+04) CS of 

Akeelah's FINGERS as 

she writes the word 

into her notebook. 


Brunneous. 

97. (495+11) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Brunneous. 

98. (500+11) MS Akeelah 

PULLS A LARGE 

DICTIONARY across her 

desk to her and opens 

it. 

99. (502+00) CS HIGH 

ANGLE Pages FLIP. 

100. (502+11) CS ANOTHER 

ANGLE Pages flip. 

101. (503+00) ECS 

Akeelah's finger finds 

THE WORD and 

DEFINITION 

"Brunneous." 


Brunneous... 

102. (505+15) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah reads from the 

dictionary. 


...Dark brown, used 

chiefly 

scientifically. 


Brunneous. 

87. 496.00 498.06 2.06 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Brunneous. 

88. 505.05 512.05 7.00 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO HERSELF) 

Brunneous; dark brown 

used chiefly 

scientifically.






103. (512+14) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Well, why can't they 

just say brown? 

Akeelah LOOKS INTO 

CAMERA. 

104. (520+01) MS 

Akeelah's POV of a 

PICTURE of HER FATHER. 

AKEELAH:(OS)(CONT) 

Daddy, have you ever 

heard... 

105. (522+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah LOOKS INTO 

CAMERA. 


...of this word? 

106. EXT. - FLASHBACK - DAY 

(525+04) MS WE SEE 

Akeelah's FATHER'S 

HAND on a SCRABBLE 

BOARD. CAMERA TILTS UP 

for MCS. WE REALIZE 

this is Akeelah's POV. 

He SMILES into THE 

CAMERA. 


(531+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah smiles. 


Yeah, probably did. 

108. EXT. - FLASHBACK - DAY 


Akeelah's Father looks 

INTO CAMERA. 


Well, why can't they 

just say brown? 

90. 520.08 523.15 3.07 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS)(CONT) 

Daddy, have you ever 

heard of this word? 


Yeah, probably did.







Akeelah SMILES, then 

looks o/s BOTTOM. 

110. (542+13) MS 

Akeelah's hands HOLD 

her NOTE BOOK that is 

FULL OF WORDS. 

AKEELAH:(OS) 

(TO HERSELF) 

Cauterize... 

111. (544+09) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah at her 

desk. WE SEE her 

through her bedroom 

window. She studies 

her list of words and 

begins to practice. 

CAMERA PULLS BACK into 

the night. 

(CITY SOUNDS) 


...C-A-U-T-E-R-I-Z-E, 

Fortification, 

F-O-R-T-I-F-I-C-A-T 

-I-O-N, correspond, 

C-O-R-R-E-S-P-O-N-D... 

FADE TO BLACK; 

CUT TO; 

(MUSIC OUT) 

92. 543.03 548.04 5.01 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS) 

(TO HERSELF) 

Cauterize, 

C-A-U-T-E-R-I-Z-E. 

93. 548.10 554.11 6.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Fortification, 

F-O-R-T-I-F-I-C-A-T 

-I-O-N... 

94. 555.01 560.13 5.12 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...correspond, 

C-O-R-R-E-S-P-O-N-D...




112. EXT. - MIDDLE SCHOOL - DAY 

(570+13) LS WE SEE 

FOUR STORIES of 

students moving along 

a glassed stairwell. 

(CLASS BELL) 

CAMERA TILTS DOWN 

along the structure TO 

REVEAL Akeelah moving 

R. out of the 

building. CAMERA PANS 

R. to follow as 

Akeelah steps to a 

drinking fountain. 

CAMERA MOVES IN as 

TOUGH GIRL #1 and 

TOUGH GIRL #2 ENTER 

shot R. and L. FG. 

GIRL#1:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hey, freak. 

Akeelah turns to FG. 

GIRL#1:(CONT) 

We want you to take 

care of our English 

homework. Everybody 

say you a brainiac. 

AKEELAH:(TO GIRL#1) 

I ain't no brainiac. 


Like hell... 

95. 595.09 597.09 2.00 GIRL#1:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hey, freak. 

96. 600.10 606.03 5.09 GIRL#1:(CONT) 

We want you to take 

care of our English 

homework. Everybody 

say you a brainiac. 

(Brainiac: Originally a noun/name of a 

computing machine. Used here as slang 

meaning, "intelligent".) 

97. 606.11 608.03 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO GIRL#1) 

I ain't no brainiac. 

98. 608.09 610.05 1.12 

(over scene end) GIRL#2:(TO AKEELAH) 

Like hell you ain't! 

99. 611.00 613.08 2.08 

(over scene end) GIRL#2:(CONT) 

You always have A's, 

right?




(EXT. - MIDDLE SCHOOL - CONT) 

113. (608+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Girl#2 R. looks to 

Akeelah FG. 

GIRL#2:(CONT) 

...you ain't. Always 

got them A's down... 

114. (612+05) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah looks to 

Girl#2 L. FG. 

GIRL#2:(CONT) 

...right? 

The girls MOTION, and 

Akeelah REACTS. 


Yeah... 

115. (614+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Girl#1 L., looks 

from Akeelah C. to 

Girl#2. 

GIRL#1:(TO GIRL#2) 

She's scared. 

116. (616+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah C. tries 

to get away. 


Don't run away from 

us. 

The Girls STOP 

Akeelah. 

100. 614.08 616.15 2.07 

(over scene end) GIRL#2:(TO AKEELAH) 

Yeah, she's scared. 

101. 617.06 618.14 1.08 GIRL#2:(TO AKEELAH) 

Don't run away from us.





117. (619+06) MS HIGH 

ANGLE WE SEE Adult 

SHOES walking to FG. 

CAMERA TILTS UP to 

reveal MR. WELCH, the 

Principal of the 

school and his Guest 

DR. JOSHUA LARABEE. 

CAMERA PULLS BACK 

PRECEDING. 

WELCH:(TO LARABEE) 

I can not thank you 

enough for coming down 

here today, Josh. 

I've got the district 

breathing down my 

back, The test scores 

have gone down again 

this year. 

LARABEE:(TO WELCH) 

As I said earlier, I 

appreciate your 

dilemma, Bob. But I 

really don't 

understand what it is 

I have to offer you. 

Welch and Larabee walk 

L. PAST CAMERA. 


No,no,no... all I want 

you to do is look at 

these kids, and tell 

me if you think my 

idea is crazy. I 

think some of them 

have a lot of 

potential. 

102. 620.00 623.14 3.14 WELCH:(TO LARABEE) 

I can not thank you 

enough for coming down 

here today, Josh. 

103. 624.07 630.13 6.06 WELCH:(CONT) 

I have the district 

breathing down my back, 

The test scores have 

gone down again this 

year. 

(Breathing\down\neck: Allegorical meaning, 

"To be the point of negative attention.") 

104. 631.05 635.15 4.10 LARABEE:(TO WELCH) 

As I said earlier, I 

appreciate your 

dilemma, Bob. 

105. 637.05 642.03 4.14 LARABEE:(CONT) 

But I really don't 

understand what it is I 

have to offer you. 


No,no,no... all I want 

you to do is look at 

these kids, and tell me 

if you think my idea is 

crazy. 

107. 648.15 651.06 2.07 WELCH:(CONT) 

I think some of them 

have a lot of 

potential.





CAMERA FOLLOWS the two 

men and REVEALS a FIGHT 

between the two tough 

girls and Akeelah BG. 

WELCH:(OUT LOUD) 

Girls! Why... 

118. (653+04) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee L., Welch R. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...aren't you in 

class? 

119. (654+10) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Tough Girls 

BG. Akeelah C. 

Larabee and Welch FG. 

BACKS TO CAMERA. 

GIRL#1:(TO WELCH) 

She holdin'... 

The two tough girls 

RUN. 

120. (655+10) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah RUNS. 

GIRL#1:(CONT) 

...us up! 

WELCH:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Akeelah! 

Akeelah stops, turns. 

121. (659+10) CHEST SHOT 

Welch FG. walks L. 

Larabee BG. waits. 

WELCH:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Are you signed up for 

the Spelling Bee 

today? 

108. 651.15 654.00 2.01 

(over scene end) WELCH:(OUT LOUD) 

Girls! Why are you not 

in class? 

109. 655.05 657.05 2.00 

(over scene end) GIRL#1:(TO WELCH) 

She is holding us up. 

(Holding: Delaying.) 

110. 657.11 659.03 1.08 WELCH:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Akeelah! 

111. 661.09 664.11 3.02 WELCH:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Are you signed up for 

the Spelling Bee today?





122. (665+01) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

No. 

123. (667+02) MCS Welch 

FG. 


I want you to come to 

my office, please. 

124. (671+10) CHEST SHOT 


to Welch. She knows 

she's in trouble. 

125. INT. - WELCH'S OFFICE - DAY 

(674+00) MS Welch's 

hands flip through a 

folder on his disk. 

CAMERA TILTS UP for 

MCS. 


So, Ms. Cross tells me 

you've... 

126. (679+13) MCS 

Akeelah. 

WELCH:(OS)(CONT) 

...never missed a word 

on your spelling 

tests. 

127. (683+00) MCS 

Larabee looks o/s L. 

to Akeelah. 


But your attendance 

record leaves a little 

to... 

112. 665.01 666.12 1.11 AKEELAH:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

No. 


I want you to come to 

my office, please. 

114. 675.15 682.04 6.05 

(over scene end) WELCH:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

So, Ms. Cross tells me 

you have never missed a 

word on your spelling 

tests. 

115. 684.00 688.02 4.02 

(over scene end) WELCH:(OS)(CONT) 

But your attendance 

record leaves a little 

to be desired.




(INT. - WELCH'S OFFICE - CONT) 

128. (686+15) MCS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...be desired. You're 

eleven. Did you skip 

a grade? 

129. (692+09) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Akeelah sits 

before Welch's desk. 

Larabee sits BG. in an 

office chair. 

AKEELAH:(TO WELCH) 

The second. 

130. (697+04) MCS Welch. 


Akeelah, have you ever 

heard of the 

Scripts... 

131. (704+01) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...National Spelling 

Bee? 


I think it was on TV 

last week. 

132. (708+09) MCS Welch. 


Yes. Yes, they show it 

on ESPN every year. 

133. (713+15) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Middle school students 

from all over the 

country compete in... 

116. 690.01 692.04 2.03 WELCH:(CONT) 

You are eleven. Did 

you skip a grade? 

117. 693.08 695.09 2.01 AKEELAH:(TO WELCH) 

The second. 

(Understood: The second grade.) 

118. 699.09 705.01 5.08 

(over scene end) WELCH:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Akeelah, have you ever 

heard of the Scripts 

National Spelling Bee? 


I think it was on TV 

last week. 


Yes. Yes, they show it 

on ESPN every year. 

121. 714.10 719.01 4.07 WELCH:(OS)(CONT) 

Middle school students 

from all over the 

country compete...





134. (719+09) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Welch looks 

to Akeelah FG. BACK TO 

CAMERA. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...school, district, 

and regional spelling 

bees... 

135. (724+05) MCS 

Akeelah FG. looks o/s 

to Welch. Larabee BG. 

looks on. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...trying to make it 

to the National 


Washington, D.C. Next 

year... 

136. (731+07) MCS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...I want one of our 

students there. 

137. (734+03) MCS 

Akeelah. 


So, whoever wins the 

school bee today, gets 

to represent... 

138. (740+10) MCS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...Crenshaw at the 

district bee next 

month. 

122. *719.09 724.04* 4.11 WELCH:(CONT) 

...in school, district, 

and regional spelling 

bees... 

123. 724.10 729.12 5.02 WELCH:(CONT) 

...trying to make it to 

the National Spelling 

Bee in Washington, D.C. 

124. 730.02 733.12 3.10 

(over scene end) WELCH:(CONT) 

Next year, I want one 

of our students there. 

125. 734.13 738.07 3.10 WELCH:(OS)(CONT) 

So, whoever wins the 

school bee today... 

126. 739.05 744.07 5.02 


...gets to represent 

Crenshaw at the 

district bee, next 

month.





139. (744+10) MCS 

Akeelah FG., Larabee 

BG. 


Why would anybody want 

to represent a school 

that can't even put 

doors on the toilet 

stalls? 

(LARABEE COUGHS) 

140. (752+04) MCS Welch 

looks o/s L. to 

Larabee. 

141. (753+09) M FULL 

SHOT Welch BG., 

Akeelah FG. TURNS and 


Larabee. 

142. (755+03) MCS 

Akeelah FG. Larabee 

BG. recovers. 


Akeelah, if we can't 

show our students... 

143. (760+05) MCS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...can perform. We're 

not going to have 

money for books, let 

alone... 

144. (764+00) MCS 


BG. 


...bathroom doors. 

Now, I want... 


Why would anybody want 

to represent a school 

that can't even put 

doors on the toilet 

stalls? 

128. 757.04 761.11 4.07 


Akeelah, if we can't 

show our students can 

perform. 

129. 762.01 765.05 3.04 


We are not going to 

have money for books, 

let alone bathroom 

doors. 

130. 766.05 768.12 2.07 


Now, I want you to do 

the bee today. All 

right?





145. (767+01) MCS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...you to do the bee 

today. Alright? 

146. (769+01) MCS 


BG. 


So every body can call 

me a freak and a 

brainiac? 

147. (773+01) MCS Welch 


Akeelah. 


Naw... 

148. (774+09) MCS 


BG. 


I ain't down for no 

spelling bee. 

149. (777+07) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Welch 

postures in his chair. 

WELCH:(TO AKEELAH) 

Well, maybe you'd be 

down for spending the 

rest... 

150. (783+14) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...of the semester in 

detention for all your 

absences. 


So every body can call 

me a freak and a 

brainiac? 

132. 773.03 774.11 1.08 


No... 

133. 775.02 776.15 1.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I ain't down for no 

spelling bee. 

(Down: Street slang meaning, "in accordance 

with," or "in agreement.") 

134. 779.02 785.14 6.12 

(over scene end) WELCH:(TO AKEELAH) 

Well, maybe you would 

be down for spending 

the rest of the 

semester in 

detention... 

135. 786.04 788.14 2.10 WELCH:(OS)(CONT) 

...for all your 

absences.




151. INT. - GYMNASIUM - DAY 

(780+00) ELS of the 

Crenshaw School 

Gymnasium. WE SEE 

students seated FG. 

and students STANDING 

BG. MS Cross sits at a 

judges table R. 


I'd like to welcome 

you all... 

(781+13) TITLE FADE 

IN 

CRENSHAW MIDDLE SCHOOL 

SPELLING BEE 

CROSS:(CONT) 

...to Crenshaw's first 

school wide spelling 

bee. 

152. (787+14) MS 

Akeelah's HAND. She 

twiddles her fingers 

nervously. CAMERA 

TILTS UP for HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


We have some very 

special students 

competing today. So 

let's give them all a 

round of applause. 

136. 780.03 788.13 8.10 


I would like to welcome 

you all to Crenshaw's 

first school wide 

spelling bee. 

MT#2 ( 781.13) ( 787.09) (TITLE FADES IN, 

FADES OUT 

CRENSHAW MIDDLE SCHOOL SPELLING BEE ) 

137. 789.03 793.07 4.04 CROSS:(OS)(CONT) 

We have some very 

special students 

competing today. 

138. 793.13 796.09 2.12 CROSS:(CONT) 

So let us give them all 

a round of applause.




(INT. - GYMNASIUM - CONT) 

153. (796+14) CHEST SHOT 

Cross R. and an 

assistant Judge L. 

Cross leads the 

applause. 

WE HEAR... 

(APPLAUSE) 

(CAT CALLS) 

154. (798+09) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE the TWO TOUGH 

GIRLS Standing at the 

back of the Gymnasium. 

They make fun of the 

group at the head of 

the hall. 

(APPLAUSE) 

155. (800+14) CHEST SHOT 

Georgia sits in the 

audience. She CLAPS. 

(GEORGIA CHEERS) 

156. (803+05) MCS 

Akeelah stands, looks 

sheepish. 

CROSS:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Okay... 

157. (805+14) FULL SHOT 

of the audience in the 

Gymnasium. WE SEE 

Welch and Larabee 

ENTER and sit on the 

second row. 


...we drew numbers to 

see... 

139. 805.03 810.05 5.02 

(over scene end) CROSS:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Okay, we drew numbers 

to see who would go 

first.





158. (808+15) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee sits L., Welch 

sits R. 


...who would go first. 

And that's... 

159. (811+11) MCS 

Akeelah looks o/s L. 

to Larabee and Welch. 


...Chuckie Johnson, 

from the eighth grade. 

160. (815+11) FULL SHOT 

of the head of the 

hall. WE SEE CHUCKIE 

JOHNSON move to FG. 

TOUGH GIRLS:(OS) 

(IN UNISON) 

Hey, hey, hey... 

161. (818+08) FULL SHOT 

The TOUGH GIRLS at the 

back of the hall. 

TOUGH GIRLS:(CONT) 

...Chuckie 

Bay-Bay-Bay. 

CHUCKIE:(OS)(TO WELCH) 

Mister Welch... 

162. (820+08) CHEST SHOT 

Chuckie looks o/s R. 

to Mister Welch. 

CHUCKIE:(CONT) 

I have a question 

about the basket 

ball... 

140. 810.13 815.02 4.05 

(over scene end) CROSS:(OS)(CONT) 

And that is Chuckie 

Johnson from the eighth 

grade. 

141. 817.04 819.13 2.09 TOUGH GIRLS:(OS) 

(IN UNISON) 

Hey, hey, hey, Chuckie 

Bay-Bay-Bay. 

(Bay: A word play rhyming substitution for 

"baby" in the form of a cheer.) 

142. 820.03 823.15 3.12 

(over scene end) CHUCKIE:(OS)(TO WELCH) 

Mister Welch, I have a 

question about the 

basket ball net.





163. (823+01) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee L,. Welch R. 

shakes his head o/s L. 

to Chuckie. 

CHUCKIE:(CONT) 

...net. 

CROSS:(OS)(TO CHUCKIE) 

Chuckie. Chuckie! 

164. (825+05) CHEST SHOT 

Chuckie turns to face 

Ms. Cross BG. 

CROSS:(TO CHUCKIE) 

You need to pay 

attention. 

165. (828+01) CHEST SHOT 

Cross R. Assistant 

Judge L. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

Now, we're going to 

start things off with: 

"grovel". 

166. (834+10) CHEST SHOT 

Chuckie. 

CHUCKIE:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

Gravel? Like little 

rocks? 

167. (837+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

CROSS:(OS)(TO CHUCKIE) 

No. "Grovel"... 

168. (841+08) MCS Cross 


Chuckie. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

...like, "Get down on 

your knees... 

143. 823.07 825.02 1.11 CROSS:(OS)(TO CHUCKIE) 

Chuckie! 

144. 826.01 827.09 1.08 CROSS:(TO CHUCKIE) 

You need to pay 

attention. 

145. 829.02 834.08 5.06 CROSS:(CONT) 

Now, we are going to 

start things off with: 

"grovel". 

146. 835.03 837.06 2.03 CHUCKIE:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

Gravel? Like little 

rocks? 

147. 839.04 846.04 7.00 

(over scene end) CROSS:(OS)(TO CHUCKIE) 

No. "Grovel," like, 

"Get down on your knees 

and grovel."





169. (844+06) CHEST SHOT 

Chuckie. 


...and "grovel." 

CHUCKIE:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

Get down on my knees. 

What? 

170. (850+01) CHEST SHOT 



Just spell the word. 

171. (853+00) CHEST SHOT 

Chuckie FG. 

CHUCKIE:(OUT LOUD) 

Uh... G-R-A-V-E-L. 

172. (861+08) FULL SHOT 

Chuckie L,. looks to 

Cross R. 

CROSS:(TO CHUCKIE) 

No Chuckie. You 

spelled "gravel." 

173. (865+02) MCS OTS 

Larabee is bored. 


I meant, "grovel." 

G-R... 

174. (867+11) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...O-V-E-L. 

175. (870+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


You weren't listening. 

Sorry... 

148. 846.15 849.10 2.11 CHUCKIE:(TO CROSS)(OS) 

Get down on my knees. 

What? 

149. 850.05 852.15 2.10 CROSS:(OS)(CONT) 

Just spell the word. 

150. 853.11 860.06 6.11 CHUCKIE:(OUT LOUD) 

Uh... G-R-A-V-E-L. 

151. 861.15 864.09 2.10 CROSS:(TO CHUCKIE) 

No Chuckie. You spelled 

"gravel." 

152. 865.12 870.03 4.07 


I meant, "grovel." 

G-R-O-V-E-L. 

153. 871.02 874.08 3.06 


You weren't listening. 

Sorry, Chuckie.





176. (873+14) CHEST SHOT 

Chuckie FG. Cross BG. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

...Chuckie. 

CHUCKIE:(TO HIMSELF) 

Who cares. 

Chuckie moves o/s R. 

177. (876+15) CHEST SHOT 

Cross R. looks to her 

papers. 


Okay. Next up... 

178. (878+13) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...Akeelah Anderson. 

179. (881+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah moves o/s R. 

(HANDS CLAP) 

180. (883+00) CHEST SHOT 

Georgia CHEERS. 

GEORGIA:(OUT LOUD) 

You go girl! 

181. (885+04) FULL SHOT 

of the gym. Akeelah 

ENTERS L. BACK TO 

CAMERA. Larabee and 

Welch R. FG. WE SEE 

the TOUGH GIRLS BG. 

They heckle. 

182. (886+15) CHEST SHOT 

Tough Girl#1 and 

Girl#2 make fun and 

heckle. 

154. 874.15 876.07 1.08 CHUCKIE:(TO HIMSELF) 

Who cares. 

155. 877.07 881.03 3.12 


Okay. Next up, Akeelah 

Anderson. 

156. 884.01 886.07 2.06 

(over scene end) GEORGIA:(OUT LOUD) 

You go girl!





183. (888+08) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Cross BG. 


Akeelah, your word is, 

"doubt." Doubt. 

She speaks softly. 

AKEELAH:(OUT LOUD) 

D-O-U-B-T. 

184. (899+03) HEAD SHOT 

Georgia looks o/s L. 

to Akeelah. 

CROSS:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

I'm sorry Akeelah. 

You have... 

185. (901+01) CHEST SHOT 


CROSS:(CONT) 

...to speak up. 

More loudly. 


D-O-U-B-T. 

186. (906+04) CHEST SHOT 

Cross R. 

CROSS:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Very good. 

187. (908+15) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Turns and 

walks AWAY to BG. 

(GIRLS HECKLE) 

(APPLAUSE) 

188. (911+05) CHEST SHOT 


both applaud. 


Akeelah, your word is, 

"doubt." Doubt. 

158. 896.07 898.11 2.04 AKEELAH:(OUT LOUD) 

D-O-U-B-T. 

159. 899.14 902.11 2.13 

(over scene end) CROSS:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

I'm sorry Akeelah. You 

have to speak up. 


D-O-U-B-T. 

161. 907.08 909.00 1.08 CROSS:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Very good.





189. (913+10) MCS 

Akeelah returns to her 

place with the other 

contestants. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 


Next, Calvin Baker... 

190. (918+00) FULL SHOT 

of the head of the 

hall. Audience FG. 

WE SEE Akeelah and AN 

EIGHTH GRADE GIRL 

remain. The Girl 

spells. 

GIRL:(OUT LOUD) 

P-L-A-S-I-D... 

191. (922+08) CHEST SHOT 

Girl FG. Cross and 

assistant BG. 

GIRL:(CONT) 

...placid. 

CROSS:(TO GIRL) 

I'm sorry. It's, 

P-L-A-C-I-D. 

192. (930+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah steps to FG. 

(APPLAUSE) 

193. (934+00) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah walks to FG. 

The Girl moves R. with 

the other contestants 

who wait. 

194. (936+06) CHEST SHOT 



Okay Akeelah... 

162. 913.12 916.10 2.14 CROSS:(OS)(CONT) 

Next, Calvin Baker... 

163. 917.05 924.01 6.12 

(over scene end) GIRL:(OUT LOUD) 

P-L-A-S-I-D. Placid. 

164. 925.00 930.03 5.03 CROSS:(TO GIRL) 

I'm sorry. It is, 

P-L-A-C-I-D. 

165. 936.15 941.12 4.13 


Okay Akeelah, if you 

get this word, you will 

be the winner.





195. (938+10) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee L,. Welch R. 


...if you get this 

word, you will be the 

winner. 

196. (941+15) CHEST SHOT 


CROSS:(CONT) 

Fanciful. Fan... 

Akeelah interrupts. 


F-A-N-C-I-F-U-L. 

197. (948+04) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee looks o/s L., 

to Akeelah. 

GEORGIA:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Whoa! 

CROSS:(OS) 


That is... 

198. (950+04) CHEST SHOT 


CROSS:(CONT) 

...correct. And you 

have won Crenhaw's 

inaugural spelling 

bee. 

(APPLAUSE) 

199. (955+12) CHEST SHOT 

Georgia CHEERS. 

200. (958+05) CHEST SHOT 

Tough Girls are not 

impressed. 

GIRL#1:(TO GIRL#2) 

What ever. 

166. 942.05 944.01 1.12 CROSS:(CONT) 

Fanciful. 


F-A-N-C-I-F-U-L. 

168. 949.10 951.09 1.15 

(over scene end) CROSS:(OS) 


That is correct. 

169. 951.15 955.07 3.08 CROSS:(CONT) 

And you have won 

Crenhaw's inaugural 

spelling bee. 

170. 958.10 960.02 1.08 GIRL#1:(TO GIRL#2) 

What ever.





201. (960+06) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee looks R. to 

Welch. Larabee looks 

to Welch then o/s L to 

Akeelah. 

202. (963+01) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah accepts 

her winning ribbon 

from Mrs. Cross. 

203. (964+13) CHEST SHOT 


(MUSIC IN) 

Larabee stands. 

204. (967+02) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee BG. Akeelah 

FG. BACK TO CAMERA. 

LARABEE:(CONT) 

Excuse me. 

205. (968+03) WAIST SHOT 


Larabee FG. BACK TO 

CAMERA. 

206. (969+15) HEAD SHOT 


to Larabee. 

207. (971+11) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

LARABEE:(TO AKEELAH) 

Spell, 

"prestidigitation." 

208. (974+13) HEAD SHOT 


to Larabee. 

CROSS:(OS)(TO LARABEE) 

I'm sorry... 

171. 967.08 969.03 1.11 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(CONT) 

Excuse me. 

172. 971.12 974.04 2.08 LARABEE:(TO AKEELAH) 

Spell, 

"prestidigitation." 

173. 977.13 984.00 6.03 

(over scene end) CROSS:(OS)(TO LARABEE) 

I'm sorry, sir. But 

this girl is only 

eleven. And she has 

already won.






209. (978+04) CHEST SHOT 

Cross R. Assistant L. 

Both look o/s R. to 

Larabee. 

CROSS:(CONT) 

...sir. But this girl 

is only eleven. 

210. (981+15) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...and she has already 

won. Mister Welch... 

211. (984+14) CHEST SHOT 

Welch looks o/s L. to 

Cross. 


...what is this. 

Welch motions for 

Cross to not 

interfere. 

212. (986+14) CHEST SHOT 

Cross and the 

assistant look o/s R. 

213. (988+05) MCS 

Larabee looks from 

Welch o/s R. to 

Akeelah o/s L. 

LARABEE: 


Prestidigita... 

214. (992+06) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...tion. Can you 

spell it? 

174. 984.07 986.06 1.15 


Mister Welch what is 

this? 

175. 990.07 994.15 4.08 

(over scene end) LARABEE: 


Prestidigitation. Can 

you spell it?






215. (995+08) CHEST SHOT 

Welch. 

216. (997+00) CHEST SHOT 

Cross and assistant. 

217. (998+08) CHEST SHOT 

Georgia. 

218. (1000+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

219. (1004+01) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee waits. 

220. (1005+15) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah grabs a breath 

and STARTS to SPELL. 

CAMERA MOVES IN. 


P-R-E-S-T-I... 

221. (1011+00) CHEST SHOT 

Cross. CAMERA MOVES 

IN. 


...D-I-T... 

222. (1012+09) CHEST SHOT 

Welch. CAMERA MOVES 

IN. 


...I-T-A... 

223. (1014+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...T-I-O-N. 

224. (1016+02) CHEST SHOT 

Tough girls are 

STUNNED. 


P-R-E-S-T-I-D-I-T-I.. 

(over scene end) 

177. 1012.14 1016.01 3.03 


...T-A-T-I-O-N.






225. (1017+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...Prestidigitation. 

226. (1020+06) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


That's correct. 

227. (1022+05) CHEST SHOT 

Georgia cheers. 


Georgia applauds. 

228. (1025+04) CHEST SHOT 

Welch applauds. 

229. (1027+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

230. (1029+10) MCS 

Larabee. CAMERA MOVES 

IN. 


Ambidextrous. 

231. (1032+02) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. CAMERA MOVES 

IN. 


A-M-B-I... 

232. (1033+14) CS 

Akeelah's HAND TAPS. 


D-E-X... 

178. 1017.11 1019.15 2.04 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...Prestidigitation. 

179. *1020.06 1021.14 1.08 LARABEE:(TO AKEELAH) 



Ambidextrous. 

181. 1032.09 1037.00 4.07 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OUT LOUD) 

A-M-B-I-D-E-X-T-R-O-U-S






233. (1035+04) MCS 


IN. 


T-R-O-U-S. 

CAMERA FAST PANS R. 

(WHOOSH) 

234. (1037+10) MCS 

Larabee. 


"Pterodactyl." 

235. (1039+08) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. FAST PANS L. 

(WHOOSH) 

CAMERA MOVE IN. 


P-T-E-R-O-D-A-C-T-Y-L. 

FAST PAN 

(WHOOSH) 

236. (1044+00) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


"Pulchritude." 

237. (1047+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. FAST PAN 

(WHOOSH) 


P... 

238. (1050+14) CS HAND 

fingers move 

uncertainly. 


"Pterodactyl." 


P-T-E-R-O-D-A-C-T-Y-L. 


"Pulchritude." 


P...






239. (1052+12) HEAD SHOT 

Welch. 

240. (1055+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


P-U-L... 

241. (1057+13) CS HAND 

taps rhythm. 


C... 

242. (1060+01) HEAD SHOT 

Georgia is expectant. 

243. (1062+11) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


R-I-T-U-D-E. 

Pulchritude? 

244. (1075+12) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


That's incorrect. 

245. (1079+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

LARABEE:(OS)(CONT) 

It's from the Latin 

root "pulcher"... 

186. 1056.03 1059.02 2.15 


P-U-L-C... 


R-I-T-U-D-E. 

188. 1073.15 1075.07 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Pulchritude? 


That is incorrect. 

190. 1079.09 1082.12 3.03 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(OS)(CONT) 

It is from the 

Latin root "pulcher"... 

191. 1083.02 1087.15 4.13 


...and there is an "h" 

after the "c".






246. (1083+01) MCS Ms. 

Cross. 


...and there's an "h" 

after... 

247. (1086+03) MCS 

Larabee. 


...the "c". 

248. (1089+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks around 

the audience o/s R. 

249. (1092+07) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah at the head of 

the room. Larabee 

stands C. 

TOUGH GIRL#1:(OS) 

See, she ain't so 

smart! 

250. (1095+12) FULL SHOT 

The TOUGH GIRLS at the 

back to the gym. 

(GIRLS LAUGH) 

(CHILDREN LAUGH) 

251. (1097+14) HEAD SHOT 

Welch. 

(LAUGHTER) 

252. (1100+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah is crushed. 

(LAUGHTER) 

253. (1103+02) FULL SHOT 

Audience. WE SEE 

Akeelah RUN o/s R. 

192. 1092.15 1095.03 2.04 TOUGH GIRL#1:(OS) 

See, she ain't so 

smart!






254. (1105+09) HEAD SHOT 

Georgia watches her 

friend run. 

255. (1107+05) FULL SHOT 

Toughs at the back of 

the room CHORTLE. 

Akeelah runs o/s R. 

TOUGH GIRL#2:(OUT LOUD) 

See ya! 


Bye bye, queenie! 

256. INT. - STAIRWAY - DAY 


LOW ANGLE Akeelah RUNS 

down stairs to FG. WE 

SEE Welch at the TOP 

OF THE STAIRS. 


Akeelah! Wait! 

Welch joins her FG. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

Where are you going? 

You did... 

193. 1107.10 1109.02 1.08 


(THEN TOUGH #1) 

- See ya! 

- Good bye, queenie. 

194. 1111.07 1114.10 3.03 WELCH:(TO AKEELAH) 

Akeelah! Wait! 

195. 1115.05 1119.03 3.14 


Where are you going? 

You did great!




(INT. - STAIRWAY - CONT) 

257. (1117+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...great! 

Welch moves into shot 

for OTS. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

You were spelling 

words I don't know how 

to spell. 


Mister Welch, I... 

258. (1122+13) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee at the top of 

the stairs. 


...told you I did not 

want to do this. 

259. (1125+10) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 


They're laughing at 

me. 

260. (1127+12) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


They laugh because you 

intimidate... 

261. (1130+05) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 


...them. But if you'd 

stood ground. You 

might... 

196. 1119.10 1121.15 2.05 WELCH:(CONT) 

You were spelling words 

I don't know how to 

spell. 

197. 1122.05 1125.03 2.14 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO WELCH) 

Mister Welch, I told 

you I did not want to 

do this. 

198. 1125.12 1127.04 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

They are laughing at 

me. 

199. 1128.07 1131.10 3.03 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(TO AKEELAH) 

They laugh because you 

intimidate them. 

200. 1132.12 1135.05 2.09 


But if you had stood 

ground. You might have 

earned their respect.





262. (1134+01) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


...have earned their 

respect. 

263. (1135+12) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

LARABEE:(OS)(TO WELCH) 

Bob, the girl has 

potential, but... 

264. (1139+15) FULL SHOT 

LOW ANGLE Welch L., 

Akeelah R. FG. 

Larabee BG. at the 

head of the stairs. 


...she needs to be 

coached. 

Larabee moves o/s. 

265. (1146+08) MCS OTS 

Welch. 


Do you know who that 

was? 

266. (1149+05) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

That was Doctor Joshua 

Larabee. He used to 

chair the English 

department at UCLA. 

201. 1137.04 1142.07 5.03 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(OS)(TO WELCH) 

Bob, the girl has 

potential, but she has 

to be coached. 


Do you know who that 

was? 

203. 1150.03 1155.15 5.12 WELCH:(CONT) 

That was Doctor Joshua 

Larabee. He used to 

chair the English 

department at UCLA. 

(Chair: Chairman of a department.)





267. (1156+03) MCS OTS 

Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

He and I went to 

college together. But 

get this. When he was 

a kid... 

268. (1161+08) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...he went all the way 

to the national 

spelling bee. 

269. (1165+00) MCS OTS 

Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

And he thinks you have 

a chance... 

270. (1167+03) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...of going there 

yourself. 


I'm sorry. But I 

ain't doin' no more 

spelling bees. 

271. (1175+06) MCS OTS 

Welch. Akeelah FG. 

moves o/s R. 


Akeelah... 

204. 1156.13 1159.11 2.14 WELCH:(CONT) 

He and I went to 

college together. But 

get this... 

205. 1160.04 1164.06 4.02 


When he was a kid, he 

went all the way to the 

national spelling bee. 

206. 1165.08 1169.04 3.12 


And he thinks you have 

a chance of going there 

yourself. 


I'm sorry. But I ain't 

doing no more spelling 

bees. 

208. 1176.01 1177.09 1.08 

(over scene end) WELCH:(TO AKEELAH) 

Akeelah...





272. (1176+12) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah runs away to 

Door BG. 

273. (1178+08) MCS Welch 

looks o/s R. 

274. EXT. - NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY 

(1180+13) FULL SHOT WE 

SEE Georgia and 

Akeelah walking to FG. 

along a neighborhood 

sidewalk. 


Girl, you kicked some 

major booty on that 

stage today. 


But I couldn't spell 

"pulchritude." 


But you knocked all 

them other words right 

back at that dude. 


They were just trick 

words. Everybody 

knows "pterodactyl" 

starts with a "p." 


Girl, if I could spell 

like you. I know I 

could be a flight 

attendant. 

DEVON:(VO) 

Keelie, hey wake up. 


Girl, you kicked some 

major booty on that 

stage today. 

(Booty: Street slang meaning, "buttocks". 

derived from the more vulgar form, "ass".) 


But I couldn't spell 

"pulchritude." 


But you knocked all 

them other words right 

back at that dude. 

(Knocked: Returned/answered.) 

(Dude: Slang here indicating Larabee.) 


They were just trick 

words. Everybody knows 

"pterodactyl" starts 

with a "p." 


Girl, if I could spell 

like you. I know I 

could be a flight 

attendant. 

214. 1209.15 1212.07 2.08 DEVON:(VO) 

Keelie, hey wake up.




275. INT. -AKEELAH'S BEDROOM- DAY 


Akeelah asleep in bed. 

She opens her eyes. 

276. (1216+04) MCS Devon 

look INTO CAMERA to 

Akeelah o/s. 


Hey. 

277. (1219+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Dev, are you leavin'? 

278. (1222+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon. 


Yeah, I gotta get back 

to the base. Hey, 

your principal called 

mama. Said you did 

real good in the 

spelling... 

215. 1216.05 1218.02 1.13 DEVON:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hey. 

216. 1220.09 1222.01 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO DEVON) 

Dev, are you leaving? 


Yeah, I have to get 

back to the base. 

218. 1226.05 1230.05 4.00 


Hey, your principal 

called mama. Said you 

did real good in the 

spelling bee last week.





279. (1232+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...bee last week. 


I messed up a word. 


Yeah, well he says you 

got a lot of 'em 

right. He also said... 

280. (1239+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...you got an 

opportunity to go an 

even bigger contest... 

281. (1243+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...next week. 


I don't want to do it. 

282. (1247+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon. 


Why not? 


I messed up a word. 


Yeah, well he says you 

got a lot of them 

right. 

(Them: Words.) 

221. 1239.10 1244.05 4.11 


He also said you have 

an opportunity to go 

onto an even bigger 

contest next week. 


I don't want to do it. 


Why not?





283. (1248+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Everybody's gonna be 

lookin' at me. And 

there's gonna be tons 

of words I don't know. 

284. (1255+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon. 


So you're scared, huh? 

285. (1257+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

(DEVON CHUCKLES) 

DEVON:(CONT) 

Come on, how you think 

I felt the first time 

I had to jump out of 

an airplane? 

286. (1264+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

I mean, my whole body 

said, "Don't do it." 

But sometimes our 

brain gotta be smarter 

than... 


Everybody is going to 

be looking at me. And 

there is going to be 

tons of words I don't 

know. 

(Tons: Used here as "A large number".) 


So you are scared, huh? 

226. 1260.01 1263.07 3.06 DEVON:(CONT) 

Come on, how you think 

I felt the first time I 

had to jump out of an 

airplane? 

227. 1264.00 1267.03 3.03 DEVON:(CONT) 

I mean, my whole body 

said, "Don't do it." 

228. 1268.11 1272.10 3.15 


But sometimes our brain 

has to be smarter than 

your body.





287. (1271+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...your body. You 

know? 


But I don't like my 

school. Don't see why 

I gotta do anything 

for 'em. 

288. (1280+05) HEAD SHOT 

Devon. 


Then do it for dad. 

(MUSIC IN) 

289. (1286+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DEVON:(OS)(CONT) 

I mean, you know how 

he was about words. 

290. (1289+15) HEAD SHOT 

Devon. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

He'd love to see you 

do something like 

this. 

291. (1294+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


What'd mama say about 

it? 

292. (1297+14) HEAD SHOT 

Devon. 


Well, you know how 

mama is. She got a 

million things to 

worry about. 


But I don't like my 

school. Don't see why 

I have to do anything 

for them. 


Then do it for dad. 

231. 1287.00 1289.11 2.11 DEVON:(OS)(CONT) 

I mean, you know how he 

was about words. 

232. 1291.10 1294.03 2.09 DEVON:(CONT) 

He would love to see 

you do something like 

this. 


What did mama say about 

it? 


Well, you know how mama 

is. She has a million 

things to worry about.






293. (1303+05) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DEVON:(OS)(CONT) 

Tell you what. 

294. (1306+11) HEAD SHOT 

Devon. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

Just do this contest. 

And if you make it all 

the way to D.C. I 

will parachute down... 

295. (1315+02) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DEVON:(CONT) 

...to see you. Would 

you like that? 

Akeelah nods. 

296. (1319+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Devon BG. Akeelah 

FG. SITS UP and HUGS 

him. 

297. (1320+14) CHEST SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE Devon and 

Akeelah hug. 

298. (1324+13) MS 

Akeelah's hand on a 

computer mouse. 

(CLICK) 

235. 1304.04 1306.02 1.14 DEVON:(OS)(CONT) 

I'll tell you what. 

236. 1306.15 1312.04 5.05 DEVON:(CONT) 

Just do this contest. 

And if you make it all 

the way to D.C. 

237. 1313.02 1316.03 3.01 


I will parachute down 

to see you. Would you 

like that?






299. (1325+09) MS of the 

computer monitor. WE 

SEE Akeelah's 

REFLECTION R. The 

computer DISPLAYS a 

picture of the 

Spelling Bee winner 

she saw on ESPN. 

CAMERA FOCUS THRU to 

Akeelah. SHE LOOKS up 

o/s TOP. 


PICTURE OF HER FATHER. 

301. (1337+05) MS 

computer monitor with 

FOCUS on Akeelah. 

She looks back to the 

display and nods. 

CAMERA FOCUS THRU to 

the picture on the 

computer monitor. 

WELCH:(VO) 

That is a... 

302. INT. - WELCH'S OFFICE - DAY 

(1345+12) MS Welch 

STANDS, CAMERA 

FOLLOWS. He looks o/s 

L. to Akeelah. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...wonderful decision, 

Akeelah. 

CAMERA PULLS BACK. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

A wonderful... 

238. 1344.07 1350.03 5.12 

(over scene end) WELCH:(VO) 

That is a wonderful 

decision, Akeelah.





303. (1349+02) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...decision. 


You think maybe the 

school could buy me a 

new outfit? You know, 

for the district bee? 

304. (1358+08) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Welch. 


Ahh... I don't know 

maybe. Umm... if you 

make it to the State 

Regional. Maybe 

something could be 

arranged. 

305. (1368+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


But you're gonna have 

to finish in the top 

ten at the district 

level... 

306. (1373+13) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...first. 

Welch moves R. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

And Akeelah, you're... 


You think maybe the 

school could buy me a 

new outfit? 

240. 1355.03 1357.15 2.12 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

You know, for the 

district bee? 


I don't know, maybe. 

242. 1363.10 1368.03 4.09 WELCH:(CONT) 

If you make it to the 

State Regional. Maybe 

something could be 

arranged. 

243. 1369.07 1374.10 5.03 


But you are going o 

have to finish in the 

top ten at the district 

level first. 

244. 1375.05 1380.02 4.13 


And Akeelah, you are 

going to be going up 

against kids from Santa 

Monica...





307. (1376+07) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...gonna be going up 

against kids from 

Santa... 

308. (1379+03) WAIST SHOT 

Welch moves L. with a 

VIDEO TAPE in his 


WELCH:(CONT) 

...Monica, Woodland 

Hills, Beverly Hills, 

309. (1383+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Some of these kids 

have been doing this 

for years. 

310. (1386+07) MCS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

And never even made it 

to D.C. 

311. (1388+10) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Well, maybe I should 

just give up now. 

312. (1391+14) MCS Welch. 


No, no, no. No, I... 

I'm just saying you 

need to train hard. 

With Doctor Larabee. 

245. 1381.00 1382.11 1.11 


...Woodland Hills, 

Beverly Hills. 

246. 1384.00 1388.01 4.01 


Some of these kids 

have been doing this 

for years. And have 

never made it to D.C. 

247. *1388.10 1391.04 2.10 


Well, maybe I should 

just give up now. 


No, I... I'm just 

saying you need to 

train hard. 

249. 1399.03 1400.11 1.08 WELCH:(CONT) 

With Doctor Larabee.





313. (1401+08) MCS 

Akeelah. 


What? 



I don't need any help 

form him. I can do 

this on my own. 

314. (1407+02) MCS Welch. 


Akeelah, the best 

spellers in the world 

have coaches. 

315. (1411+05) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I finally got him to 

consider taking some 

time during his... 

316. (1415+14) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...sabbatical to work 

with you. Please just 

talk... 

317. (1419+09) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...with him. Here... 


What? 

251. 1403.15 1406.07 2.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I don't need any help 

form him. I can do 

this on my own. 


Akeelah, the best 

spellers in the world 

have coaches. 

253. 1411.10 1417.12 6.02 


I finally got him to 

consider taking some 

time during his 

sabbatical to work with 

you. 

254. 1418.02 1420.15 2.13 


Please just talk with 

him. 

255. 1421.12 1425.05 3.09 


Here, he doesn't live 

far from here.





318. (1421+11) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Welch offers a 

card to Akeelah FG. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...he doesn't... 

319. (1423+12) MCS 

Akeelah looks o/s 

BOTTOM to the card in 



...live far from here. 


He lives in this 

neighborhood? I 

thought you said he 

was important. 

320. (1432+04) MCS Welch 

hands the Video Tape 

in his hand to Akeelah 

L. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

And take this. It's a 

copy of last year's 

spelling bee. 

321. INT. - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 


CAMERA TRACKS L. to 

reveal Akeelah sitting 

BG. watching a 

television FG. 

JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

"Sacciform." 

BOY:(FROM TV) 

May I have the 

definition, please? 


Resembling... 


He lives in this 

neighborhood? I 

thought you said he was 

important. 

257. 1432.10 1435.15 3.05 WELCH:(CONT) 

And take this. It is a 

copy of last year's 

spelling bee. 

258. 1437.00 1438.15 1.15 JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

"Sacciform." 

259. 1439.05 1441.02 1.13 BOY:(FROM TV) 



260. 1441.08 1443.15 2.07 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

Resembling a pouch.




(INT. - LIVING ROOM - CONT) 

322. (1442+00) MS 

Television. WE SEE the 

BOY on the screen. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...a pouch. 

BOY:(FROM TV) 


language of origin, 

please? 

323. (1446+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Latin. 


Latin? I thought this 

was supposed to be 

English. 

(MUSIC IN) 

Akeelah FAST FORWARDS 

the TAPE. 

324. (1457+00) MS WE SEE 

the boy WALK from the 

stage IN FAST FORWARD. 

325. (1458+10) CS Remote 

in Akeelah's hand. 

(CLICK) 

326. (1459+13) MS 

Television. 

RED HAIR:(FROM TV) 

Stellite. 

261. 1444.05 1445.13 1.08 BOY:(FROM TV) 

May I have the language 

of origin, please? 

262. 1446.10 1448.02 1.08 JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

Latin. 


Latin? I thought this 

was supposed to be 

English. 

264. 1460.01 1461.09 1.08 RED HAIR:(FROM TV) 

Stellite.






327. (1461+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

RED HAIR:(CONT) 

Can I have a 

definition? 

Akeelah rolls the 

video forward. 

328. (1465+08) MS 

Television. 

BOY:(FROM TV) 

Longicollis. 

329. (1468+14) MCS 


to the TV. 

330. (1470+03) MS 

Television. 

GIRL:[FROM TV] 

Ginglymus. 

331. (1471+15) MS 

Television. 

BOY:(FROM TV) 

Empennage. 

332. (1473+10) MS TV 

Another boy. 

BOY:(FROM TV) 

Souchong. 

265. 1462.04 1464.05 2.01 RED HAIR:(CONT) 

Can I have a 

definition? 

266. 1466.11 1468.03 1.08 BOY:(FROM TV) 

Longicollis. 

267. *1470.03 1471.11 1.08 GIRL:[FROM TV] 

Ginglymus. 

268. 1472.01 1473.09* 1.08 BOY:(FROM TV) 

Empennage. 

269. 1473.15 1475.07 1.08 

(over scene end) BOY:(FROM TV) 

Souchong.






333. (1475+03) MS TV FACE 

SHOT OF Girl. 

GIRL:(FROM TV) 

Intussusception. 

TERRENCE: 

(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Hey... 

334. (1477+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Terrence BG. 

Akeelah FG. HEAD SHOT. 

TERRENCE:(CONT) 

...what's that? 

335. (1480+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO TERRENCE) 

Where you been? 

336. (1481+14) CHEST SHOT 

Terrence. 


Mama's worried. 

TERRENCE:(TO AKEELAH) 

Mama should just 

chill. All right? 

What you looking at? 

337. (1490+00) HEAD SHOT 


to Terrence. 


Spelling bee. 

270. 1475.13 1477.05 1.08 GIRL:(FROM TV) 

Intussusception. 

271. 1477.11 1479.03 1.08 

(over scene end) TERRENCE: 


Hey what is that? 

272. 1480.01 1484.15 4.14 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO TERRENCE) 

Where you been? Mom was 

worried. 

273. 1485.07 1489.15 4.08 TERRENCE:(TO AKEELAH) 

Mama should just chill. 

All right? What you 

looking at? 

(Chill: Slang, in this case; "be less 

worried.") 

274. 1490.15 1492.07 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO TERRENCE) 

Spelling bee.






338. (1492+13) CHEST SHOT 

Terrence. 


Yeah, I heard... 

339. (1495+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

TERRENCE:(OS)(CONT) 

...about that. You 

going up against a... 

340. (1497+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Terrence. 


...bunch of rich, 

white kids. 

341. (1500+09) CHEST SHOT 

Terrence. 


They gonna tear your 

black ass up. 

Terrence turns and 

EXITS BG. 

342. (1507+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Intussusception is, 

"I-N-T-U-S-S-U-S.. 

275. 1494.11 1496.14 2.03 

(over scene end) TERRENCE:(TO AKEELAH) 

Yeah, I heard about 

that. 

276. 1497.04 1500.04 3.00 

(over scene end) TERRENCE:(OS)(CONT) 

You are going up 

against a bunch of rich 

white kids. 

277. 1501.15 1505.06 3.07 TERRENCE:(CONT) 

They are going to tear 

your black ass up. 

(Black Ass: Semi vulgar, "Akeelah") 

(Tear/up: Defeat.) 

278. 1507.15 1510.15 3.00 JUDGE:(FROM TV) 

Intussusception is... 

279. 1511.05 1518.05 7.00 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(CONT) 

"I-N-T-U-S-S-U-S-C-E-P 

-T-I-O-N"






343. (1515+08) FACE SHOT 


to the TV. 

JUDGE:(FROM TV)(CONT) 

C-E-P-T-I-O-N. 

(APPLAUSE) 

(MUSIC OUT) 

END OF REEL #1 

LAST FRAME OF REEL 1522 FEET 11 FRAMES





344. EXT. -LARABEE'S HOUSE- DAY 


ESTABLISHING SHOT of 

the front of Dr. 

Larabee's house. WE 

SEE Akeelah standing 

at the front gate. 

345. (15+12) CHEST SHOT 


paper Mr. Welch gave 

her and then o/s L. to 

the house. She walks 

o/s L. FG. 

346. (20+05) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah rings the door 

bell to Larabee's 

home. 

(DING-DONG) 

No answer. 

(TAP-TAP) 


to the sound from 

Larabee's back yard. 

347. (32+15) MS Akeelah 

looks PAST THE EDGE of 

the house into the 

back yard o/s L. 

(TAP/TAP) 

348. (36+09) FULL SHOT 

Larabee in the back 

yard working with a 

potted plant. 

349. (39+05) MCS 


She is anxious.




(EXT. -LARABEE'S HOUSE - CONT) 

350. (42+13) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah JUMPS down 

from the front porch 

and walks to FG. along 

a driveway. CAMERA 

PRECEDES, PANS R. and 

FOLLOWS as Akeelah 

moves to the gate of 

the rear yard. WE SEE 

Larabee look to 

Akeelah FG. 


You're late. 

351. (61+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks through 

the bars of the gate. 

AKEELAH:(TO LARABEE) 

You didn't answer the 

door. 


That's because... 

352. (64+04) FULL SHOT 

OTS Larabee BG. 


...you're late. Come 

in. 

353. (66+14) HEAD SHOT 


gate. 

354. (68+12) FULL SHOT 

OTS Larabee motions. 


Come. Come. Come. 

355. (70+04) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah enters the 

gate. Walks to FG. 


You are late. 

281. 61.07 63.10 2.03 AKEELAH:(TO LARABEE) 

You didn't answer the 

door. 

282. * 61.00 66.13 5.13 


That is because you are 

late. Come in. 

283. 69.03 70.15 1.12 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Come.





356. (72+01) FULL SHOT 

Larabee FG. carries 

plants, Akeelah 

follows. He kneels 

FG. with potted 

plants. 


So... 

357. (81+00) FULL SHOT 

OTS Larabee L., looks 

to Akeelah R. 


...you want to learn 

how to spell. 

358. (83+13) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I know how to spell. 

359. (86+04) MCS 

Larabee. 


Spell, 

"Staphylococci." 

360. (88+10) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah R., 

Larabee L. 


Ahh... S-T-A-F. 


There is no "F". 

361. (96+05) FULL SHOT 

OTS Larabee STANDS. 


It's derived from the 

Greek. So there can't 

be an "F". 

284. 78.08 83.03 4.11 


So you want to learn 

how to spell. 


I know how to spell. 


Spell, "Staphylococci." 


Ahh... S-T-A-F. 

288. 95.09 97.05 1.12 


There is no "F". 


It is derived from the 

Greek. So there can't 

be an "F".





362. (101+04) MCS 


PASSES and moves to 

BG. 


Staphylococci... 

363. (103+10) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee WALKS FG. 

Akeelah BG. 


S-T-A-P-H-Y-L-O-C-O 

-C-C-I. 

364. (115+11) MCS 


to Larabee. 


Winning word, National 

Spelling Bee, 1987. 

365. (121+02) FULL SHOT 

Larabee walks to FG 

with more plants, 

Akeelah follows. 


The first thing most 

serious spellers do is 

learn all of the 

winning words... 

366. (127+09) FULL SHOT 

OTS Larabee BG. with 

plants, Akeelah FG. 

BACK TO CAMERA. 


...and their origins. 

290. 101.07 103.05 1.14 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Staphylococci... 

291. 104.04 109.04 5.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

S-T-A-P-H-Y... 

292. 109.15 114.15 5.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

L-O-C-O-C-C-I. 

293. 115.13 120.15 5.02 LARABEE:(OS)(CONT) 

Winning word, National 

Spelling Bee, 1987. 

294. 121.13 124.06 2.09 LARABEE:(CONT) 

The first thing most 

serious spellers do... 

295. 124.12 129.11 4.15 


...is learn all of the 

winning words and their 

origins.





367. (130+01) MCS 


to Larabee. 


Well, maybe I ain't 

that serious. 

368. (133+05) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee looks o/s R. 

to Akeelah with some 

disdain, then back to 

his plants. 


Well, maybe neither am 

I. 

369. (136+14) MCS 


to Larabee. 


So, why are you home 

during the day? Ain't 

you got a job? 

LARABEE:(OS) 

(TO AKEELAH) 

Do me a favor... 

370. (145+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee FG. 

Akeelah BG. 


...leave the Ghetto 

talk outside. All 

right? 


Ghetto talk? I don't 

talk Ghetto. 

371. (151+02) MCS 

Larabee head bobs. 


Ain't you got no job? 


Well, maybe I ain't 

that serious. 


Well, maybe neither am 

I. 


So, why are you home 

during the day? Ain't 

you got a job? 

299. 144.07 148.02 3.11 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(OS) 

(TO AKEELAH) 

Do me a favor leave all 

the Ghetto talk 

outside. All right? 


Ghetto talk? I don't 

talk Ghetto. 


Ain't you got no job?





372. (153+14) MCS 

Akeelah. 


You use that language 

to fit in with your 

friends. 

373. (158+06) MCS 

Larabee. 


Here, you will speak 

properly or you won't 

speak at all. 

374. (162+10) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Understood? 


Yeah. Whateva'. 

375. (169+00) M FULL 

SHOT Larabee STANDS. 


You can leave now. 

376. (171+14) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Excuse me? 


I said... 


You use that language 

to fit in with your 

friends. 

303. 159.02 163.14 4.12 


Here, you will speak 

properly or you won't 

speak at all. 

Understood? 


Yeah. Whatever. 


You can leave now. 

306. 172.04 174.01* 1.13 AKEELAH:(TO LARABEE) 

Excuse me?





377. (174+02) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee moves to FG. 

Akeelah follows. 


...you can leave. 


How come? 


Because... 

378. (178+06) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee FG. Akeelah 

BG. 


...I don't have time 

to waste on... 

379. (181+12) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee BG. looks 

to Akeelah FG. 


...insolent little 

girls. 

380. (183+10) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Insolent? 

381. (185+04) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee continues 

with his work. 


I ain't ins... 

Larabee STOPS and 

LOOKS DIRECTLY at 

Akeelah. She considers 

her words. 


I said you can leave. 


How come? 

309. 178.07 183.07 5.00 


Because, I don't have 

time to waste on 

insolent little girls. 

310. *183.10 185.02 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO LARABEE) 

Insolent? 


I ain't ins...





382. (188+07) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I mean, I'm not 

insolent. 

383. (191+01) MCS 

Larabee. 


Is that the first... 

384. (193+00) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...thing you do, is 

start dogging on... 

385. (184+07) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee LOOKS. 

Akeelah STOPS. 

386. (196+13) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Criticizing... 

387. (198+08) MCS 

Larabee. 


...the way I speak? 

388. (200+08) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee R. Akeelah 

L. He ignores her. 

389. (202+05) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I thought this was 

just about spelling 

words. 

312. 188.14 190.11 1.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I mean, I'm not 

insolent. 

313. 191.15 195.08 3.09 


Is that the first thing 

you do? Start dogging 

on... 

314. 197.06 200.07 3.01 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Criticizing the way I 

speak? 


I thought this was just 

about spelling words.





390. (207+05) MCS 

Larabee does not 

respond. 

391. (209+09) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Well, then fine. 

She turns, walks to 

BG. then STOPS. 

392. (221+11) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah L,. FG. 

TURNS to face Larabee 

BG. 

393. (224+15) CHEST SHOT 


to Larabee. 


You know what? When I 

put my mind to it. I 

can memorize... 

394. (232+13) MCS 

Larabee continues with 

his work. 


...anything. And I 

don't need help from 

a... 


Well, then fine. 


You know what? 

318. 227.13 234.04 6.07 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

When I put my mind to 

it. I can memorize 

anything. 

319. 235.03 236.11 1.08 AKEELAH:(OS)(CONT) 

And I don't need 

help...






395. (237+01) CHEST SHOT 


IN. 

(MUSIC IN) 


...dictatorial, 

truculent, 

supercilious gardener. 

I'm sorry to be so 

insolent. 

Akeelah turns. 

396. (252+12) MCS 

Larabee. 

397. (255+06) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah CLOSES 

the gate behind her 

AND WALKS AWAY to BG. 

(GATE RATTLES) 

398. (256+13) MCS 

Larabee, looks o/s L. 

to Akeelah as she 

walks o/s. 

399. MONTAGE 

(264+10) CS Dictionary 

- PAGES TURN. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

400. MONTAGE 

(265+15) CHEST SHOT 

SEQUENCE of Akeelah AS 

SHE STUDIES. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

320. *237.01 243.14 6.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...from a dictatorial, 

truculent, supercilious 

gardener. 

321. 246.09 249.03 2.10 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I'm sorry to be so 

insolent.







Akeelah sits with a 

dictionary WITH MANY 

TAB MARKS. 


Hey... 

402. (282+14) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Wanda BG. at 

Akeelah's door. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...baby, what are you 

still doing up? 

403. (285+02) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah at her desk. 

(MUSIC OUT) 


Gotta learn more 

words. 

404. (288+08) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Wanda. 


You gonna come see... 

405. (290+11) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...me in the district 

bee this Saturday? 

406. (293+09) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Wanda. 


What, is that at your 

school? 

322. 281.14 285.00 3.02 


Hey baby, what are you 

still doing up? 

323. 286.03 288.07 2.04 AKEELAH:(TO WANDA) 

I have to learn more 

words. 

324. 289.09 293.03 3.10 


Are you going to come 

see me in the district 

bee this Saturday? 


What, is that at your 

school?





407. (296+05) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Naw, Beverly Hills. 



Akeelah. 


Beverly Hills? Look, 

you got other 

homework. You need to 

focus on that. I 

don't want you 

spending all... 

409. (311+02) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...your time on this 

game. 


It ain't a game. 


AKEELAH:(OS)(CONT) Are 

you gonna come see me 

in it? 


You know I work at the 

hospital on... 


No, Beverly Hills. 


Beverly Hills? 

328. 304.04 310.05 6.01 WANDA:(CONT) 

Look, you got other 

homework. You need to 

focus on that. 

329. 310.11 313.06 2.11 


I don't want you 

spending all your time 

on this game. 

330. 313.12 317.03 3.07 


It ain't a game. Are 

you going to come see 

me in it? 

331. 319.08 323.07 3.15 


You know I work at the 

hospital on Saturday.





411. (321+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...Saturday. Maybe 

Kiana... 


WANDA:(CONT) 

...can go with you. 

413. (326+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


As long as she don't 

bring that whiny baby. 

414. EXT. -ANDERSON HOME- DAY 


Kiana WITH HER BABY 

walks out of the 

family house. CAMERA 

PANS R. to follow. 

(BABY CRIES) 

CAMERA STOPS on 

Akeelah as she rolls 

her head in 

exasperation. 

WELCH:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Come on girls. Let's 

go. We're gonna be 

late. 

Akeelah walks R. 

CAMERA PANS R, and 

FOLLOWS as they walk 

to MR. WELCH'S Van BG. 

415. INT. - AUDITORIUM - DAY 


Boys in audience look 

to word list. 

416. (345+02) CHEST SHOT 

Girls look to word 

list. 

332. 323.13 325.10 1.13 

(over scene end) WANDA:(OS)(CONT) 

Maybe Kiana can go with 

you. 


As long as she don't 

bring that whiny baby. 

334. 334.11 339.04 4.09 WELCH:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Come on girls. Let us 

go. We are going to be 

be late.




(INT. - AUDITORIUM - CONT) 

417. (347+07) CHEST SHOT 

a father and daughter 

look to a word list. 

418. (349+06) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah, Welch and 

Kiana with her baby 

ENTER the auditorium. 


(MUSIC IN) 

All three looks o/s 

with astonishment. 

AKEELAH:(TO OTHERS) 

Dang. 

419. (357+14) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah and Welch FG. 

BACKS TO CAMERA. WE 

SEE a FULL AUDITORIUM 

BG. 


I hope they ain't all 

here to spell. 

CAMERA MOVES PAST. 

420. (362+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah L., Welch C., 

Kiana and baby R. 


Okay, go get your 

number. We'll be 

sitting back here. 


Good luck Keelie. 


CAMERA PULLS BACK, 

Welch and Kiana move 

R. into the auditorium 

seating. 

335. 355.15 357.09 1.10 AKEELAH:(TO OTHERS) 

Dang. 

336. 358.11 361.08 2.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I hope they ain't all 

here to spell. 


Okay, go get your 

number. We will be 

sitting back here. 


Good luck Keelie.






(374+10) TITLE 

FADES IN 

LOS ANGELES SCHOOL 

DISTRICT SPELLING BEE 

TITLE FADES OUT 

Akeelah makes her way 

to the head of the 

auditorium. She 

surveys the activity 

as do we. Akeelah 

puts on her glasses as 

she walks. 

421. (397+09) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah FG. looks 

to the REGISTRATION 

TABLE BG. She moves to 

a VOLUNTEER at the 

table. 

VOLUNTEER:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hi. Name? 

422. (401+03) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO VOLUNTEER) 

Akeelah Anderson. 

WE SEE another student 

R. JAVIER MENDEZ looks 

L. to Akeelah as she 

registers. 

(MUSIC OUT) 


Oh... 

MT#3 ( 374.10) ( 384.10) : 

LOS ANGELES SCHOOL DISTRICT SPELLING BEE 

339. 398.09 401.02 2.09 VOLUNTEER:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hi. Name? 

340. 402.00 404.02 2.02 AKEELAH:(TO VOLUNTEER) 

Akeelah Anderson.





423. (405+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Volunteer looks to 

her papers. 


Right here at the top. 

I think you're the 

first speller we've 

ever had... 

424. (412+01) MCS 

Akeelah. 

VOLUNTEER:(OS)(CONT) 

...from Crenshaw 

Middle School. 

425. (414+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS The Volunteer 

hands a number placard 

to Akeelah FG. 

AKEELAH:(TO VOLUNTEER) 

Umm... 

426. (416+15) MCS 

Akeelah. 


How many kids are in 

this thing? 

427. (419+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Volunteer. 


One hundred and thirty 

nine. 

428. (422+14) MCS 


volunteer. 

VOLUNTEER:(OUT LOUD) 

Next. 

341. *405.00 407.05 2.05 VOLUNTEER:(TO AKEELAH) 

Right here at the top. 

342. 409.04 414.04 5.00 

(over scene end) VOLUNTEER:(CONT) 

I think you are the 

first speller we have 

ever had from Crenshaw 

Middle School. 

343. 417.02 419.09 2.07 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

How many kids are in 

this thing? 

344. 420.01 422.04 2.03 VOLUNTEER:(TO AKEELAH) 

One hundred and thirty 

nine. 

345. 423.10 425.02 1.08 VOLUNTEER:(OUT LOUD) 

Next.





429. (425+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah L., 

Volunteer FG. Javier 

R. Akeelah walks L., 

trying to pin on her 

placard. Javier 

watches her go. 

430. (429+01) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. with her 

placard. Javier moves 

to FG., and joins her 

L. 

JAVIER:(TO AKEELAH) 

Need some help? 

431. (436+01) MCS OTS 

Javier. 


Don't worry... 

432. (437+09) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...I won't impale you. 

Javier moves to pin 

Akeelah's placard. 

433. (440+05) MCS OTS 

Javier. 


This your first time? 

434. (442+04) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO JAVIER) 

Yeah. You? 

346. 434.00 435.13 1.13 JAVIER:(TO AKEELAH) 

Need some help? 

347. 436.05 439.11 3.06 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(TO AKEELAH) 

Don't worry I won't 

impale you. 


This your first time? 

349. 442.07 445.02 2.11 AKEELAH:(TO JAVIER) 

Yeah. You?





435. (445+12) MCS OTS 

Javier. 


Second year. I made 

it to... 

436. (448+05) CS Javier 

hands as he pins the 

placard. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...nationals last 

year. 

437. (450+01) MCS OTS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Finished thirteenth. 

Lucky thirteen. 

438. (455+02) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 


You went all the way 

to D.C.? 


Three of us made it 

from... 

439. (459+10) MCS OTS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...my school in 

Woodland Hills. 

Javier looks o/s L. 


See that... 

350. 446.07 449.15 3.08 


Second year. I made it 

to the nationals last 

year. 

351. 450.08 454.15 4.07 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Finished thirteenth. 

Lucky thirteen. 


You went all the way to 

D.C.? 

353. 459.08 461.14 2.06 


Three of us made it 

from my school in 


354. 463.13 465.05 1.08 


See that kid right 

there?





440. (464+09) MCS OTS 

Akeelah looks to where 

Javier is pointing. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...kid right there? 

441. (465+14) CHEST SHOT 

WE SEE an Asian 

family. The Chiu 

family, MOTHER, DYLAN, 

AND MR. CHIU. 

JAVIER:(OS)(CONT) 

That's Dylan Chiu. 

He's come... 

442. (470+02) MCS OTS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...in second place in 

the nationals for two 

years in a row. 

443. (474+03) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

This is his last year, 

and everybody thinks 

he's gonna win. 

444. (477+08) CHEST SHOT 

the Chiu family. 

Dylan STANDS. 


Frankly, I'd like to 

shove him off... 

355. 466.07 469.08 3.01 JAVIER:(OS)(CONT) 

That is Dylan Chiu. 

356. 469.14 473.11 3.13 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(CONT) 

He has come in second 

place in the nationals 

for two years in a row. 

357. 474.12 477.02 2.06 JAVIER:(CONT) 

This is his last year, 

and everybody thinks he 

is going to win. 

358. 479.06 482.15 3.09 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(OS)(CONT) 

Frankly, I would like 

to shove him off a 

steep precipice.





445. (481+08) MCS OTS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...steep precipice. 

446. (483+06) MCS OTS 

Javier FG. turns to 

look to Akeelah. 

447. (485+13) CHEST SHOT 

Javier L., Akeelah R. 


Hey, my name's Javier. 


I'm Akeelah. 


Hope you make the top 

ten. 

448. (491+06) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO JAVIER) I 

hope I'm not the first 

one out. 

JUDGE:(FROM P.A.) 

Will all the spellers 

take their positions 

on the stage... 

359. *485.13 487.09 1.12 JAVIER:(TO AKEELAH) 

Hey, my name is Javier. 


I'm Akeelah. 

361. 491.01 494.02 3.01 


(THEN AKEELAH) 

- Hope you make the top 

ten. 

- I hope I'm not the 

first one out. 

362. 494.08 498.10 4.02 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(FROM P.A.) 

Will all the spellers 

take their positions on 

the stage, please?





449. (497+09) MCS OTS 

Javier looks to 

Akeelah. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...please? 


Now remember... 

450. (499+10) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...if you don't know 

how to spell a word. 

Spell it the way... 

451. (501+15) MCS OTS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...it sounds. Kids 

mess up all the time. 

When they think 

they're being thrown 

curve balls... 

363. 499.02 503.03 4.01 


Now remember, if you 

don't know how to spell 

a word. Spell it the 

way it sounds. 

364. 503.11 509.07 5.12 


Kids mess up all the 

time. When they think 

they are being thrown 

curve balls and they 

are not. 

(Mess up: Make a mistake.) 

(Curve balls: Here meaning, "trick words".)





452. (508+09) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...and they're not. 

Good luck. 


Good luck to you too. 


Thank you. 

Javier moves o/s L. 

453. (513+03) MS of 

Akeelah's placard. 


HEAD SHOT of Akeelah. 

She is waiting in line 

on stage for her turn 

in the spelling 

contest. CAMERA PULLS 

BACK to reveal Javier 

then a GIRL in 

PIGTAILS. She is 

spelling her contest 

word. 

PIGTAILS:(CONT) 

E-M-B-R-I-C-A 

454. (531+15) CHEST SHOT 

ESTABLISHING. Judges 

at their table. 

PIGTAILS:(OS)(CONT) 

...T-I 



- Good luck. 

- Good luck to you too. 

366. 513.11 520.01 6.06 PIGTAILS:(CONT) 

E-M-B... 

367. 520.12 525.03 4.07 PIGTAILS:(CONT) 

...R-I... 

368. 527.07 529.10 2.03 PIGTAILS:(CONT) 

...C-A... 

369. 532.04 536.01 3.13 

(over scene end) PIGTAILS:(OS)(CONT) 

...T-I-O-N.





455. (534+08) MCS 

Pigtail FG. Javier and 

Akeelah BG. 

PIGTAILS:(CONT) 

...O-N, embrocation. 

456. (539+10) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. DISTRICT 

PRONOUNCER L., 

DISTRICT JUDGE R. The 

Judge RINGS A BELL. 

(DING) 

(AUDIENCE RESPONDS) 

457. (541+11) MCS 

Pigtail looks o/s L. 

to the audience with 

some defeat. 

458. (543+13) LS HIGH 

ANGLE of the DISTRICT 

AUDITORIUM. AUDIENCE 

IS FULL. 

(APPLAUSE) 

WE SEE Pigtails walk 

o/s BG. 

459. (547+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks o/s to 

the audience. 

(APPLAUSE) 

460. (550+12) CHEST SHOT 

Javier steps to the 

microphone. He looks 

o/s L. to the 

pronouncer. 

461. (553+10) CHEST SHOT 

Pronouncer L. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO JAVIER) 

"Rhesus." 

370. 536.07 538.08 2.01 PIGTAILS:(CONT) 

...embrocation. 

371. *553.11 555.03* 1.08 PRONOUNCER:(TO JAVIER) 

"Rhesus."





462. (555+04) CHEST SHOT 

Javier at the 

microphone FG. 

Audience BG. 

JAVIER:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

Recess? 

463. (558+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


May I have a 


464. (561+00) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 


A brownish-yellow 

monkey... 

465. (564+10) CHEST SHOT 

Javier. 

PRONOUNCER:(CONT) 

...of India. 


Ah... "Rhesus". 

R-H... 

466. (571+00) CHEST SHOT 

The Mendez FAMILY. 


...E-S-U-S... 

467. (573+12) HEAD SHOT 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

..."Rhesus". 

372. 555.15 557.15 2.00 JAVIER:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

Recess? 

373. 558.09 560.15 2.06 JAVIER:(OS)(CONT) 

May I have a 


374. 561.13 566.03 4.06 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(TO JAVIER) 

A brownish-yellow 

monkey of India. 


Ah... "Rhesus". 

376. 570.03 575.05 5.02 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(SPELLS) 

R-H-E-S-U-S, "Rhesus."





468. (575+09) CHEST SHOT 

JUDGES. District 

Judge leans to his 

microphone. 

JUDGE:(TO JAVIER)(OS) 


469. (578+15) CHEST SHOT 

Javier smiles. 

(APPLAUSE) 

470. (580+07) CHEST SHOT 

Mendez family claps. 

(APPLAUSE) 

471. (582+04) CHEST SHOT 

Javier looks to the 

audience. He APES like 

a monkey. 

(AUDIENCE RESPONDS) 

472. (585+03) FULL SHOT 

Audience FG. Stage BG. 

Javier moves R. along 

the stage. 

(APPLAUSE) 

473. (588+09) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah PAUSES on 

stage. 

474. (592+08) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah's POV of the 

audience. 

475. (595+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah is frozen in 

place. 

476. (599+13) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 

JUDGE:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Number fifty four? 

377. 577.00 578.08 1.08 JUDGE:(TO JAVIER)(OS) 


378. 599.15 601.07 1.08 JUDGE:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Number fifty four?





477. (601+15) HEAD SHOT 


to the Judge. She 

looks back to the 

audience and slowly 

moves to the 

microphone. 

478. (609+00) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah's POV of the 

audience. MICROPHONE 

FG. LOOMS 

479. (612+06) CHEST SHOT 


to the microphone. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO 

AKEELAH) 

"Eminent." 

480. (620+02) HEAD SHOT 

FACES IN THE CROWD. 

481. (621+10) HEAD SHOT 

A girl's FACE IN THE 

CROWD. 

482. (623+02) HEAD SHOT 

A woman IN THE CROWD. 

483. (624+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

JUDGE:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Did you hear the word? 

AKEELAH:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

I'm not sure if your 

saying, "imminent" or 

"eminent." 

484. (635+10) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 


Would you like a 

definition? 

379. 616.05 617.15 1.10 PRONOUNCER:(TO AKEELAH) 

"Eminent." 

380. 625.03 626.14 1.11 JUDGE:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Did you hear the word? 

381. 628.03 635.03 7.00 AKEELAH:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

I'm not sure if your 

saying, "imminent" or 

"eminent." 


Would you like a 

definition?





485. (638+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


That'd bee cool. 

(AUDIENCE CHUCKLES) 

486. (642+07) FULL SHOT 

Audience chuckles. 

487. (643+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO AKEELAH) 

"Eminent... 

488. (647+05) MS 

Akeelah's HANDS. her 

fingers work 

nervously. 


...Rising above... 

489. (649+11) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah listens. 

PRONOUNCER:(OS)(CONT) 

...other things or 

places. 

490. (652+08) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. Pronouncer 

L., reads. 


High; lofty... 

491. (655+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah FG. 

Audience BG. 


...Eminent. 

Akeelah nods. 


That would be 

cool. 

384. 645.11 652.07 6.12 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(TO AKEELAH) 

"Eminent" Rising above 

other things or places. 

385. 652.15 655.07 2.08 PRONOUNCER:(CONT) 

High; lofty... 

386. 656.03 657.11 1.08 PRONOUNCER:(OS)(CONT) 

...Eminent.





492. (659+07) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


E-M-I... 

493. (663+12) MS 

Akeelah's HAND TAPS 

TIME. 


...N-E-N... 

494. (666+00) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah at the 

microphone. 


...-T. 

495. (667+14) HEAD SHOT 


to the judges table. 


"Eminent?" 

496. (670+13) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 



497. (673+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah is relieved. 

498. (674+04) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah walks R. along 


(APPLAUSE) 

499. (675+15) FULL SHOT 

Mr. Welch and Kiana in 

the audience. They 

applaud. 

387. 660.15 667.03 6.04 


E-M-I-N-E-N-T. 

388. 668.13 670.07 1.10 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

"Eminent?" 


That is correct.






500. (678+07) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah sits R. next 

to Javier L. Javier 

offers a FIST for 

CELEBRATION of her 

success. She BUMPS 

his FIST with HER OWN. 

(MUSIC IN) 

CAMERA CRANES UP. 

JUDGE:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 


LAP DISSOLVE; 

501. (691+05) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Dylan Chiu STEP 

to the microphone BACK 

TO CAMERA, audience 

BG. 

502. (697+15) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu family. Mr. Chiu 

R. sits sternly 

attentive. 

503. (700+03) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan looks o/s R. to 

the Pronouncer. 

504. (702+00) CHEST SHOT 

Pronouncer L. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO DYLAN) 

Hypertrophic. 

505. (703+13) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

DYLAN:(OUT LOUD) 

H-Y-P-E-R... 

506. (707+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DYLAN:(OS)(CONT) 

...T-R-O-P-H-I-C... 

390. 690.01 691.15 1.14 JUDGE:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 


391. 702.01 703.09 1.08 PRONOUNCER:(TO DYLAN) 

Hypertrophic. 

392. 705.04 709.02 3.14 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(OUT LOUD) 

H-Y-P-E-R-T-R-O-P-H-I-C






507. (709+11) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

DYLAN:(CONT) 

Hypertrophic. 

508. (711+09) FULL SHOT 

Audience BG. WE SEE 

Dylan at the head of 

the line of spellers. 

JUDGE:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 


509. (714+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah watches. 

510. (715+07) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan walks R. 

511. (717+10) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan then o/s R. 

to the audience. 

512. (720+09) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu family. Mother 

claps. Mr. Chiu stays 

stoic. 

513. (723+05) HEAD SHOT 


the Chiu Family. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

514. (726+04) CHEST SHOT 

Javier looks o/s R. to 

the judge. 

JUDGE:(OS)(TO JAVIER) 


515. (729+13) M FULL 

SHOT Mr. Welch and 

Kiana in their seats. 

Mr. Welch motions for 

Kiana and her baby to 

move with him closer 

to the stage. 

393. *709.11 711.03 1.08 DYLAN:(CONT) 

Hypertrophic. 

394. *711.09 713.03 1.10 JUDGE:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 


395. 726.05 728.02 1.13 JUDGE:(OS)(TO JAVIER) 

That is correct.






516. (734+10) CHEST SHOT 


microphone. 

517. (737+00) CHEST SHOT 

Welch and Kiana sit. 


Concierge. 

AKEELAH:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

Is that like a guy... 

518. (741+07) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...who stands around 

in a hotel? 

519. (743+13) FULL SHOT 

of the audience WE SEE 

Larabee ENTER BG. 


Speak into the mic, 

please. 


And yes, it's a... 

520. (748+13) FULL SHOT 

Larabee's POV of 

Akeelah on stage BG. 


...head porter or door 

keeper. 

521. (752+15) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 

AKEELAH:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

C-O-N-C... 


Concierge. 

397. 740.11 743.03 2.08 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

Is that like a guy who 

stands around in a 

hotel? 


Speak into the mic, 

please. 

399. 747.05 752.12 5.07 


And yes, it is a head 

porter or door keeper. 

400. 754.10 761.10 7.00 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

C-O-N-C-I-E-R-G-E.






522. (758+02) FULL SHOT 

of Stage. 


...I-E-R... 

523. (761+00) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 


...G-E. 



(APPLAUSE) 

524. (765+11) FULL SHOT 

Stage. Akeelah walks 

R. to her seat and 

sits. 

525. (770+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Javier looks R. to 

Akeelah. 


You're doing great. 

526. (773+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I'm getting lucky. I 

could get getting 

works like... 

(MUSIC OUT) 

CONTESTANT: 

(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Polydactyly. 

(DING) 

527. (781+04) HEAD SHOT 

Girl CONTESTANT looks 

defeated. 




You are doing great. 


I'm getting lucky. 

404. 777.02 779.02 2.00 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I could get getting 

works like... 

405. 779.08 781.03* 1.11 CONTESTANT: 

(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Polydactyly.





528. (782+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah gives 

Javier a "see what I 

mean" look. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

529. (785+14) FULL SHOT 

Auditorium, AUDIENCE 

FG. 11 CONTESTANTS on 

stage. 

JUDGE:(TO ALL) 

We're down to eleven 

spellers. 

530. (792+06) CHEST SHOT 

Pronouncer L., Judge 

R. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

The top ten, qualify 

for the... 

531. (795+11) HEAD SHOT 


JUDGE:(OS)(CONT) 

...Southern California 

regional finals. 

532. (799+02) MCS Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

In the next round... 

(BABY CRIES) 

Judge pauses. 

533. (802+15) HEAD SHOT 


the Judge, then o/s R. 

to the sound of 

Kiana's baby. 

406. 788.02 791.14 3.12 JUDGE:(TO ALL) 

We are down to eleven 

spellers. 

407. 792.11 798.08 5.13 


The top ten, qualify 

for the Southern 

California regional 

finals. 

408. 799.08 801.01 1.09 JUDGE:(CONT) 

In the next round...





534. (804+12) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Mr. Welch with 

Kiana and the baby in 


(BABY CRIES) 

535. (807+06) WAIST SHOT 

Chiu family looks o/s 

L. to the sound. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...if you miss a word 

do not leave the... 

536. (811+05) CHEST SHOT 

Judge R. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...stage. 

(BABY CRIES) 

Pronouncer and Judge 

looks o/s L. to the 

sound. 

537. (813+15) CHEST SHOT 

Welch L., Kiana and 

baby R. 

(BABY CRIES) 

538. (816+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah makes eyes and 

cocks her head to 

Kiana o/s R. 


As you may have an 

opportunity to 

compete... 

409. 807.13 812.08 4.11 


...if you miss a word 

do not leave the stage. 

410. 817.12 823.06 5.10 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS)(CONT) 

As you may have an 

opportunity to 

compete for any 

remaining places.





539. (819+15) CHEST SHOT 

Welch L., Kiana R. 

with baby. 

(BABY CRIES) 


...for any remaining 

places. 

540. (822+05) CHEST SHOT 

Judge pauses, looks 

o/s L. 

541. (824+02) HEAD SHOT 


to Kiana. 

AKEELAH:(TO KIANA)(OS) 

Kiana, get that baby 

outta here. 

542. (827+05) FULL SHOT 

Welch and Kiana with 

baby in the audience. 

Kiana STANDS and moves 

L. 

543. (829+10) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee looks o/s to 

the scene. 

(FOOT STEPS) 

544. (831+15) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah L,. FG. WE 

SEE Kiana EXIT through 

a SIDE AUDITORIUM DOOR 

BG. 

(DOOR OPEN/CLOSE) 


So... 

545. (834+08) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

546. (836+01) HEAD SHOT 


411. 824.08 827.00 2.08 AKEELAH:(TO KIANA)(OS) 

Kiana, get that baby 

out of here. 

412. 832.05 834.01 1.12 


So...




547. INT. - AUDITORIUM - DAY 


Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...let's begin. 

548. (842+05) FULL SHOT 

Javier on stage. 

JAVIER:(SPELLS) 

...L-L-O... 

549. (844+13) CHEST SHOT 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...G-I-Z-E. Syllogize. 

550. (849+09) CHEST SHOT 

Judge R. 



551. (851+08) CHEST SHOT 

Javier SMILES o/s R. 

to his parents. He 

does a victory move. 

552. (854+06) CHEST SHOT 

Mendez family 

APPLAUDS. 

553. (856+13) FULL SHOT 

Javier moves L. TO THE 

WINNERS GROUP. 

554. (858+11) CHEST SHOT 

Javier SITS Next to 

Dylan. Javier NUDGES 

Dylan who's not 

impressed. 

555. (863+14) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Akeelah move to 

the microphone on 

stage. 

(MUSIC IN) 

413. 840.04 842.04 2.00 JUDGE:(CONT) 

...let us begin. 

414. 842.11 847.12 5.01 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(SPELLS) 

...L-L-O-G-I-Z-E. 

Syllogize. 


That is correct.






556. (866+08) CHEST SHOT 


judges table BG. 

557. (869+00) CHEST SHOT 

Pronouncer looks o/s 

R. to Akeelah. 


Synecdoche. 

558. (871+05) HEAD SHOT 


She's worried. 

559. (873+15) CHEST SHOT 

Mr. Welch sees her 

reaction. He's 

worried. 

560. (877+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

Si-neck-do-kee? 

561. (880+08) CHEST SHOT 


the judges table BG. 


Synecdoche. 

562. (886+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


You wanna tell me what 

that means? 


A figure... 


Synecdoche. 

417. 877.15 880.01 2.02 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

Si-neck-do-kee? 


Synecdoche. 

419. 887.14 890.11 2.13 AKEELAH:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

You want to tell me 

what that means? 

420. 891.01 896.11 5.10 


A figure of speech in 

which a part is used 

for a whole.






563. (891+05) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 


...of speech in which 

a part... 

564. (894+07) CHEST SHOT 


microphone. CAMERA 

TRACKS L. 


...is used for a 

whole. An individual 

for a class. A 

material for a thing. 

Or the reverse of any 

of these. 

565. (908+04) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana stands outside 

the side door. She 

looks IN o/s L. to 

Akeelah. 

566. (911+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah lowers her 

head and HITS the 

microphone with her 

forehead. 

(MIC FEEDBACK) 

She REACTS. 

567. (917+00) MS 

Akeelah's HANDS as she 

FIDGETS with her 

fingers. 


We need you to 

spell... 


An individual for a 

class. A material for 

a thing. 


Or the reverse of any 

of these. 

423. 919.04 921.15 2.11 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

We need you to spell 

the word.






568. (920+11) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...the word. 


S... 

569. (931+01) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 


-I... 

570. (935+03) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


-N... 

571. (940+15) HEAD SHOT 

Welch. 


-E... 

572. (944+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


-C... 

573. (949+10) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana. 


-D-O... 

574. (953+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah concentrates. 

575. (957+15) MS 

Akeelah's hands. She 

fidgets. 

424. 925.03 927.02 1.15 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

S... 


-I... 

426. 937.10 939.15 2.05 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

-N... 


-E... 

428. 945.09 947.10 2.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

-C... 


-D-O...






576. (961+02) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...K-E-Y. Synecdoche? 

(DING) 

(AUDIENCE REACTS) 


The correct... 

577. (974+01) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana feels 

disappointed for her 

sister. 


...spelling is, S- 

578. (976+11) FACE SHOT 

Larabee. 


...Y-N-E-C... 

579. (979+08) HEAD SHOT 

Welch. 


...D-O-C... 

580. (982+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...H-E. 

Akeelah WALKS R. to 

the chair and sits. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

430. 961.06 963.07 2.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...K-E-Y. 

431. 965.04 967.06 2.02 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Synecdoche? 

432. 973.01 976.00 2.15 


The correct spelling 

is... 

433. 976.14 983.14 7.00 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(OS)(CONT) 

...S-Y-N-E-C-D-O-C-H-E.






581. (991+00) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah sits, waits on 

stage. CAMERA PULLS 

BACK. 

JUDGE:(OS) 

(TO CONTESTANT) 

If you spell this 

correctly. You'll be 

our... 

582. (1000+05) FULL SHOT 

of stage WE SEE a 

SPIKY HAIRED KID at 

the microphone. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...tenth, and last, 

finalist. 

583. (1004+02) HEAD SHOT 

SPIKY HAIR looks o/s 

to the Pronouncer. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO SPIKY) 

Carmagnole. 

584. (1011+03) FULL SHOT 

the audience. WE SEE 

the Spiky Hair Kid's 

MOTHER C. She GRINS 

and gives a THUMBS UP. 

SPIKY:(OS) 

(TO PRONOUNCER) 

Could I get a... 

434. 996.05 1003.05 7.00 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS) 

(TO CONTESTANT) 

If you spell this 

correctly. You will be 

our tenth, and last, 

finalist. 

435. 1004.09 1006.09 2.00 PRONOUNCER:(TO SPIKY) 

Carmagnole. 

436. 1013.11 1016.10 2.15 

(over scene end) SPIKY:(OS) 

(TO PRONOUNCER) 

Could I get a 

definition, please?






585. (1014+14) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky Hair. 

SPIKY:(CONT) 

...definition, please? 


A lively song... 

586. (1018+10) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana. 


...and street dance. 

587. (1021+01) FULL SHOT 

OTS Spiky FG. Akeelah 

R. BG. 

SPIKY HAIR:(TO ALL) 

Ummm... C- 

588. (1027+02) FULL SHOT 

Mother in audience. 


A... 

589. (1029+14) HEAD SHOT 

Welch. 


R... 

590. (1033+07) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky. 


M-A.. 

Spiky looks o/s L. 

591. (1040+11) FULL SHOT 

Mother in crowd looks 

R. and L. to see if 

anyone is observing. 

437. 1017.02 1020.14 3.12 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(TO SPIKY) 

A lively song and 

street dance. 

438. 1024.09 1026.14 2.05 SPIKY HAIR:(TO ALL) 

C- 


A... 


R... 


M-A..






592. (1044+03) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky looks o/s L. to 

his mother. 

593. (1046+13) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana looks in from 

the side door. She 

looks to where the 

Spiky Hair Kid's 

mother. 

594. (1050+07) FULL SHOT 

Kiana' POV. WE SEE 

the Mother LIFT her 

HAND to her mouth. 

595. (1052+01) MCS SIDE 

ANGLE Mother MOUTHS 

THE LETTER "G". 

596. (1053+08) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana looks o/s L. to 


597. (1055+02) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky. 


G-N... 

598. (1057+03) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana is shocked. 


O-L... 

599. (1059+06) FULL SHOT 

OTS Spiky FG. 


-E. Carmagnole. 

JUDGE:(OS)(TO SPIKY) 

That's... 

442. 1055.03 1060.02 4.15 

(over scene end) SPIKY HAIR:(TO ALL) 

G-N-O-L-E. 


Carmagnole. 

444. 1062.09 1064.01 1.08 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS)(TO SPIKY) 

That is correct.






600. (1062+06) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana. 


...correct. And that 

means... 

601. (1065+02) CHEST SHOT 

Judge R. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...you are our tenth 

and... 

602. (1067+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah is crushed. 


...last finalist for 

the district bee. 

603. (1070+00) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky smiles o/s L. to 

his mother. 

604. (1072+04) CHEST SHOT 

Mother IS OVERJOYED. 

605. (1075+05) HEAD SHOT 

Kiana OPENS the side 

door and ENTERS the 

auditorium. 

606. (1077+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah moves to rise. 

KIANA:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

They cheated! 

607. (1079+01) FULL SHOT 

Kiana with her baby 

MOVES L. to the front 

of the audience area. 

KIANA:(CONT) 

They cheated! 

445. 1064.07 1069.07 5.00 


And that means you are 

our tenth and last 

finalist for the 

district bee. 

446. 1078.01 1080.03 2.02 

(over scene end) KIANA:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

They cheated!






608. (1080+12) FULL SHOT 

Audience WITH Spiky 

Hair Kid's MOTHER C. 

All look o/s L. to 

Kiana. 

609. (1081+13) HEAD SHOT 

Mother looks o/s L. to 

Kiana. 

KIANA:(OS)(CONT) 

I saw them! 

610. (1083+03) CHEST SHOT 

Kiana. 

KIANA:(CONT) 

That boy's mama helped 

him out. 

611. (1085+11) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee looks on. 

JUDGE:(OS)(TO KIANA) 

But... 

612. (1087+13) MCS Welch 

looks o/s L. to Kiana. 


Excuse me... 

613. (1089+06) CHEST SHOT 

Pronouncer L., Judge 

R. 

447. 1081.07 1085.02 3.11 

(over scene end) KIANA:(OS)(CONT) 

I saw them! That boy's 

mama helped him out. 

448. 1086.15 1092.06 5.07 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS)(TO KIANA) 

But, excuse me. Who are 

you?






614. (1091+00) CHEST SHOT 

Kiana. 


Who are you? 

KIANA:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

I'm Keelie's... 

615. (1093+05) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...sister. I was 

standing... 

616. (1094+15) CHEST SHOT 

Keelah points TO THE 

DOOR BG. 

KIANA:(CONT) 

...right there back 

there. And I saw that 

boy's mama give him... 

617. (1098+04) FULL SHOT 

Mother in audience. 


...the letter "G". 

618. (1099+10) CHEST SHOT 

Kiana expresses the 

letter. 

KIANA:(CONT) 

She was saying, 

"GEEEE". 

449. 1092.12 1099.03 6.07 

(over scene end) KIANA:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

I'm Keelie's sister. I 

was standing right back 

there. I saw that 

boy's mama give him the 

letter G. 

450. 1100.08 1102.00 1.08 KIANA:(CONT) 

She was saying, 

"GEEEE".






619. (1102+03) FULL SHOT 

Mother in audience 

aghast. 

MOTHER:(OUT LOUD) 

He knew... 

620. (1104+01) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky at mic. 

MOTHER:(OS)(CONT) 

...the word! I... I 

mean... It's one we 

studied. He knew... 

621. (1107+15) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

MOTHER:(OS)(CONT) 

...it! 

JUDGE:(TO MOTHER) 

Ma'am. Did you help 

your child spell 

the... 

622. (1113+05) HEAD SHOT 

Mother. 


...word? 

623. (1116+06) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan and Javier. 


Ma'am, this is serious 

busi... 

624. (1118+13) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...ness. 

451. 1103.11 1107.05 3.10 

(over scene end) MOTHER:(OUT LOUD) 

He knew the word! It 

was one we studied. 

452. 1108.01 1109.09 1.08 MOTHER:(OS)(CONT) 

He knew it! 

453. 1109.15 1112.11 2.12 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO MOTHER) 

Ma'am. Did you help 

your child spell the 

word? 

454. 1116.15 1120.07 3.08 


Ma'am, this is serious 

business.






625. (1120+14) FULL SHOT 

Spiky FG. looks o/s R. 

to his Mother. 

Akeelah seated BG. 

626. (1123+01) CHEST SHOT 


627. (1124+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

628. (1126+09) CHEST SHOT 

Mother looks o/s R. to 

the Judge. 

629. (1127+03) FULL SHOT 

Mother JUMPS UP from 

her seat. 

MOTHER:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

You're damn right it's 

serious! You know, 

you are gonna give 

these kids ulcers! Do 

you know... 

630. (1132+15) FULL SHOT 

Spiky FG. Akeelah BG. 

MOTHER:(OS)(TO JUDGE) 

...how long he has 

studied for this? 

He... 

631. (1136+14) WAIST SHOT 


MOTHER:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

...knew that word! 

SPIKY:(OS)(TO ALL) 

No... 

455. 1127.12 1129.09 1.13 MOTHER:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

You are damn right it 

is serious! 

456. 1129.15 1132.11 2.12 MOTHER:(CONT) 

You know, you are going 

to give these kids 

ulcers! 

457. 1133.01 1136.03 3.02 

(over scene end) MOTHER:(CONT) 

Do you know how long he 

studied for this? 

458. 1136.09 1138.13 2.04 

(over scene end) MOTHER:(OS)(TO JUDGE) 

He knew that word! 

459. 1139.03 1143.00 3.13 

(over scene end) SPIKY:(OS)(TO ALL) 

No. I didn't.






632. (1140+09) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky. 

SPIKY:(CONT) 

...I didn't. 

633. (1143+03) HEAD SHOT 

Mother can't believe 

it. 

634. (1145+03) CHEST SHOT 

Kiana head bobs. 

635. (1147+04) CHEST SHOT 

Judge looks o/s L. to 

the Mother, then o/s 

R. to Spiky. 


I'm sorry, number... 

636. (1150+12) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky. 


...number sixty two... 

637. (1153+05) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...you are 

disqualified from... 

638. (1155+07) HEAD SHOT 

Spiky. 


...competition. 

Spiky moves o/s L. 

460. 1149.00 1156.00 7.00 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(TO SPIKY) 

I'm sorry number sixty 

two, you are 

disqualified from 

competition.






639. (1157+03) HEAD SHOT 

Mother is crushed. 


Which means, number... 

640. (1159+09) FULL SHOT 

of Stage. Spiky walks 

off stage L. Kiana R. 

looks on. Akeelah on 

stage. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...number fifty 

four... 

641. (1161+04) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...if you can spell 

one... 

642. (1163+02) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...more word 

correctly. You'll... 

643. (1165+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...be our tenth and 

last finalist. 

644. (1171+14) CHEST SHOT 

Mr. Welsh SITS UP. 

645. (1173+14) FULL SHOT 


461. 1157.06 1160.09 3.03 


Which means, number 

fifty four... 

462. 1161.05 1165.04 3.15 


...if you can spell 

one more world 

correctly... 

463. 1166.06 1170.06 4.00 


...you will be our 

tenth and last 

finalist.






646. (1179+13) FULL SHOT 

of the stage Akeelah 

MOVES to the 

microphone Center 

Stage. 

647. (1181+08) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan and Javier look 

o/s R. to Akeelah. 

648. (1183+04) CHEST SHOT 


microphone. She looks 

o/s L. to the 

Pronouncer. 

649. (1185+04) CHEST SHOT 

Pronouncer L. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO 

AKEELAH) 

Pastiche. 

650. (1187+00) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


P-A... 

651. (1196+05) MS 

Akeelah's hand taps. 


...S-T-I... 

652. (1199+02) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 


...C-H-E. 

653. (1201+07) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Pastiche. 

464. *1185.04 1186.12 1.08 


Pastiche. 

465. 1194.06 1201.06 7.00 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

P-A-S-T-I-C-H-E. 

466. 1202.03 1203.11 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

Pastiche.






654. (1204+04) CHEST SHOT 

Judge R. 



655. (1206+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

(AUDIENCE CHEERS) 


That means you 

qualify... 

656. (1209+01) CHEST SHOT 

Kiana. 

KIANA:(OUT LOUD) 

Yes. 


...for the... 

657. (1210+02) CHEST SHOT 

Welch is overwhelmed. 


...Southern California 

regional finals. 

(APPLAUSE) 

658. (1214+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah SMILES. 

659. (1216+06) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee looks on from 

the back of the 

auditorium. 



468. 1207.03 1212.06 5.03 


That means you 

qualify for the 

Southern California 

regional finals.




660. EXT. - AUDITORIUM - DAY 

(1219+02) MS Akeelah's 

hand L., Javier R. 

gives her a slip of 

paper. 


Here's my number. 


CHEST SHOT. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

We have a spelling 

club at my school. 

Maybe you should come 

practice with us some 

time. 


That sounds fun. 


Yeah, it's cool. Hey, 

there's my folks. 

I'll catch you later. 


Okay. 


Here is my number. 

(Number: Understood, "telephone number".) 

470. 1222.02 1226.08 4.06 JAVIER:(CONT) 

We have a spelling club 

at my school. Maybe 

you should come 

practice with us some 

time. 


That sounds fun. 


Yeah, it is cool. Hey, 

there is my folks. I 

will catch you later. 

(Cool: Acceptable.) 

(Catch you: See you.) 


Okay.




(EXT. - AUDITORIUM - CONT) 

661. (1235+01) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Javier 

RUNS TO his Parents 

BG. 


Bye. 

AKEELAH (TO JAVIER) 

Bye. 

JAVIER:(TO PARENTS) 

Hey check it out, look 

at this. 

662. (1238+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah looks to 

Javier and his parents 

o/s. 

663. INT. - WELCH'S VAN - NIGHT 


Welch drives. Akeelah 

sits L. FG. Kiana and 

baby BG. 


Just think, Akeelah. 

All you've got to do 

is place at the top 

three at the state 

regionals. And you're 

going to Washington 

D.C. 


Not if I can't spell 

Synecdoche. 

Kiana C. BG. looks o/s 

FG. 

KIANA:(TO ALL) 

Uh-oh ya'll, look... 



- Bye. 

- Bye. 

475. 1238.09 1240.05 1.12 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(TO PARENTS) 

Hey check it out, look 

at this. 

(Check/out: Look at this.) 


Just think, Akeelah. 

All you have to do is 

place at the top three 

at the state regionals. 

477. 1251.12 1254.05 2.09 WELCH:(CONT) 

And you are going to 

Washington D.C. 


Not if I can't spell 

Synecdoche. 

479. 1260.00 1261.12 1.12 KIANA:(TO ALL) 

Oh no, You all. Look...




(INT. - WELCH'S VAN - CONT) 

664. (1262+09) FULL SHOT 

of a POLICE CAR L. 

Terrence and Wanda in 

the front yard of the 

Anderson home. 

WANDA:(TO TERRENCE) 

I told you to wear a 

shirt and tie. As 

long as you live in my 

house... 

665. EXT. - STREET - DAY 


Mr. Welch's van drives 

to FG. as the POLICE 

CAR Drives AWAY R. 


...you're gonna do 

what I say. 

TERRENCE:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Ma. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

Now what'd I say? 

666. (1269+07) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda L., Terrence R. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

No drugs, no gang 

banging, and no three 

hundred dollar 

watches. 

480. *1262.09 1268.00 5.07 

(over scene end) WANDA:(TO TERRENCE) 

I told you to wear a 

shirt and tie. As long 

as you live in my 

house your are going to 

do as I say. 

481. 1268.06 1269.01 0.11 


Ma. 

482. 1269.07 1275.15 6.08 


What did I say? No 

drugs, no gang banging. 

And no three hundred 

dollar watches! Take 

it off!





667. (1274+05) FULL SHOT 


Kiana and Welch BG. at 

the van. 


Take it off. 


What? Derrick-T gave 

me this ma. 

WANDA:(OS)(TO TERRENCE) 

Well I'm gonna give 

it right back. 

AKEELAH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

Mom? 

668. (1280+08) WAIST SHOT 


WANDA:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

What? You two get 

inside. 

Wanda looks R. to 

Terrence and points. 

WANDA:(TO TERRENCE) 

Take it off! 

669. (1285+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


But mama, I made it. 

670. (1287+00) WAIST SHOT 


takes off the watch. 


Made what? 

483. 1276.05 1278.12 2.07 


What? Derrick-T gave 

me this ma. 

484. 1279.02 1280.10 1.08 

(over scene end) WANDA:(OS)(TO TERRENCE) 

Well I'm going to give 

it right back. 

485. 1281.00 1283.01 2.01 AKEELAH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

(THEN WANDA) 

- Mom? 

- What? You two get 

inside. 

486. 1283.07 1284.15 1.08 WANDA:(TO TERRENCE) 

Take it off! 

487. *1285.06 1287.01 1.11 


But mama, I made it. 

488. 1288.00 1290.00 2.00 WANDA:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Made what?





671. (1290+08) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Made the cut. I'm 

going to the 

regional... 


L., Terrence R. 


...bee. 


Yeah. While you doin' 

that, I'm gonna be 

identifying... 

673. (1299+10) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Welch BG. 

OUT OF FOCUS. 


...your brother here 

in the morgue. 


No you're not. Ma! 

674. (1302+10) CHEST SHOT 

Welch at the driver's 

side of the van. He 

understands Akeelah's 

feelings at this 

moment. 


Yes I am, get inside. 

Before I really... 

489. 1290.11 1294.08 3.13 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

Made the cut. I'm 

going to the regional 

bee. 

490. 1295.08 1301.15 6.07 

(over scene end) WANDA:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Yeah. While you doing 

that, I'm going to be 

identifying your 

brother here in the 

morgue. 

491. 1302.05 1304.05 2.00 


(THEN WANDA) 

- No you are not. Ma! 

- Yes I am. Get 

inside! 

492. 1304.11 1307.08 2.13 


Before I really 

embarrass our behind. 

(Behind: Substitution for the vulgar "your 

ass" meaning, "you.")





675. (1305+10) WAIST SHOT 

Wanda and Terrence 

walk away to BG. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...embarrass your 

behind. 

676. (1308+05) CHEST SHOT 

Welch. 


Akeelah? 

(MUSIC IN) 

677. (1310+15) FULL SHOT 

Wanda BG. looks o/s 

FG. to Akeelah. 


Akeelah, get in here. 

678. (1313+15) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. looks at 

the ground. Welch BG. 

at the van. 


It's okay Mister 

Welch. I'll see you 

later. 

Akeelah moves o/s L. 

FG. 



Akeelah sits on her 

bed. WE HEAR Terrence 

and Wanda arguing o/s. 

(ARGUMENT) 


680. (1330+00) MS of a 

PICTURE of Akeelah's 

father. 


Akeelah? 


Akeelah, get in here. 


It is okay Mister 

Welch. I will see you 

later.






681. (1332+07) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO PICTURE) 

Guess what. I'm going 

to the regional bee. 

(ARGUMENT) 

Akeelah LISTENS to the 

SOUNDS of her 

ENVIRONMENT. 

(HELICOPTER) 

(DOG'S BARK) 

(SIRENS) 

Akeelah closes her 

eyes, and blocks her 

ears TRYING TO KEEP 

OUT THE NOISE of her 

existence. She 

remembers something, 

and reaches into her 

pocket. 


NOTE that Javier have 

her. She opens it. 

IT'S JAVIER'S PHONE 

NUMBER. 

: 

Javier Mendez 

683. (1378+10) CHEST SHOT 


number on the paper. 

(MUSIC IN) 

496. 1332.12 1335.02 2.06 AKEELAH:(TO PICTURE) 

Guess what. 

497. 1338.11 1342.03 3.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I'm going to the 

regional bee. 

498.I 1374.00 1378.04 4.04 : 

Javier Mendez





684. INT. - CITY BUS - DAY 

(1382+14) MS WE SEE a 

MAP. A note READS; 

: 

WOODLAND HILLS 

WE Realize the note is 

in Akeelah's lap. 

685. (1385+09) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah looks out of 

the bus window L. 

686. (1388+12) FULL SHOT 

HOUSES roll by. 

687. (1390+10) FULL SHOT 

Los Angeles SKYLINE. 

688. (1392+08) FULL SHOT 

HOLLYWOOD FREEWAY. 

689. (1394+05) FULL SHOT 

COLUMBIA RECORDS 

BUILDING. 

690. (1396+09) FULL SHOT 

Universal City sign. 

691. (1398+13) CHEST SHOT 


BOTTOM. 

692. (1400+10) MS of a 

BUS ROUTE MAP. 

693. (1402+06) CHEST SHOT 


bus route map in her 

lap. 


Bus Route map. 

Akeelah runs her 

finger along the route 

line on the map. 

499.I 1383.03 1384.11 1.08 : 

WOODLAND HILLS




(INT. - CITY BUS - CONT) 


695. (1406+07) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah LOOKS OUT of 

the window. 

696. (1410+04) FULL SHOT 

Street in San Fernando 

Valley. 

697. (1412+03) FULL SHOT 

SHOPS WHIZ BY. 

698. (1414+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks out of 

the window. 

699. (1416+14) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah's POV. WE SEE 

Valley Girls IN A 

CONVERTIBLE. They 

LISTEN to RAP Music. 

700. (1420+02) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah SMILES at the 

scene. 

701. (1423+00) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah's POV as the 

VALLEY GIRLS in the 

convertible SPEED 

AWAY. 

702. (1425+02) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah CHUCKLES to 

herself. 

703. (1428+13) FULL SHOT 

UPSCALE HOUSES WHIZ 

BY. 

704. (1432+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah PULLS THE 

SIGNAL CORD of the 

bus.





705. EXT.-WOODLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL 

-DAY 

(1437+01) WAIST SHOT 

The bus PULLS AWAY R. 

to reveal Woodland 

Middle School BG. 

Akeelah FG. BACK TO 

CAMERA looks away to 

it. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

(CLASS BELL) 

706. (1444+05) CHEST SHOT 

CAMERA FOLLOWS Akeelah 

as she makes her way 

along a hallway. 

(CLASS BELL) 

Akeelah LOOKS AROUND 

the grounds, then 

LOOKS o/s L. 

707. (1463+03) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Dylan sitting 

in a Science CLASS 

ROOM. 

708. (1466+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah looks o/s 

L. to the classroom. 

709. INT. - CLASS ROOM - DAY 

(1469+12) MCS Dylan 

CONCENTRATES on a 

Chemistry experiment. 

AKEELAH:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

Dylan? 

Dylan looks o/s L. to 

Akeelah. 

500. 1472.12 1474.05 1.09 AKEELAH:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

Dylan?




(INT. - CLASS ROOM - CONT) 

710. (1475+14) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah stands at 

class room doorway. 

She steps into the 

room. 


Umm... I'm Akeelah. 

711. (1482+15) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

712. (1485+00) MCS Dylan 


Akeelah. He waits. 

713. (1487+06) MCS OTS 

Akeelah nods to 

herself. 

AKEELAH:(TO DYLAN) 

Javier said I could 

come and join his 

study group today. 

714. (1493+09) MCS Dylan. 

DYLAN:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

All those rejects do 

that. My father 

coaches me privately. 

Who's your coach? 

715. (1503+15) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 


I don't got one. 

716. (1507+11) MCS OTS 

Dylan. 


How many spelling bees 

have you won? 

501. 1480.11 1482.14 2.03 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I'm Akeelah. 

502. 1489.12 1492.14 3.02 AKEELAH:(TO DYLAN) 

Javier said I could 

come and join his study 

group today. 

503. 1494.02 1497.05 3.03 DYLAN:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

All those rejects do 

that. 

504. 1497.12 1500.07 2.11 DYLAN:(CONT) 

My father coaches me 

privately. 

505. 1501.14 1503.06 1.08 DYLAN:(CONT) 

Who is your coach? 


I don't got one. 


How many spelling 

bees have you won?




(INT. - CLASS ROOM - CONT) 

717. (1510+10) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 


Just the one at my 

school 

718. (1514+06) MCS Dylan. 

DYLAN:(TO AKEELAH) 

Spell Xanthosis. 

719. (1519+15) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 


Z-A... 


It starts with an "X". 

720. (1527+13) MCS OTS 

Dylan. 


If that idiot hadn't 

been caught 

cheating... 

721. (1532+06) MCS OTS 

Akeelah. 

DYLAN:(CONT) 

...you wouldn't have 

made the cut. 

722. (1535+15) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Dylan at the lab 

table. Closes his 

book, and dismisses 

Akeelah with a turn of 

his head. 

723. (1539+01) MCS OTS 

Akeelah looks to Dylan 

FG. she's a bit stung 

by his attitude. 


Just the one at my 

school 

509. 1518.01 1519.09 1.08 DYLAN:(TO AKEELAH) 

Spell Xanthosis. 


Z-A... 


It starts with an 

"X". 

512. 1528.07 1534.10 6.03 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

If that idiot hadn't 

been caught cheating, 

you would not have 

made the cut.




724. EXT. - BALL COURT - DAY 


Javier tosses a 

basketball L. 

JAVIER:(OUT LOUD) 

Euphoric. 

CAMERA PAN L. to 

follow and reveals 

POLLY who catches the 

ball. 

POLLY:(TO ALL) 

Euphoric... 

725. (1545+08) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah stands on the 

opposite side of the 

CIRCLE of STUDENTS. 

POLLY:(CONT) 

...is an adjective. 

726. (1547+04) WAIST SHOT 

Polly. 

POLLY:(CONT) 

Origin, Greek. 

Polly TOSSES the ball 

L. 

727. (1548+15) FULL SHOT 

the ball GOES to ROMAN 

L., Akeelah FG. BACK 

TO CAMERA. Polly L. 

BG., Javier R. BG . 

ROMAN:(TO POLLY) 

It means like... 

513. *1541.11 1543.03 1.08 JAVIER:(OUT LOUD) 

Euphoric. 

514. 1543.15 1548.11 4.12 

(over scene end) POLLY:(TO ALL) 

Euphoric is an 

adjective. Origin, 

Greek. 

515. 1550.01 1553.02 3.01 

(over scene end) ROMAN:(TO POLLY) 

It means like, feeling 

great and everything




(EXT. - BALL COURT - CONT) 

728. (1550+05) WAIST SHOT 

Roman. 

ROMAN:(TO POLLY)(OS) 

...feeling great and 

everything. 

Roman TOSSES the ball 

L. CAMERA PANS L. to 

follow. 

729. (1553+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah CATCHES 

the ball. Javier FG. 


Either spell the... 

730. (1555+00) FULL SHOT 

group. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...word, or take a 

shot. 

731. (1557+01) CHEST SHOT 


to the hoop. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

If you miss either 

one... 

732. (1559+02) FULL SHOT 

LOW ANGLE basket ball 

hoop. 


...you get a strike. 

Three strikes, you're 

out. 

516. 1554.03 1557.00 2.13 


Either spell the word 

or take a shot. 

(Take/shot: Understood, "at the basket ball 

hoop.") 

517. 1557.12 1561.03 3.07 


If you miss either 

one you get a strike. 

Three strikes and you 

are out.





733. (1561+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Euphoric... 

734. (1566+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Roman looks to 

Akeelah FG. as she 

BOUNCES the 

BASKETBALL. 


E- 

735. (1568+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Polly. 


U- 

736. (1569+09) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah bounces the 

ball. 


P-H- 

737. (1571+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


O- 

738. (1573+10) FULL SHOT 

The group. Akeelah 

FG. BACK TO CAMERA 

Bounces the ball. 


R-I- 

739. (1575+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Roman BG. looks 

on. 


C... 


Euphoric... 

519. 1567.11 1572.06 4.11 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

E-U-P-H... 

520. 1572.12 1576.15 4.03 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...O-R-I-C.





740. (1578+05) CHEST SHOT 

Polly looks o/s R. to 

Javier. 


Euphoric. 

741. (1579+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier looks to 

Akeelah FG. 


Psori... 

742. (1580+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...asis. 

Akeelah throws the 

ball. 

743. (1582+05) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Javier 

catches the ball. 


Are you taking Latin 

at your school? 

744. (1585+02) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Psoriasis is a noun... 

745. (1587+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier throws the 

ball o/s L. to Polly. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...origin Greek. 

521. *1578.05 1579.13 1.08 


Euphoric. 

522. 1580.02 1582.03 2.01 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

Psoriasis. 


Are you taking Latin at 

your school? 

524. 1585.11 1588.14 3.03 


Psoriasis is a noun, 

origin Greek.





746. (1589+07) WAIST SHOT 

FAST PAN L. as Polly 

catches the ball. 

AKEELAH:(OS) 

(TO JAVIER)(OS) 

Are you kidding? 

747. (1591+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


My school barely has 

enough money for... 

748. (1593+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


...kickballs. 

There's... 

749. (1596+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...classes. 

750. (1597+10) CHEST SHOT 

Polly. 

POLLY:(TO AKEELAH) 

Latin really helps you 

under... 

751. (1599+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

POLLY:(OS)(CONT) 

...stand words. 

Psori... 

525. 1590.06 1597.06 7.00 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS) 

(TO JAVIER)(OS) 

Are you kidding? My 

school barely has 

enough money for 

kickballs. There are 

no Latin classes. 

526. 1598.05 1600.15 2.10 

(over scene end) POLLY:(TO AKEELAH) 

Latin really helps you 

under stand words. 

527. 1601.10 1603.15 2.05 

(over scene end) POLLY:(OS)(CONT) 

Psoriasis, is like 

itchy skin.





752. (1601+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Polly throws the 

ball L. to Roman. 

POLLY:(CONT) 

...asis is like itchy 

skin. 

753. (1604+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Roman catches the 

ball. 

JAVIER:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Maybe you mom could 

drive you up... 

754. (1606+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...here so you could 

take it with us. 


I don't know. 

755. (1609+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


This is all starting 

to sound real heavy. 

756. (1613+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Roman. 

ROMAN:(TO AKEELAH) 

It is heavy. Spelling 

bees are serious shit. 

528. 1603.05 1607.15 4.10 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Maybe you mom could 

drive you up here so 

you could take it with 

us. 

529. 1608.05 1613.09 5.04 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO JAVIER) 

I don't know. This is 

all starting to sound 

real heavy. 

530. 1613.15 1617.02 3.03 ROMAN:(TO AKEELAH) 

It is heavy. Spelling 

bees are serious shit. 

(Shit: Vulgar substitution for "stuff" or 

"things".)





757. (1617+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

ROMAN:(OS)(TO ALL) 

I think I'll... 

758. (1619+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Roman. 

ROMAN:(CONT) 

...take a shot. 

Roman bounces the 

ball. 

759. (1623+08) LS WE SEE 

the GROUP R and the 

HOOP and BACKSTOP L. 

Roman SHOOTS, the BALL 

ARCS and DROPS SHORT. 

(BOUNCE BOUNCE) 

ROMAN:(TO ALL) 

On second thought, 

could I spell the 

word. 

531. 1618.14 1621.03 2.05 

(over scene end) ROMAN:(OS)(TO ALL) 

I think I will take a 

shot. 

532. 1632.07 1636.00 3.09 ROMAN:(TO ALL) 

On second thought, 

could I spell the word. 







760. EXT. - MIDDLE SCHOOL - DAY 


Akeelah L., Javier R. 

They walk to FG., 

along a school 

walkway. CAMERA PULLS 

BACK PRECEDING. 


At Crenshaw, they 

think I'm a freak. 


Don't worry, they 

think we're a freak 

here too. 

(CAR HORN) 

761. (19+14) CHEST SHOT 

Javier and Akeelah. 


Hey, there's my mom. 

You need a ride? 

762. (22+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah L., Javier R. 


Oh, naw. My mom's 

gonna pick me up. She 

should be here soon. 

(CAR HORN) 

763. (31+13) CHEST SHOT 


Car BG. 


Hey, I'm having a 

birthday party in a 

few weeks. You... you 

wanna come? 


At Crenshaw, they think 

I am a freak. 


Don't worry, they think 

we are freaks here too. 


Hey, there is my mom. 

You need a ride? 


Oh, no. My mom is 

going to pick me up. 

537. 29.00 31.07 2.07 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

She should be here 

soon. 


Hey, I'm having a 

birthday party in a few 

weeks. Do you want to 

come?





764. (38+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Maybe. If I can. 

765. (45+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


It was cool seeing you 

again, Akeelah. Bye. 

Javier moves AWAY to 

BG. to the waiting 

car. 

766. (49+01) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO JAVIER)(OS) 

Bye. 

767. (53+03) FULL SHOT 

OTS Javier gets into 

the car BG. Akeelah 

FG. looks on. 

(MUSIC IN) 

(DOOR CLOSE) 

Javier BG. waves to 

Akeelah as the car 

pulls off. 

768. (58+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah smiles o/s L. 

to Javier then looks 

o/s R. 

769. (69+08) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah WALKS AWAY to 

the BUS STOP BENCH and 

SITS. 

770. INT. - BUS - DAY 


Akeelah sits in a bus 

seat. She's ASLEEP. 


Maybe. If I can. 


It was cool seeing you 

again, Akeelah. Bye. 

541. 49.03 51.04 2.01 AKEELAH:(TO JAVIER)(OS) 

Bye.




771. INT. - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 

(83+14) MS WE SEE the 

Door to Akeelah's 

house OPEN SLOWLY, 

Akeelah LOOKS IN and 

ENTERS. 


Where the hell... 

772. (100+00) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah CLOSES the 

DOOR and LOOKS o/s R. 

to the sound of 

Wanda's voice. 


...have you been? 

CAMERA FAST PANS R. to 

Wanda SITTING in a 

CHAIR. 

773. (103+08) CHEST SHOT 


to Wanda. 


Studying. 

774. (106+07) FULL SHOT 

Wanda. 


Studying where? 

CAMERA FAST PANS L. to 

Akeelah for CHEST 

SHOT. 



775. (113+10) CHEST SHOT 



Woodland Hills? What 

'chu doin' there? 

542. 99.11 101.11 2.00 


Where the hell have you 

been? 


Studying. 


Studying where? 




Woodland Hills? What 

were you doing there?





776. (118+04) MCS 

Akeelah. 


They got a spelling 

club. 


Did Mister Welch take 

you? 

777. (124+00) CHEST SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

'Cause ain't nobody 

called me. 

778. (126+10) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I... 

779. (131+07) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda waits. 

780. (133+06) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I went by myself. I 

didn't think the bus 

ride... 

781. (136+13) CHEST SHOT 



...would take so long. 

782. (138+09) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I'm sorry. 


They have a spelling 

club. 

548. 122.04 126.03 3.15 


Did Mister Welch take 

you? Because no one 

has called me. 

549. 133.11 138.08 4.13 


I went by myself. I 

didn't think the bus 

ride would take so 

long. 

550. *138.09 140.01 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I'm sorry.





783. (140+10) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda leans forward. 


Akeelah Anderson, you 

done lost your mind? 

You eleven years old. 

You don't be takin' a 

bus to Woodland Hills 

by your... 

784. (151+14) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...self! 


There's nobody around 

to take me. 

785. (155+01) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda STANDS. 


That's 'cause I work. 

786. (157+09) MCS 

Akeelah. 


That's what you said 

on the weekend. All 

the other kids had 

their parents at the 

district bee. 


Akeelah Anderson, you 

done lost your mind? 

552. 146.04 151.04 5.00 WANDA:(CONT) 

You are eleven years 

old. You don't be 

taking a bus to 

Woodland Hills by 

yourself! 


There was nobody around 

to take me. 


That is because I work. 


That is what you said 

on the weekend. 

556. 161.03 164.13 3.10 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

All the other kids had 

their parents at the 

district bee.







Well maybe the other 

kids have parents who 

got more time on their 

hands. Look, I'm not 

having another... 

788. (171+15) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...child of mine 

disappearing at all 

hours. 


WANDA:(CONT) 

So if this spelling 

thing means sneaking 

off to the suburbs by 

yourself. I'm calling 

it all off. 

790. (182+03) MCS 

Akeelah. 


We can't call it off. 

I going to the 

regional bee. 



Not if you flunk outta 

school, you're not. 


Well maybe the other 

kids have parents who 

got more time on their 

hands. 

558. 170.11 175.07 4.12 


I'm not having another 

child of mind 

disappearing at all 

hours. 

559. 176.02 181.10 5.08 WANDA:(CONT) 

So if this spelling 

thing means sneaking 

off to the suburbs by 

yourself. I'm calling 

it all off. 


We can't call it off. 

I going to the regional 

bee. 


Not if you flunk out of 

school, you are not.





792. (189+04) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda reaches o/s R. 

for a letter. 


I just got a letter 

sayin' you gotta take 

summer school to make 

up for all these 

classes you done 

skipped. 

AKEELAH:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Mama, I... 

793. (197+01) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...hate Crenshaw. It 

is so boring there. 

And nobody cares. 



What, you think they 

care about you in 

Woodland Hills? 

795. (207+11) MCS 

Akeelah. 


At least they got 

Latin classes. And 

the kids don't have to 

study in their 

stairwell. 


I just got a letter 

saying you have to take 

summer school to make 

up for all these 

classes you have 

skipped. 

563. 196.15 202.15 6.00 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Mama, I hate Crenshaw. 

It is so boring there. 

And nobody cares. 


What, you think they 

care about you in 



At least they got Latin 

classes. And the kids 

don't have to study in 

their stairwell.





796. (213+09) CHEST SHOT 



Well, good for them. 

But until you finish 

summer school, at 

Crenshaw. Ain't gonna 

be no more spelling 

bees. 

797. (221+15) MCS 

Akeelah. 


But mama, I gotta get 

ready for the state 

bee during the summer. 



Well, you've just 

gonna have to do that 

next year, now. 

Aren't you? 

799. (231+10) MCS 

Akeelah. 


But that's not fair! 

800. (233+07) CHEST SHOT 



Not only is it fair, 

it's final! 

801. (238+08) MCS 

Akeelah holds back 

tears. 


Well, good for them. 

567. 215.13 221.07 5.10 WANDA:(CONT) 

But until you finish 

summer school, at 

Crenshaw. There will 

be no more spelling 

bees. 


But mama, I have to get 

ready for the state bee 

during the summer. 


Well, you will just 

have to do that next 

year, now. Aren't you? 

570. *231.10 233.02 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

But that's not fair! 


Not only is it fair, it 

is final!





802. INT. -AKEELAH'S ROOM- NIGHT 


Akeelah ENTERS her 

room and SLAMS the 

door. CAMERA PANS R. 

to follow as she SLAMS 

DOWN in front of her 

computer. 

(MUSIC IN) 

803. (248+02) MCS HIGH 

ANGLE Akeelah LOOKS to 

the PICTURE FRAME R. 

FG. 


PICTURE of Akeelah's 

FATHER. 

805. (254+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO PICTURE) 

You'd let me do it. 

She slumps, then looks 

back to the picture. 

806. (276+14) CS WE READ 

: 

Parental Consent Form 

807. (281+02) HEAD SHOT 


BOTTOM to the form. 


consent form. WE SEE 

Akeelah's HAND HOLDS A 

PEN. 

809. (286+04) HEAD SHOT 


BOTTOM to the form. 

572. 255.15 258.02 2.03 AKEELAH:(TO PICTURE) 

You would let me do it. 

573.I 277.03 280.11 3.08 : 

Parental Consent Form




(INT. -AKEELAH'S ROOM - CONT) 


810. (289+00) CS WE SEE 

Akeelah SIGN HER 

FATHER'S NAME to the 

consent form. 

811. EXT. - LARABEE'S HOUSE - DAY 

(293+00) CS WE SEE 

Akeelah's FINGER PUSH 

a door bell BUTTON. 

(DOOR BELL) 

812. (296+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee opens the 

front door, looks to 

Akeelah FG. 

813. (298+14) CHEST SHOT 


Larabee FG. 


1979, "maculature." — 

A-C-U-L-A-T-U-R-E. 

Origin is latin. 

1990, "Fibranne." 

F-I-B-R-A- N-N-E... 

814. (312+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...French. 1996, 

"Vivisepulture." 

V-I-V-I-S-E... 

815. (319+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...P-U-L-U-R-E. 

Latin. 


1979, "maculature." — 

A-C-U-L-A-T-U-R-E. 

Origin is latin. 

575. 308.04 314.03 5.15 


1990, "Fibranne." 

F-I-B-R-A- N-N-E. 

French. 

576. 314.09 321.02 6.09 


1996, "Vivisepulture." 

V-I-V-I-S-E-P-U-L-T-U- 

R-E. 

577. 322.12 324.09 1.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Latin.




(EXT. - LARABEE'S HOUSE - CONT) 

816. (325+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


I learned all the 

winning words... 

817. (327+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...since 1925. Just 

like you said I 

should. 

818. (333+02) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Sorry for being so... 

819. (336+02) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...insolent last time. 

That's not going to 

happen no more... 

820. (340+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee raises his 

eyebrows at her poor 

diction. 


Any more. 

821. (344+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I promise. 

578. 326.08 332.07 5.15 


I learned all the 

winning words since 

1925. Just like you 

said I should. 

579. 334.15 338.03 3.04 


Sorry for being so 

insolent last time. 

580. 338.15 340.09 1.10 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

That is not going to 

happen no more... 

581. 341.11 343.14 2.03 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Any more. 

582. 345.02 346.13 1.11 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I promise.





822. (347+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


So, I was wondering if 

you might 

reconsider... 

823. (351+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...coaching me for the 

state bee. 'Cause I 

need a coach. 

824. (360+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

825. (363+02) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...Bad. 

826. (365+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Badly. You need a 

coach badly. 

Larabee turns. 


Come in. 

827. (375+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah opens the 

screen door and 

ENTERS. 

828. INT. - LARABEE'S HOUSE - DAY 


Larabee BG. sits at 

his desk. CAMERA 

FOLLOWS Akeelah FG. 


Come in, come in. 

583. 349.07 354.06 4.15 


So, I was wondering if 

you might reconsider 

coaching me for the 

state bee. 

584. 358.07 360.05 1.14 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Because I need a coach. 

585. 363.13 365.09 1.12 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...Bad. 


Badly. You need a 

coach badly. 

587. 373.12 375.04 1.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Come in. 


Come in, come in.




(INT. - LARABEE'S HOUSE - CONT) 

829. (388+04) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah walks into 

Larabee's study CAMERA 

PRECEDES. 

830. (392+03) MS Picture 

of Larabee's wife. 

831. (394+08) CHEST SHOT 


to the picture. She 

walks L. CAMERA PANS 

L. to follow. 


That's a very pretty 

lady. Is she your 

wife? 

832. (401+02) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


Listen, you got very 

lucky at the district 

bee. 

833. (406+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


The competition at 

state level is much 

stronger. 

834. (410+08) FULL SHOT 

Larabee seated L., 

Akeelah R. 


So, if you and I were 

to prepare for that. 


That is a very pretty 

lady. Is she your 

wife? 


Listen, you got very 

lucky at the district 

bee. 


The competition at 

state level is much 

stronger. 

592. 411.01 416.08 5.07 LARABEE:(CONT) 

So, if you and I were 

to prepare for that.





835. (416+13) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


We'd have to do it on 

my schedule. So... 

836. (420+02) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...we'd have to work 

three hours each 

morning. Starting at 

nine. Can you handle 

that? 


Well... 

837. (427+08) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah R. move L. and 

stops in front of 

Larabee's desk. 


...I do have summer 

school. But Mister 

Welch... 

838. (431+09) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...said working with 

you could take the 

place of it. 

593. 417.12 419.07 1.11 LARABEE:(CONT) 

We would have to do it 

on my schedule. 

594. 420.10 425.05 4.11 


So we would have to 

work three hours each 

morning. Starting at 

nine. 


Can you handle that? 

596. 427.09 430.11 3.02 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO LARABEE) 

Well, I do have summer 

school. 

597. 431.01 434.13 3.12 


But Mister Welch said 

that working with you 

would take the place of 

it.





839. (434+00) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


Isn't that for 

students that don't 

perform 

satisfactorily... 

840. (440+08) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...during the year? 

Akeelah picks up a 

carved item from 

Larabee's desk and 

fidgets with it. 


Well... 


carved item in 

Akeelah's hand. 


...sometimes it's for 

kids who want to 

get... 

842. (447+08) WAIST SHOT 


Akeelah with carved 

item FG. BACK TO 

CAMERA. 


...ahead... 

843. (449+08) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah fiddles 

with a carved elephant 

as she talks. 


...for next year. 


Yes... 

598. 435.08 442.00 6.08 


Is the not for students 

that don't perform 

satisfactorily during 

the year? 


Well, sometimes it is 

for kids who want to 

get ahead





844. (451+09) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee points to 

the carved elephant in 



...please put that 

down. 

845. (454+10) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah places the 

carved elephant back 

on Larabee's desk. 


Just... yeah. 

846. (457+06) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

847. (460+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

848. (462+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee arranges 

things on his desk as 

he talks. 


Have you ahh... Have 

you got any goals? 

849. (468+05) MCS 

Akeelah. 


Huh? 


Goals. What would you 

like to be when you 

grow up? 

850. (474+01) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


A doctor? A lawyer? 

A stand up comic? 

600. *451.09 453.10 2.01 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Yes, please put that 

down. 

601. 454.11 457.00 2.05 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Just... yeah. 


Have you got any goals? 


Huh? 


Goals. What would you 

like to be when you 

grow up? 

605. 474.05 478.05 4.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

A doctor? A lawyer? A 

stand up comic?





851. (478+12) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I don't know. The 

only thing I'm good at 

is spelling. 

852. (485+07) CHEST SHOT 


then back o/s R. to 

Akeelah. He points 

o/s L. 


Go over there and read 

the quotation that's 

on the wall. 

853. (498+15) MCS 

Akeelah moves o/s R. 

854. (501+05) MCS 

Akeelah moves INTO 

SHOT from o/s R. and 

looks o/s L. to a 

framed quote on the 

wall. Larabee BG. 


framed quote on the 

wall. 


Read it aloud, please. 


I don't know. The only 

thing I'm good at is 

spelling. 


Go over there and read 

the quotation that is 

on the wall. 


Read it aloud, please.






856. (506+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

(MUSIC IN) 

AKEELAH:(READS) 

"Our deepest fear is 

not that we are 

inadequate. Our 

deepest fear is that 

we are powerful beyond 

measure. We ask 

ourselves, who am I to 

be brilliant, 

gorgeous, talented, 

and fabulous? 

Actually, who are you 

not to be? 

857. (542+08) MCS 

Larabee. 


We were born to make 

manifest the glory of 

God that is within us. 

858. (551+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


And as we let our own 

light shine, we 

unconsciously give 

other people... 

609. 509.13 515.04 5.07 AKEELAH:(READS) 


not that we are 

inadequate. 

610. 516.03 522.06 6.03 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Our deepest fear is 

that we are powerful 

beyond measure. 

611. 523.10 527.11 4.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

We ask ourselves, who 

am I... 

612. 528.01 534.11 6.10 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...to be brilliant, 

gorgeous, talented, and 

fabulous? 

613. 536.07 541.07 5.00 AKEELAH:(CONT) 


not to be? 


We were born to make 

manifest the glory of 

God that is within us. 

615. *551.08 554.03 2.11 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And as we let our own 

light shine... 

616. 555.01 560.03 5.02 


...we unconsciously 

give other people 

permission to do the 

same."






859. (555+00) CS 

Quotation. 


...permission to do 

the same." 

860. (563+01) MCS 

Larabee. 


Does that mean 

anything to you? 

861. (568+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


I don't know. 

862. (571+14) MCS 

Larabee. 


It's written in plain 

English. What does it 

mean? 

863. (579+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


That I'm not supposed 

to be afraid. 

864. (585+00) MCS 

Larabee. 


Afraid of what? 

865. (588+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Afraid of... 


Does that mean anything 

to you? 


I don't know. 


It is written in plain 

English. What does it 

mean? 


That I'm not supposed 

to be afraid. 


Afraid of what? 


Afraid of...






866. (593+04) MCS 

Akeelah turns to face 

Larabee o/s R. 


...me. 

867. (600+01) MCS 

Larabee. 

868. (602+10) MCS 

Akeelah moves to FG. 


follow. 

869. (609+01) MCS 

Larabee. 


This national spelling 

bee is a tough nut. 

I've seen it chew kids 

up and spit them out. 

So if... 

870. (620+04) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...you want to get 

there. You can't be a 

shrinking violet. You 

have to stand... 

623. 597.00 599.02 2.02 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...me. 


This national spelling 

bee is a tough nut. 

I've seen it chew kids 

up and spit them out. 

625. 620.06 624.08 4.02 


So if you want to get 

there, you can't be a 

shrinking violet. 

(Shrinking violet: Allegory, "Bashful".) 

626. 624.14 628.04 3.06 


You have to stand up 

and show them what you 

can do. 

627. 628.11 630.03 1.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

All right?






871. (625+04) MCS 

Larabee. 


...up and show them 

what you can do. All 

right? 

872. (630+06) MCS 

Akeelah nods. 

873. (633+15) MCS 

Larabee. 


And I'll brook no 

nonsense. You show up 

on time... 

874. (639+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...with no attitude. 

Or it's over. 

875. (644+01) MCS 

Larabee. 


Agreed? 

876. (647+04) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah offers a 

hand shake for 

agreement. 


Agreed. 

877. (652+07) MCS 

Larabee looks to her 

outstretched hand o/s 

L. 

628. 634.13 641.13 7.00 


And I'll brook no 

nonsense. You show up 

on time, with no 

attitude. 


Or it is over. 

(It: The coaching effort.) 

630. 645.02 646.14 1.12 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Agreed? 


Agreed.






878. (655+12) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee clasps 

hands with Akeelah. 

They shake in 

agreement. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

879. (658+06) HEAD SHOT 


880. INT. - WANDA'S CAR - DAY 

(660+14) FULL SHOT WE 

SEE Upscale homes FLOW 

BY. WE HEAR Georgia 

and Kiana singing. 

(MUSIC IN) 

(GIRLS SING) 

GIRLS:(SING) 

And baby you should... 

881. (662+12) CHEST SHOT 

Georgia, Kiana and 

Akeelah in car. 

GIRLS:(SING) 

...know that you ain't 

gotta go it solo. 

Akeelah interrupts. 


Stop...stop... 

632. 661.08 663.15 2.07 

(over scene end) GIRLS:(SING) 

And baby you should 

know... 

633. 664.05 668.15 4.10 

(over scene end) GIRLS:(SING) 

...that you ain't 

gotta go it solo. 

(Gotta: Lyrical from song, "got to".)




(INT. - WANDA'S CAR - CONT) 


882. (667+15) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Javier's HOUSE 

and BIRTHDAY PARTY 

Sign. 


Here it is. Stop... 

stop. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

KIANA:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Girl, mama'd... 

883. (672+02) MCS OTS 

Kiana BG, Akeelah FG. 

KIANA:(CONT) 

...trip if she knew we 

borrowed the care the 

this. 

AKEELAH:(TO KIANA) 

That's why mama... 

884. (677+07) HEAD SHOT 

Georgia looks o/s to 

the party. 


...ain't gonna know. 

885. (680+12) FULL SHOT 

teen aged Party goers. 

AKEELAH:(OS) 

(TO GEORGIA) 

Come on, Georgia. 

634. 668.15 671.06 2.07 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Here it is. Stop... 

stop. 

635. 671.12 674.15 3.03 

(over scene end) KIANA:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Girl, mama would trip 

if she knew we borrowed 

the car for this. 

(Trip: Derived from "trip out", meaning to 

be excessively angry.) 

636. 675.15 679.00 3.01 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO KIANA) 

That is why mama isn't 

going to know. 

637. 681.07 683.04 1.13 AKEELAH:(OS) 

(TO GEORGIA) 

Come on, Georgia.





886. (683+13) MCS 

Georgia. 

GEORGIA: 


Umm... 

887. (688+02) WAIST SHOT 


to Kiana. 

888. (690+02) MCS 

Georgia. 


I'm gonna go to the 

mall with Kiana. 

889. (695+14) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH: 

(TO GEORGIA)(OS) 

But I thought you 

wanted to go to this 

party. 

890. (699+07) MCS 

Georgia looks o/s to 

the party. 

891. (701+09) WAIST SHOT 

Teen aged party 

members talk. 

JAVIER:(OS) 


Hey, Akeelah. 

892. (704+01) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. WE SEE 

Javier BG. walking to 

her. 

893. (706+03) MCS 


to Javier. 

638. 692.07 695.08 3.01 GEORGIA:(CONT) 

I'm going to go to the 

mall with Kiana. 

(Mall: Shopping Mall.) 

639. 696.03 699.01 2.14 AKEELAH: 


But I thought you 

wanted to go to this 

party. 

640. 701.11 703.03 1.08 JAVIER:(OS) 


Hey, Akeelah.





894. (709+00) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah looks to 

Georgia o/s R. 

AKEELAH: 


Are you sure? 

895. (713+06) MCS 

Georgia. 

GEORGIA: 


Yeah. 


Come on... 

896. (717+13) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah L,. FG. Javier 

R. BG. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...let's go. 

Akeelah WALKS AWAY to 

Javier BG. with a 

final glance o/s R. to 

Georgia. 

897. (724+12) HEAD SHOT 

Wanda looks o/s L. to 

the departing Javier 

and Akeelah. She sits 

back in the car seat. 

(ENGINE START) 

(MUSIC IN) 

(MUSIC OUT) 

898. EXT. - PARTY - DAY 


kids play party games. 

899. (733+15) M FULL 

SHOT SWING at a party 

pinata. 

(THUD) 

641. 711.03 713.00 1.13 AKEELAH: 


Are you sure? 

642. 713.15 715.08 1.09 GEORGIA: 


Yeah. 

643. 717.02 718.15 1.13 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

Come on, let us go.




(EXT. - PARTY - CONT) 

900. (735+03) FULL SHOT 

Kickball game. 

901. (736+03) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Dylan Chiu RUN 


follow. 

AKEELAH:(OS)(TO JAVIER) 

Why'd you invite him? 

902. (739+12) LS Dylan 

and a group PLAY 

KICKBALL. CAMERA 

PULLS BACK to reveal 




My dad's friends with 

his dad. I'm 

surprised he showed 

up. 

903. (745+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


Hey, you wanna see my 

house? 

904. (747+10) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Yeah. 


Let's go. 

They STAND. 

644. 737.12 739.06 1.10 AKEELAH:(OS)(TO JAVIER) 

Why did you invite him? 


My dad is friends with 

his dad. I'm surprised 

he showed up. 


Hey, do you want to see 

my house? 


(THEN JAVIER) 

- Yeah. 

- Let us go.




905. INT. - DAD'S OFFICE - DAY 


CAMERA FOLLOWS Akeelah 

and Javier into the 

Mister Mendez's 

office. 


This is my father's 

office. He's a 

journalist. And he's 

written like a bunch 

of books. 

Akeelah and Javier 

look around. 

906. (760+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah BG. Javier 

FG. 

907. (762+04) MS of a 

PICTURE of Javier and 

Mr. Mendez. 


What's your father do? 

908. (764+10) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Javier R. looks to 

Akeelah FG. 


My... 

909. (766+13) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah moves R. 


...daddy he used... 

910. (771+05) HEAD SHOT 

Javier WALKS R. 


...to work for the 

city parks. 


This is my father's 

office. 

649. 755.05 759.07 4.02 JAVIER:(CONT) 

He is a journalist. 

And he has written like 

a bunch of books. 

650. 762.11 764.03 1.08 JAVIER:(OS)(CONT) 

What does your father 

do? 

651. 766.06 768.04 1.14 


My daddy... 

652. 770.06 773.01 2.11 


...he used to work for 

the city parks.




(INT. - DAD'S OFFICE - CONT) 

911. (773+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah BG. Javier 

FG. both look o/s 

through a window to 

the party o/s BELOW. 


Man, you got a lot of 

friends. I never had 

a birthday party this 

big. 

912. (784+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


I'd think you have 

lots of friends. 

913. (787+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah smiles and 

looks back out of the 

window. 

914. (790+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Javier SNEAKS A 

KISS to Akeelah's 

cheek. 

915. (793+00) HEAD SHOT 


Javier FG. 


Why'd you do that? 

916. (798+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


I had an impulse. Are 

you going to sue me 

for sexual harassment? 

917. (806+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah grins. 

They both break into 

GIGGLES. 

(GIGGLES) 


Man, you got a lot of 

friends. I never had a 

birthday party this 

big. 


I would think you have 

lots of friends. 


Why did you do that? 


I had an impulse. 

657. 802.10 806.03 3.09 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Are you going to sue me 

for sexual harassment?




(INT. - DAD'S OFFICE - CONT) 

918. (811+08) M FULL 

SHOT Javier and 

Akeelah stand beside 

the study/office 

window and laugh. 

919. (814+13) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah R. Javier 

L. 

(THEY LAUGH) 


That was a trip. 

920. (816+12) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE WE SEE 

Dylan BELOW setting 

Scrabble Games along 

two tables. 

921. (818+14) HEAD SHOT 


the scene below. 


What are they doing 

down there? 

922. (821+09) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE Dylan and 

his Scrabble games 

below. 


Oh no. Dylan brought 

his Scrabble games. 

923. (825+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Scrabble? 

(MUSIC IN) 


That was a trip. 

(Trip: Here used as "unique occurrence".) 


What are they doing 

down there? 


Oh no. Dylan brought 

his Scrabble games. 


Scrabble?






(828+07) MS Polly's 

HANDS as she PICKS 

LETTERS for her round. 

DYLAN:(OS)(TO ALL) I 

get thirty... 

925. (830+01) MS HIGH 

ANGLE Polly's HANDS as 

she ARRANGES her 

LETTERS. 


...seconds for each... 

926. (831+09) MS Line of 

kids each at their own 

Scrabble Board. 


...board. We need... 

927. (833+10) WAIST SHOT 

Dylan looks around to 

the kids at the party. 

DYLAN:(CONT) 

...one more. Who 

wants to play? 

AKEELAH:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

I will. 

928. (838+00) FULL SHOT 

Dylan and the Scrabble 

tables BG. Akeelah 

TORSO ONLY FG. WE SEE 

Dylan TURN and face 

FG. 

929. (840+08) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah. 

662. 829.15 832.13 2.14 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(OS)(TO ALL) 

I get thirty seconds 

for each board. 

663. 833.03 836.14 3.11 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(OS)(CONT) 

We need one more. Who 

wants to play? 

664. 837.04 839.00 1.12 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

I will.






930. (843+00) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan. 

931. (845+01) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah. He shakes his 

head slightly with a 

smug smile. 

932. (846+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah is ready for 

the challenge. 

JAVIER:(CONT)(TO ALL) 

And... 

933. (848+12) MS of 

Roman's SCRABBLE 

BOARD. Javier 

officiates the game 

from o/s. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...right out of the 

gate... 

934. (850+00) CS the 

WORD "birch" on the 

BOARD. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...Roman scores thirty 

two... 

935. (851+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Roman looks to 

Dylan FG. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...points with 

"birch"... 

665. 848.00 853.07 5.07 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(CONT)(TO ALL) 

And right out of the 

gate Roman scores 

thirty two points with 

"birch"... 

666. 853.13 856.08 2.11 


...on the double word 

score.






936. (853+02) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Dylan L., Javier 

R. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...on the... 

937. (854+04) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan concentrates on 

Roman's board. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...double word score. 

938. (856+00) MS HIGH 

ANGLE Dylan PLACES 

LETTERS on Roman's 

board. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Dylan counters with an 

immediate use... 

939. (858+08) CHEST SHOT 

Roman looks to the 

board. Dylan STOPS 

the TIMER L. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...of "Z" for thirty 

nine... 

CAMERA TRACKS L. 

940. (861+00) HEAD SHOT 

Javier moves R. to the 

next player. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...big ones. 

941. (862+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Dylan and Javier 

look to Polly's board 

R. 

667. 856.14 862.03 5.05 


Dylan counters with an 

immediate use of "Z" 

for thirty nine big 

ones! 

(Ones: Points.)






942. (863+13) MS Polly's 

BOARD. WE SEE "acorn" 

spelled with her 

letters. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Polly tests the water 

with... 

943. (865+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Polly STOPS HER 

TIMER, and SPINS her 

board. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

..."acorn." 

944. (867+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Dylan and Javier. 

945. (869+04) MS Polly's 

BOARD. Dylan places 

letters. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

And Dylan answers with 

a... 

946. (871+14) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...body blow, 

"beacon," for twenty. 

947. (874+05) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan moves R. to 

Akeelah's position. 

(PLUNGER) 

Akeelah SLAPS her 

timer to STOP. 

668. 864.06 866.14 2.08 


Polly tests the water 

with, "acorn". 

669. 869.11 873.12 4.01 


And Dylan answers with 

a body blow, "beacon" 

for twenty.






948. (875+14) MCS 

Akeelah FOLDS HER 

FINGERS with 

confidence as she 

looks o/s L. to Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Holly-canolie... 

949. (878+05) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah with some 

disbelief on his face. 

THEN BACK o/s BOTTOM 

to the board. 

950. (880+07) MS 

Akeelah's BOARD. FAST 

ZOOM IN... WE SEE, 

"placebo" on 

Akeelah's board. 

951. (883+03) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Right off the bat... 

952. (885+07) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...Akeelah's uses all 

her letters... 

670. 876.15 879.02 2.03 


Holly-canolie! 

671. 883.10 888.00 4.06 


Right off the bat 

Akeelah uses all her 

letters... 

672. 888.12 895.12 7.00 JAVIER:(CONT) 

...getting fifty extra 

points for a whopping 

eighty two!






953. (888+03) HEAD SHOT 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...getting fifty extra 

points... 

954. (891+02) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...for a whopping 

eighty... 

955. (894+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Dylan L,. Javier 

R. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...two! What will 

Dylan do? 

956. (900+06) HEAD SHOT 

Javier looks o/s L. to 

Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

He's fighting the 

clock. 

957. (902+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah looks at her 

board and waits. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

You could cut the 

tension with... 

958. (905+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Dylan and Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...a butter knife. 

DYLAN:(TO JAVIER) 

Shut up. 

673. 897.10 899.11 2.01 JAVIER:(CONT) 

What will Dylan do? 

674. 900.11 902.05 1.10 JAVIER:(CONT) 

He is fighting the 

clock. 

675. 904.00 908.00 4.00 


You could cut the 

tension with a butter 

knife. 

676. 908.06 910.08 2.02 DYLAN:(TO JAVIER) 

Shut up.






959. (911+10) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan looks o/s BOTTOM 

to his letters. 

960. (913+08) MS Dylan 

rearranges his 

letters. 

961. (915+09) MS Dylan's 

HANDS FG. Akeelah BG. 

watches. Dylan PLACES 

the letters on 

Akeelah's board. 

962. (918+11) MS Dylan's 

HANDS PLACE LETTERS. 

963. (920+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah watches 

Dylan's efforts. 

964. (922+12) HEAD SHOT 

Javier looks o/s L., 

to the Scrabble board. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Shazam! Dylan gets 

his own... 

965. (925+13) MS Dylan 

USES ALL HIS LETTERS. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...bingo board! 

Seventy... 

966. (928+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks up o/s 

L. to Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...six points! 

677. 923.07 927.08 4.01 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Shazam! Dylan gets his 

own bingo board! 

678. 927.14 930.06 2.08 


Seventy six points!







Akeelah, then looks 

o/s to the stop clock. 

968. (931+09) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah looks L. to 

Dylan as he STOPS his 

timer. 

969. (933+13) HEAD SHOT 

Javier looks o/s R. to 

Akeelah then turns to 

follow Dylan to the 

next play. 

970. (936+07) MCS 

Akeelah sits at her 

board. Looking o/s L. 

to Javier and Dylan. 

She REACHES into her 

bag for the next 

series of letters. 

971. (940+04) WAIST SHOT 

Kiana and Georgia 

ENTER the back yard. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

It's come down to 

this. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

972. (944+02) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE WE all the 

party goers GATHERED 

around the SCRABBLE 

TABLES. CAMERA PULLS 

BACK, CRANES DOWN. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

After having crushed 

all five opponents 

Dylan has only Akeelah 

to beat. But she's 

ahead by twenty one 

and has only a few 

letters left. 

679. 941.13 943.15 2.02 JAVIER:(CONT) 

It has come down to 

this. 

680. 944.10 949.15 5.05 JAVIER:(CONT) 

After having crushed 

all five opponents 

Dylan has only Akeelah 

to beat. 

681. 950.10 955.05 4.11 JAVIER:(CONT) 

But she is ahead by 

twenty one and has only 

a few letters left.





973. (955+13) WAIST SHOT 

LOW ANGLE Javier L., 

Georgia and Kiana BG. 

Akeelah at her 

Scrabble board FG. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Is this an upset in 

the making? 

974. (959+02) MCS 

Georgia L,. Kiana R. 

GEORGIA:(TO ALL) 

What kind of birthday 

party is this? 

975. (962+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah and Polly 

looks to the sound of 

Georgia's voice BG. 

(GIGGLES) 

976. (964+01) MCS 

Georgia L., Kiana R. 

NUDGES her. 

977. (966+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks back to 

the game. 

978. (969+04) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan concentrates on 

his letters. 

979. (970+05) MS Dylan's 

HANDS as he PLACES 

LETTERS on the board. 

980. (973+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks o/s to 

Dylan's move. 

981. (974+12) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan STOPS his TIMER. 

682. 956.05 958.10 2.05 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Is this an upset in the 

making? 

683. 960.02 961.14 1.12 GEORGIA:(TO ALL) 

What kind of birthday 

party is this?





982. (976+01) MCS Javier 

looks o/s R. to the 

game board. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Yowza! Using the 

triple word... 

983. (978+09) MCS Dylan 

looks o/s R. from the 

game. 

(MUSIC IN) 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...score, Dylan 

charges ahead by six. 

CAMERA TRACKS L. to 

reveal Mr. Chiu 

standing, watching his 

son. 

984. (983+02) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan turns back to 

the game. 

985. (988+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks to her 

letters. 

986. (990+07) CS Akeelah 

ARRANGES her LETTERS. 

987. (992+12) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah. 


Just go. 

988. (995+12) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan. 

989. (1000+03) WAIST SHOT 

Javier L., Georgia and 

Kiana BG. Akeelah R. 

plays her letters. 

684. 976.07 982.01 5.10 


Yowza! Using the 

triple word score, 

Dylan charges ahead by 

six 


Just go.






990. (1006+02) MS of 

Akeelah's play. 

991. (1008+10) WAIST SHOT 

Javier, Georgia, Kiana 

BG. Akeelah FG. STOPS 

her TIMER. 

992. (1009+06) MCS Dylan 

FG. Mr. Chiu BG. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Hoo-Ya! 

993. (1011+13) MCS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Akeelah's in the lead 

by twelve points. And 

has only... 

994. (1014+06) MCS 

Georgia L., Kiana R. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...one letter left. 

995. (1016+11) CHEST SHOT 

Mr. Chiu looks 

worried. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

But this could be 

Dylan's final play. 

996. (1019+00) MCS Dylan 

FG. Mr. Chiu BG. 

997. (1023+01) CS Dylan 

MOVES HIS LETTERS. 

998. (1025+12) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan and waits. 

686. 1009.12 1011.04 1.08 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Hoo-Ya! 

687. 1012.06 1016.06 4.00 


Akeelah is in the lead 

by twelve points. And 

has only one letter 

left. 

688. 1016.15 1018.09 1.10 JAVIER:(CONT) 

But this could be 

Dylan's final play.






999. (1028+02) MCS Dylan 

smiles. 


Arrivederci, 

sweetheart. 

1000.(1033+11) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan then to the 

board. 

1001.(1037+03) CS Dylan's 

HANDS as he PLAYS HIS 

REMAINING LETTERS. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Twelve points ties the 

game. 

1002.(1041+03) MCS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

But Dylan gets 

Akeelah's last two 

points. 

1003.(1045+07) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

He wins. A 

heartbreaker. 

(KIDS REACT) 

1004.(1050+06) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah as he STANDS. 

1005.(1052+15) MCS 

Javier. 


Wow, Akeelah. 


Arrivederci, 

sweetheart. 

690. 1038.11 1040.14 2.03 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Twelve points ties the 

game. 

691. 1041.11 1044.14 3.03 JAVIER:(CONT) 

But Dylan gets 

Akeelah's last two 

points. 

692. 1046.01 1050.02 4.01 JAVIER:(CONT) 

He wins. A 

heartbreaker. 

693. 1053.13 1058.15 5.02 


Wow, Akeelah. No one 

ever gets that close to 

beating Dylan.






1006.(1055+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

JAVIER:(OS)(CONT) No 

one ever gets that 

close to beating 

Dylan. 

AKEELAH:(TO 

JAVIER)(OS) 

But I didn't beat him. 

1007.(1061+08) WAIST SHOT 

Mr. Chiu and Dylan 

walk o/s L. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

GEORGIA: 


Girl... 

1008.(1064+05) WAIST SHOT 

Javier, Georgia and 

Kiana BG. Akeelah FG. 


...you passed up the 

mall to play Scrabble? 

1009.(1068+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah turns to exit 

the table. 

1010.(1070+10) MCS 

Georgia and Kiana 

watch Akeelah o/s. 

694. 1059.00 1060.15 1.15 

AKEELAH:(TO JAVIER)(OS) 

But I didn't beat him. 

695. 1064.02 1068.00 3.14 

(over scene end) GEORGIA: 


Girl, you passed up the 

mall to play Scrabble?




1011.INT. - MENDEZ HOUSE - DAY 


Akeelah ENTERS the 

house and moves R. 

DYLAN:(OS)(TO CHIU) 

She just got lucky. 

Akeelah STOPS and 

turns to the sound of 

Chiu and Dylan o/s L. 

SHE LOOKS around a 

corner. 

CHIU:(TO DYLAN) 

If you can barely beat 

a little black girl at 

a silly board game. 

How do... 

1012.(1083+07) FULL SHOT 

Dylan L. standing 

stiff and straight. 

Mr Chiu looks to him. 

CHIU:(CONT) 

...expect to win the 

national bee? 

1013.(1086+04) HEAD SHOT 


to Chiu and Dylan. 

1014.(1089+05) WAIST SHOT 

Dylan L, Chiu CLAPS 

LOUDLY. 

(HAND CLAP) 


Listen! 

696. 1073.01 1075.03 2.02 DYLAN:(OS)(TO CHIU) 

She just got lucky. 

697. 1076.12 1082.04 5.08 CHIU:(TO DYLAN) 

If you can barely beat 

a little black girl at 

a silly board game... 

698. 1082.10 1085.08 2.14 

(over scene end) CHIU:(CONT) 

...how do expect to win 

the national bee? 

699. 1089.14 1091.06 1.08 

(over scene end) CHIU:(TO DYLAN) 

Listen!




(INT. - MENDEZ HOUSE - CONT) 

1015.(1090+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah JUMPS reacting 

to the noise. 


We're not coming... 

1016.(1093+04) WAIST SHOT 

Dylan L., Chiu R. 

CHIU:(CONT) 

...in second again 

this year. 

1017.(1096+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

CHIU:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

We're gonna win. 

1018.(1101+01) WAIST SHOT 

Dylan L., Chiu R. 


Let's go. 

They move R. 

1019.(1107+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah considers what 

she has seen. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

He began to have a dim 

feeling. 

700. 1092.07 1095.12 3.05 

(over scene end) CHIU:(TO DYLAN) 

We are not coming in 

second again this year. 

701. 1097.03 1098.11 1.08 CHIU:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

We are going to win. 

702. 1101.12 1103.10 1.14 CHIU:(TO DYLAN) 

Let us go. 

703. 1110.00 1112.06 2.06 AKEELAH:(VO) 

He began to have a dim 

feeling.




1020.INT. - LARABEE'S HOME - DAY 


OTS Akeelah HOLDS A 

BIG BOOK from which 

she reads. CAMERA 

CRANES UP. 


That to attain his 

place in the world, he 

must be himself, and 

not another. 

Akeelah lowers the 

book. 


Doctor Larabee, this 

book is... 

1021.(1124+03) MCS 

Larabee. 


...too heavy. 


Good, it'll develop 

your arm muscles. 

1022.(1129+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I thought we were 

developing my 

vocabulary. 


We are. 

704. 1113.06 1119.12 6.06 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

That to attain his 

place in the world, he 

must be himself, and 

not another. 

705. 1121.03 1125.04 4.01 


Doctor Larabee, this 

book is too heavy. 


Good, it will develop 

your arm muscles. 


I thought we were 

developing my 

vocabulary. 

708. 1132.14 1135.07 2.09 


We are. Please 

continue reading.




(INT. - LARABEE'S HOME - CONT) 

1023.(1133+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee at his 

desk. 

LARABEE:(CONT) Please 

continue reading. 


But I already know... 

1024.(1136+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...most of the words 

in this speech. 


It's not a speech. 

It's an essay... 

1025.(1142+02) MCS 

Larabee. 


By W.E.B. Dubois. The 

first black man to 

receive a P.H.D. from 

Harvard University. 

1026.(1149+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Maybe we should be 

studying more big 

words. 

1027.(1153+01) MCS 

Larabee. 


Spell, "cabalistic." 

709. 1135.13 1139.03 3.06 


But I already know most 

of the words in this 

speech. 


It is not a speech. It 

is an essay... 

711. 1142.11 1149.06 6.11 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...by W.E.B. Dubois. 

The first black man to 

receive a P.H.D. from 

Harvard University. 


Maybe we should be 

studying more big 

words. 


Spell, "cabalistic."





1028.(1155+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah begins to 

spell, and PATS with 

her hand o/s BOTTOM. 


C-A... 

1029.(1157+11) CS 

Akeelah's HAND TAPS. 


...B-A-L... 

1030.(1158+14) MCS 


to Akeelah, then to 



...I-S-T... 

1031.(1160+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...I-C. Cabalistic. 

1032.(1162+13) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


And when did you learn 

that one? 

1033.(1165+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


About two minutes ago 

in this book. But in 

the time it took to 

learn that one word... 

714. 1156.03 1161.13 5.10 


C-A-B-A-L-I-S-T-I-C 

715. 1162.03 1163.11 1.08 


Cabalistic. 

716. 1164.01 1165.09 1.08 


And when did you learn 

that one? 


About two minutes ago 

in this book. 

718. 1169.09 1175.15 6.06 


But in the time it took 

to learn that one 

word Dylan probably 

learned twenty.





1034.(1173+04) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah L., Larabee R. 


...Dylan probably 

learned twenty. 


And those twenty words 

won't mean anything to 

him. He's just a 

little robot 

memorizing... 

1035.(1184+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...lists of words. 

The people we're 

studying, Dubois, Dr. 

King... 

1036.(1189+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...JFK -- these people 

used words to 

change... 

1037.(1194+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

LARABEE & AKEELAH: 

(IN UNISON) 

...the world. 


And they... 


And those twenty words 

won't mean anything to 

him. 

720. 1180.14 1186.00 5.02 


He is just a little 

robot memorizing lists 

of words. 

721. 1186.07 1191.03 4.12 


The people we are 

studying, Dubois, Dr. 

King, JFK... 

722. 1191.09 1196.06 4.13 


...these people used 

words to change the 

world. 

723. 1197.03 1203.03 6.00 


And they didn't acquire 

their vocabulary by 

wrote memorization.





1038.(1197+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...didn't acquire 

their vocabulary... 

1039.(1200+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

LARABEE:(CONT) ..by 

wrote memorization. 


Okay, but when I'm at 

the bee. And they 

tell me to spell some 

little fish from 

Australia, or some 

weird bacteria on the 

moon. 

1040.(1219+06) MCS OTS 

Larabee. 


We're gonna wish we 

done a little bit 

more... 

1041.(1222+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...wrote-morizing. 

And not so much... 

1042.(1226+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...essay reading. 


Okay, but when I'm at 

the bee. 

725. 1210.12 1216.08 5.12 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And they tell me to 

spell some little fish 

from Australia... 

726. 1216.14 1218.14 2.00 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...or some weird 

bacteria on the moon. 

727. 1219.09 1224.14 5.05 


We are going to wish we 

done a little bit more 

wrote-morizing... 

728. 1225.04 1227.09 2.05 


And not so much essay 

reading.





1043.(1228+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


If you don't mind me 

saying. 

1044.(1232+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Bacteria don't exist 

on the moon. 

1045.(1240+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Let me ask you 

something. 

1046.(1244+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Where do you think big 

words come from? 

1047.(1247+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


People with big 

brains? 

1048.(1250+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee chortles 

and turns L. 

1049.(1251+13) CHEST SHOT 


Larabee move o/s R. as 

he STANDS. 

729. 1229.09 1232.06 2.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

If you don't mind me 

saying. 


Bacteria don't exist 

on the moon. 

731. 1241.09 1243.09 2.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Let me ask you 

something. 

732. 1244.10 1247.11 3.01 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Where do you think big 

words come from? 


People with big brains?





1050.(1252+12) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah L., Larabee 

CROSSES BG. CAMERA 

PANS L. to follow as 

he MOVES TO A DISPLAY 

EASEL. 


All right. 

Larabee THROWS BACK a 

COVER SHEET on the 

Easel. 

1051.(1257+02) CHEST SHOT 


the easel FG. 

1052.(1258+09) FULL SHOT 

Larabee L., POINTS TO 

A WORD written on the 

top of a LONG LIST of 

words. 


What do you see? 

1053.(1260+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


A bunch of big words I 

don't know. 

1054.(1263+11) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


Ah. Look... 

1055.(1264+12) MS Larabee 

covers part of the 

first word with a 

ruler. 


...again. 

1056.(1266+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah does not 

understand. 


All right. 


What do you see? 


A bunch of big words I 

don't know. 

737. 1264.06 1266.04 1.14 


Ah. Look again.





1057.(1269+13) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee continues to 

cover part of the word 

and looks o/s R., to 

Akeelah. 


What kind of power do 

we get from the sun? 

1058.(1272+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Solar. 

1059.(1274+05) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee points. 


So, what does... 

1060.(1275+15) CS "SOL" 

on the easel board. 


"Sol" mean? 

1061.(1277+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Sun. 


What does... 

1062.(1280+04) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee points to the 

remainder of the word. 


..."terraneous," sound 

like? 

738. 1270.00 1272.06 2.06 LARABEE:(CONT) 

What kind of power do 

we get from the sun? 

739. *1272.14 1274.06 1.08 


Solar. 

740. 1274.12 1277.08 2.12 


So, what does "Sol" 

mean? 


Sun. 

742. 1279.15 1282.03 2.04 


What does "terraneous" 

sound like?





1063.(1282+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Terrain. 

1064.(1284+03) FULL SHOT 

Larabee with easel L., 

Akeelah R. 


Meaning, "the earth." 

1065.(1285+14) MS the 

word on the easel 

board. Larabee 

points. 


"Soliterraneous" 

means... 

1066.(1288+01) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee points to the 

portions of the word 

as he speaks. 


...the sun and the 

earth... 

1067.(1291+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...working together. 

So where... 

1068.(1294+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...do big words come 

from? 

743. 1282.13 1284.05 1.08 


Terrain. 

744. 1284.11 1286.03 1.08 


Meaning, "the earth." 


"Soliterraneous" 

means the sun and the 

earth... 

746. 1292.05 1293.15 1.10 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...working together. 

747. 1294.05 1295.13 1.08 


So where do big words 

come from?





1069.(1296+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Little words. 


And how many little 

words do you know? 


Tons. 

1070.(1302+07) FULL SHOT 

Larabee L., Akeelah R. 

Larabee moves R. to a 

book case. 


Yes! And there are 

tons more for you... 

1071.(1307+00) MS OTS 

Larabee BG. lifts 

BOOKS and PLACES them 

on his DESK R. 


...to learn. There 

are... 

1072.(1308+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee places 

books R. 


...Greek ones... 

1073.(1310+02) FULL SHOT 


MOVES BOOKS to HIS 

DESK. 


...there are Latin 

ones. 


Little words. 


And how many little 

words do you know? 

750. 1301.11 1303.03 1.08 


Tons. 

751. 1303.09 1307.15 4.06 


Yes! And there are tons 

more for you to learn. 

752. 1308.05 1309.13 1.08 


There are Greek ones. 

753. 1310.11 1314.07 3.12 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...there are Latin 

ones.





1074.(1314+11) CHEST SHOT 


books. 


French ones. 

1075.(1317+03) FULL SHOT 



And if you learn them 

all... 

1076.(1321+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...you can spell any 

word. 

1077.(1324+00) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


No matter how big. 

1078.(1328+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Maybe we should get 

back to the essay 

reading. 

1079.(1334+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Well, what's the 

matter? I thought you 

wanted win the 


754. 1315.03 1316.11 1.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

French ones. 

755. 1318.06 1323.12 5.06 


And if you learn them 

all you can spell any 

word. 

756. 1324.00 1326.03 2.03 LARABEE:(CONT) 

No matter how big. 


Maybe we should get 

back to the essay 

reading. 


Well, what is the 

matter? I thought you 

wanted win the national 

spelling bee.





1080.(1343+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Maybe just getting 

there this time is 

good enough. 

1081.(1348+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Oh, don't give me 

that. 

Larabee walks L. 

CAMERA PANS L. to 

follow. 

1082.(1352+06) FULL SHOT 

Larabee at the easel 

L., Akeelah R. 


You want to win it so 

badly, it keeps you up 

at night. Ever since 

you found out there is 

such a thing... 

1083.(1362+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...as the national 

spelling bee, you've 

seen yourself holding 

up that trophy. But 

if... 


Maybe just getting 

there this time is good 

enough. 


Oh, don't give me that. 

761. 1353.05 1358.13 5.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

You want to win it so 

badly, it keeps you up 

at night. 

762. 1359.09 1365.07 5.14 


Ever since you found 

out there is such a 

thing as the national 

spelling bee... 

763. 1365.13 1368.01 2.04 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...you have seen 

yourself holding up 

that trophy. 

764. 1368.07 1371.11 3.04 


But if you can't say 

it, you can't win it. 

So say it.





1084.(1368+11) FULL SHOT 

OTS Larabee L. Akeelah 

R. 


...you can't say it, 

you can't win it. So, 

say it. 

1085.(1372+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah rolls her eyes 

then speaks. 


I want to win. 

1086.(1374+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Say it louder, please. 

1087.(1376+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 



1088.(1378+06) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


You want to win what? 

1089.(1379+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah shouts. 


I want to win the 


1090.(1383+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Good. 



766. 1374.13 1376.05 1.08 


Say it louder, please. 

767. 1376.15 1378.07 1.08 




You want to win what? 


I want to win the 


770. 1384.06 1388.00 3.10 


Good.





1091.(1385+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Good. 

1092.(1388+15) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


You'll win using my 

methods. By first 

understanding the 

power of language. 

Then by 

de-constructing it. 

Breaking it down... 

1093.(1402+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...to its origins, to 

its roots. You'll 

consume it. 

1094.(1407+03) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


You will own it. And 

then you know what 

you'll be? 


Um-hmm. 

1095.(1414+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Tired. 


You will win using my 

methods. 

772. 1393.02 1399.07 6.05 LARABEE:(CONT) 

By first understanding 

the power of language. 

Then by de-constructing 

it. 

773. 1400.12 1405.08 4.12 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Breaking it down to its 

origins, its roots. 

774. 1405.14 1408.11 2.13 


You will consume it. 

You will own it. 

775. 1410.09 1412.14 2.05 LARABEE:(CONT) 

And then you know what 

you will be? 

776. 1413.03 1416.04 3.01 


Yes. Tired.





1096.(1416+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


You'll be a champion. 

1097.(1419+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah smiles. 

1098.(1422+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Are you ready? 

1099.(1424+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I'm ready. 

1100.(1425+12) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


All right, let's go. 

1101.MONTAGE 

(1427+09) MS Pointer 

SLAPS Easel sheet. 

(PAPER SLAP) 

(MUSIC IN) 

1102.(1428+09) WAIST SHOT 

CAMERA CIRCLES Larabee 

and Akeelah as they 

study. Larabee 

switches from book to 

book. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 


You will be a champion. 

778. *1422.10 1424.02 1.08 


Are you ready? 

779. 1424.08 1426.00 1.08 


I'm ready. 

780. 1426.03 1427.11 1.08 


All right, let us 

begin.




(MONTAGE - CONT) 


1103.(1438+03) M FULL 

SHOT CAMERA CIRCLES as 

Akeelah reads words 

from the easel list R. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1104.(1449+10) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah connects 

word fragments on the 

easel paper. CAMERA 

CIRCLES L. Then R. to 

Larabee. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1105.(1460+11) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee reads words 

INTO a RECORDER. 

CAMERA CIRCLES L. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1106.(1467+09) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah LISTENS to the 

RECORDING and TYPES 

WORDS into her 

computer. CAMERA 

CIRCLES L. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1107.(1473+00) MCS 

Larabee reads words. 

CAMERA CIRCLES L. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1108.(1477+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah types at the 

computer. 

LAP DISSOLVE;






1109.(1482+12) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah and Larabee 

sits in his garden. 

Akeelah reads. CAMERA 

CIRCLES L. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1110.INT. - AKEELAH'S HOUSE - DAY 


Akeelah ENTERS 

kitchen. SHE READS 

Study words from a 

Latin book as she 

moves to FG. CAMERA 

PANS L. to follow. 

(COUGH) 

Akeelah STOPS and 

looks o/s R to the 

sound. 

1111.(1517+12) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Wanda SITTING 

in an easy chair BG. 

Smoking a cigarette. 

1112.(1520+01) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Why you home so early? 

1113.(1523+03) FULL SHOT 

Wanda BG. 


I just wasn't feeling 

well. 

1114.(1526+10) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda looks o/s L. to 

the book in Akeelah's 



What 'chu got there? 


Why you home so early? 


I just wasn't feeling 

well. 


What have you got 

there?




(INT. - AKEELAH'S HOUSE - CONT) 

1115.(1531+14) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah places the 

Latin book face down 

on a table R. 


Homework. 

1116.(1535+08) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda sighs. 

1117.(1539+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


You know the regional 

bee's coming up soon. 

And I was wondering if 

you might want to... 


Is that going to... 

1118.(1448+04) CHEST SHOT 



...happen in Beverly 

Hills too? 

1119.(1550+02) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


I don't know. 

1120.(1552+10) CHEST SHOT 



I told you, you pass 

summer school... 


Homework. 


You know the regional 

bee is coming up soon. 

786. 1545.02 1547.09 2.07 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And I was wondering if 

you might want to... 

787. 1547.15 1549.07 1.08 


Is that going to happen 

in Beverly Hills too? 


I don't know. 

789. 1553.09 1559.03 5.10 


I told you, you pass 

summer school, then you 

can start worrying 

about spelling bees.




(INT. - AKEELAH'S HOUSE - CONT) 

1121.(1556+04) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...then you can start 

worryin' about 

spelling bee. 


But if you would 

just... 


Akeelah... 

1122.(1560+10) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

...baby, I'm just not 

in the mood. All 

right? 

1123.(1567+12) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah turns. 

1124.(1572+02) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah walks o/s L. 

with her book. CAMERA 

TILTS DOWN for OTS MS 

of a PHOTO ALBUM in 

Wanda's lap. WE SEE 

Pictures of Wanda and 

Akeelah's father. 

1125.(1581+01) HEAD SHOT 

Wanda looks o/s R. 

with sad eyes. 

790. 1559.09 1561.01 1.08 


But if you would 

just... 

791. 1561.07 1566.07 5.00 


Akeelah baby, I am just 

not in the mood. All 

right?




1126.EXT. - LARABEE'S HOUSE - DAY 



Larabee FG. 


So how come you don't 

teach anymore? 


I told you I do teach. 

I administer classes 

online. 

1127.(1597+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee stands. 


Let's keep going. 

1128.(1599+10) FULL SHOT 

Larabee stands L. 

Akeelah R. 


"Effervescent." 


E-F-F... 

1129.(1606+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...E-R... 

1130.(1609+08) MS Akeelah 

TAPS HER HAND on her 

leg. 


...V-E... 

1131.(1611+09) MCS 

Larabee looks down to 


(DOG BARKS) 


So how come you don't 

teach anymore? 


I told you I do teach. 

I administer classes 

online. 

794. 1598.09 1600.10 2.01 


Let us keep going. 

795. 1601.08 1603.01 1.09 LARABEE:(CONT) 

"Effervescent." 


E-F-F... 

797. 1607.15 1609.07 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...E-R... 

798. 1610.01 1611.09 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...V-E...





1132.(1614+08) MS 

Akeelah's HAND shakes 

as she thinks of the 

next letter. 

(DOG BARKS) 

1133.(1616+11) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...S-E-N-T. 

Effervescent. 

1134.(1619+11) FULL SHOT 



Come on, come on. You 

know this word. 

(DOG BARKS) 


That dog's distracting 

me. 


You're gonna have much 

bigger distractions 

when you get to the 

national bee in D.C. 

1135.(1630+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Now, what is that 

you're doing with your 

hand? Hmm? 

799. 1616.15 1619.03 2.04 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...S-E-N-T. 

Effervescent. 


Come on, come on. You 

know this word. 


That dog is distracting 

me. 


You are going to have 

much bigger 

distractions when you 

get to the national bee 

in D.C. 

803. 1631.05 1633.09 2.04 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Now, what is that you 

are doing with your 

hand?





1136.(1634+09) FULL SHOT 



What? 

Larabee STANDS moves 

to waste can BG. 


With your hand, your 

hand? You... you... 

you... 

Larabee TAPS on the 

waste can. 

(LARABEE TAPS) 


You tap... 

1137.(1644+00) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah R. . 


...like that. What is 

that? 


I don't know. 

1138.(1647+02) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee looks to 

the waste can lid. 

The TAPS. 

(LARABEE TAPS) 


What? 


With your hand, your 

hand? 

806. 1641.00 1642.08 1.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

You... 

807. 1642.15 1645.10 2.11 


You tap, like that. 

What is that? 

808. 1646.00 1647.08 1.08 


I don't know.




1139.INT. - GARAGE - DAY 


Larabee removes a 

STORAGE BOX from a 

shelf and PUTS IT 

BETWEEN Akeelah L,. 

and himself on a work 

bench. CAMERA PULLS 

BACK. Larabee opens 

the box. 

(AKEELAH COUGHS) 


So why you got all 

these toys for? 


They belonged to my 

niece. 


Oh. So, you got any 

kids of your own? 


You ask a lot of 

questions, don't you? 


I'm naturally 

inquisitive. 

Larabee takes a jump 

rope from the box. 


Yes, which is also 

sometimes confused 

with being naturally 

obnoxious. 

Larabee hands the jump 

rope to Akeelah. Then 

turns and walks R. 


Here. Let me see 

you... 


So why you got all 

these toys for? 


They belonged to my 

niece. 


Oh. So, you got any 

kids of your own? 


You ask a lot of 

questions, don't you? 


I'm naturally 

inquisitive. 


Yes, which is also 

sometimes confused with 

being naturally 

obnoxious. 

815. 1689.01 1692.11 3.10 


Here. Let me see you 

jump rope.






Larabee enters 

followed by Akeelah. 


...jump rope. 

1141.(1683+04) CHEST SHOT 



Just jump? 

1142.(1695+07) FULL SHOT 



Yes, just jump. 

1143.(1697+10) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah starts to 

jump rope. 

1144.(1701+13) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee watches. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1145.(1704+07) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah jumps 

rope. 

1146.(1706+00) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee watches. 

1147.(1709+09) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah stops, 

looks to Larabee FG. 


Is there a point to 

this? 

1148.(1711+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee thinks to 

himself, nods, then 

walks L. 


Yes there is, keep 

going. 


Just jump? 


Yes, just jump. 


Is there a point to 

this? 


Yes there is, keep 

going.






1149.(1723+15) FULL SHOT 

OTS Larabee PICKS UP A 

WATERING CAN and a 

HAND SHOVEL. Akeelah 

begins again to jump 

rope. 

(SKIP/JUMP) 

Larabee BEATS THE 

WATERING CAN with the 

HAND SHOVEL. 

(BANG/BANG/BANG) 

1150.(1729+02) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah BG. jumps 

rope. Larabee FG. 

BEATS THE CAN. She 

stops. 

1151.(1731+07) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 


I said, keep going. 

Concentrate... 

1152.(1736+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...stay focused. Spell 

effervescent. Don't 

think about anything 

else. Come on. 

820. 1731.08 1737.11 6.03 


I said, keep going. 

Concentrate, stay 

focused. 


Spell effervescent. 

Don't think about 

anything else. Come 

on.






1153.(1742+07) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah L., Jumps 

Rope. Larabee R. BEATS 

the CAN. 


Go. 

CAMERA WALKS R., PANS 

L. to follow Larabee 

as he tries to 

distract Akeelah. 


E-F-F-E-R... 


Good. 


...V-E-S-C-E-N... 

1154.(1757+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...T. Effervescent. 

Akeelah stops jumping 

rope. 

(MUSIC OUT) 


You see that? 

That's... 

1155.(1761+10) WAIST SHOT 



...your trick. That's 

your mnemonic device. 

822. 1743.00 1744.08 1.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Go. 


E-F-F-E-R... 


Good. 

825. 1751.13 1756.15 5.02 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...V-E-S-C-E-N-T. 

826. 1758.03 1759.15 1.12 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Effervescent. 

827. 1760.02 1762.10 2.08 


You see that? That is 

your trick. 


That is your mnemonic 

device.





1156.(1765+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Jumping rope? 


Keeping time. 

1157.(1768+06) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

LARABEE:(CONT) Keeping 

time. 

Larabee CROSSES to R. 

BG. CAMERA TRACKS L. 

to follow. 


You see, kids at the 

bee, they do all kinds 

of things. They sway 

back and forth. They 

turn around in 

circles. Anything they 

have to do to stay 

focused. 

Larabee CROSSES to L. 

BG. CAMERA FOLLOWS. 


You keep time. And I 

bet you, if you learn 

the words while you 

kept time. 

Larabee paces R. 

CAMERA FOLLOWS. 


You would remember 

them even better. 


Jumping rope? 

830. 1768.01 1769.11 1.10 


Keeping time. 

831. 1770.03 1774.04 4.01 LARABEE:(CONT) 

You see, kids at the 

bee, they do all kinds 

of things. 

832. 1774.10 1780.11 6.01 LARABEE:(CONT) 

They sway back and 

forth. They turn 

around in circles. 

833. 1781.04 1785.07 4.03 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Anything they have to 

do to stay focused. 

834. 1786.00 1793.00 7.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

You keep time. And I 

bet you, if you learn 

the words while you 

kept time. 

835. 1794.08 1798.11 4.03 LARABEE:(CONT) 

You would remember them 

even better.





1158.EXT. - MONTAGE - DAY 


Akeelah JUMPS AND 

SPELLS. 

(MUSIC IN) 

Larabee PACES BG. as 

he CALLS OUT WORDS. 


1159.(1816+07) FULL SHOT 

Larabee calls words 

and SWINGS a ROPE 

attached to a fence. 

HE CALLS OUT WORDS... 

Akeelah SPELLS AND 

JUMPS. CAMERA TRACKS 

R. 

1160.(1819+13) FULL SHOT 

Larabee's POV. 

Akeelah JUMPS ROPE and 

SPELLS. 

1161.(1822+13) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah's POV. CAMERA 

JUMPS ROPE. Akeelah 

o/s SPELLS. 

1162.(1825+11) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah JUMPS and 

SPELLS. 

1163.(1826+13) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah SPELLS and 

JUMPS Rope as she 

walks along a 

SIDEWALK. Larabee 

FOLLOWS and CALLS OUT 

WORDS. CAMERA PULLS 

BACK PRECEDING. 

1164.(1838+05) FULL SHOT 

DUSK. WE SEE Akeelah 

JUMPING ROPE L,. 

Larabee seated R. BOTH 

SILHOUETTED against A 

SUNSET BG. Akeelah 

JUMPS and SPELLS. 


(MUSIC OUT) 







1165.EXT. - USC - DAY 

(12+00) FULL SHOT LOW 

ANGLE of the USC 

AUDITORIUM where the 

REGIONAL SPELLING BEE 

is to be held. WE SEE 

Larabee, Akeelah and 

Welch WALK INTO SHOT 

from o/s FG. 


It's too bad your 

mother had to work 

today, Akeelah. Did 

she get the see the 

new dress? 

(18+00) TITLE 

FADES IN Southern 

California Regional 

Spelling Bee 


Ah... yeah, she 

thought it was cool. 

Oh, there goes Javier. 


JUDGE:(VO) 

This is a very 

exciting day for us 

here... 

1166.INT. - AUDITORIUM - DAY 


Judge on stage. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...because our top 

three spellers will 

representing Southern 

California... 


It is too bad your 

mother had to work 

today, Akeelah. 

837. 7.04 18.14 1.10 WANDA:(CONT) 

Did she get the see the 

new dress? 

MT#4 ( 18.00) ( 25.00) 

(TITLE FADES IN, FADES 

OUT 

Southern California Regional Spelling Bee ) 


Ah... yeah, she thought 

it was cool. Oh, there 

goes Javier. 

839. 24.04 26.09 2.05 JUDGE:(VO) 

This is a very exciting 

day for us here... 

840. 27.12 32.12 5.00 JUDGE:(CONT) 

...because our top 

three spellers will 

representing Southern 

California...





1167.(33+05) FULL SHOT 

Auditorium stage and 

audience. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...at the National 


Washington DC. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1168.(42+00) HEAD SHOT 

OF SPELLERS on stage. 

CAMERA TRACKS L. and 

STOPS on Akeelah FG. 

Javier BG. 


So what do you say, 

let's spell. 

1169.(48+11) MCS Welch 

BG. Larabee FG. both 

sitting in the 

audience. 


Well Josh. You think 

she's got a shot at 

it? 


We'll see. 

841. 33.15 40.02 6.03 JUDGE:(CONT) 

...at the National 


Washington DC. 

842. 44.11 48.09 3.14 JUDGE:(OS)(CONT) 

So what do you say, let 

us spell. 


Well Josh. You think 

she has a shot at it? 


We will see.






1170.(57+08) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah BACK TO 

CAMERA. Judges and 

audience BG. 

(MUSIC IN) 


Alfresco. 

CAMERA CIRCLES 

Akeelah. 


A-L-F-R-E-S-C-O. 

Alfresco. 

JUDGE:(TO AKEELAH) 


(APPLAUSE) 

1171.(70+13) HEAD SHOT 

Speller. 

SPELLER:(TO ALL) 

Loquacious. 

1172.(72+11) WAIST SHOT 

Judges. 

(DING) 

1173.(74+08) HEAD SHOT 

Girl speller. 

GIRL:(TO ALL) 

Espadrille. 

(DING) 

1174.(77+05) HEAD SHOT 

Round face boy. 

BOY:(TO ALL) 

Jambalaya. 

(DING) 


Alfresco. 

846. 60.00 65.01 5.01 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

A-L-F-R-E-S-C-O. 

Alfresco. 

847. 65.10 68.00 2.06 JUDGE:(TO AKEELAH) 


848. 70.15 72.07 1.08 SPELLER:(TO ALL) 

Loquacious. 

849. 74.13 76.07 1.10 GIRL:(TO ALL) 

Espadrille. 

850. 77.06 78.15 1.09 BOY:(TO ALL) 

Jambalaya.






1175.(82+11) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE Polly at 

the microphone BELOW. 


Would you repeat the 

word, please? 

1176.(85+09) FULL SHOT 

Polly L, at the 

microphone. Judges R. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO POLLY) 

Malloseismic. 

1177.(88+08) HEAD SHOT 

Polly. 


M-A... 

1178.(94+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Javier BG. 


...L-O... 

1179.(99+07) CHEST SHOT 

Welch and Larabee. 


...S-E... 

1180.(103+04) HEAD SHOT 

Polly. 

POLLY:(CONT) 

...I-S-M-I-C. 

1181.(106+08) FULL SHOT 

Polly at the 

microphone BELOW. 

(DING) 

851. 83.06 84.15 1.09 POLLY:(TO ALL) 

Would you repeat the 

word, please? 

852. 85.12 87.11 1.15 PRONOUNCER:(TO POLLY) 

Malloseismic. 

853. 90.06 93.14 3.08 POLLY:(TO ALL) 

M-A... 

854. 95.11 98.11 3.00 POLLY:(OS)(CONT) 

...L-O... 

855. 99.14 102.06 2.08 POLLY:(OS)(CONT) 

...S-E... 

856. 104.07 105.15 1.08 POLLY:(CONT) 

...I-S-M-I-C.






1182.(109+07) HEAD SHOT 

Polly. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO POLLY) 

Malloseismic is, 

M-A... 

1183.(113+11) CHEST SHOT 

PRONOUNCER. 


...L-L... 

1184.(115+11) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Polly at the 

microphone nearly in 

tears. 


...O-S-E-I-S-M-I-C. 

Polly RUNS R. CAMERA 


1185.(121+13) HEAD SHOT 


Both watch their 

friend run o/s. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1186.(123+05) WAIST SHOT 

Polly RUNS R. and 

EMBRACES her Mother AS 

SHE CRIES. 

1187.(125+04) HEAD SHOT 


The exchange glances. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

857. 109.13 115.06 5.09 PRONOUNCER:(TO POLLY) 

Malloseismic is, 

M-A-L-L.. 


...O-S-E-I-S-M-I-C.





1188.(130+04) FULL SHOT 

BACK OF THE 

Auditorium. WE SEE the 

DOOR OPEN. AND WE SEE 

Wanda IN SILHOUETTE. 

BOY SPELLER:(OS) 

(TO ALL) 

D-O-U-B-L-U-R-E. 

1189.(137+05) FULL SHOT 

Boy Speller L., Judges 

R. 

JUDGE:(TO BOY) 


(APPLAUSE) 

1190.(141+02) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Wanda STALK R. 

along the back of the 

auditorium. CAMERA 


1191.(144+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah walks to the 

microphone. 

1192.(148+03) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 


Psalmody. 

1193.(149+15) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda walks to FG. 

long an Aisle. 

AKEELAH:(OS) 

(TO PRONOUNCER)(OS) 

Definition please? 

859. 131.05 136.11 5.06 BOY SPELLER:(OS) 

(TO ALL) 

D-O-U-B-L-U-R-E. 

860. 137.10 139.11 2.01 JUDGE:(TO BOY) 



Psalmody. 

862. 150.12 152.11 1.15 AKEELAH:(OS) 


Definition please?





1194.(154+10) MCS Welch 

FG. Larabee BG. 

PRONOUNCER: 

(OS)(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Psalmody means, "The 

practice or art... 

WELCH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

Mrs. Anderson. 

1195.(158+11) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda looks o/s R. to 

Welch. 

1196.(160+03) MCS Welch 

motions for Wanda to 

join them. 


...of singing in 

psalms. 

1197.(161+12) CHEST SHOT 


Welch. 

WANDA:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

I want my daughter off 

that stage right now. 

1198.(166+04) MCS Welch 

not expecting this is 

stunned. 

1199.(167+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


P-S-A... 

WANDA:(OS) 

(TO WELCH)(OS) 

I don't care what 

she... 


to the sound of her 

mother's voice. 

863. 154.12 159.09 4.13 PRONOUNCER: 

(OS)(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

Psalmody means, "The 

practice or art... 

864. 159.15 161.07 1.08 WELCH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 


865. 161.13 163.05 1.08 PRONOUNCER:(OS)(CONT) 

...of singing in 

psalms. 

866. 163.11 165.13 2.02 WANDA:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

I want my daughter off 

that stage right now. 

867. 168.04 170.14 2.10 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

P-S-A... 

868. 171.03 172.11 1.08 WANDA:(OS) 

(TO WELCH)(OS) 

I don't care.





1200.(173+03) FULL SHOT 

OF THE AUDIENCE. 

Judges FG. WE SEE 

Wanda and Welch BG. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...I want her off that 

stage. I... 

1201.(176+04) HEAD SHOT 


the microphone and 

goes on with her 

spelling. 


...L-M-O... 


And I didn't give her 

permission. 

WELCH:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Mrs. Anderson... 

1202.(183+13) M FULL 

SHOT Wanda and Welch. 

WANDA:(TO WELCH) 

I told her she was 

expressly not to... 

1203.(186+14) HEAD SHOT 


to her mother. 


...not to be here. 

And you don't... 

1204.(188+12) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. Some look o/s 

R. to the commotion. 


...take my child 

anywhere without... 

869. 173.05 175.09 2.04 WANDA:(CONT) 

I want her off that 

stage. 

870. 178.10 181.02 2.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...L-M-O... 

871. 181.08 183.04 1.12 WANDA:(OS)(CONT) 

And I didn't give her 

permission. 

872. 184.06 188.03 3.13 

(over scene end) WANDA:(TO WELCH) 

I told her she was 

expressly not to be 

here. 

873. 189.04 192.13 3.09 


And you don't take my 

child anywhere without 

my permission.





1205.(191+05) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...my permission! 


...Um... D-Y. 

1206.(195+03) CHEST SHOT 

Judges look back to 

Akeelah o/s L. 

1207.(196+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Psalmody. 


That's... 

1208.(199+09) FULL SHOT 


Judges and audience 

BG. 


...correct. 

Akeelah SITS FG. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1209.(204+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah sits, looks 

down. 


All right, next 

please. 

WE HEAR Foot steps. 

WELCH:(OS) 

(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

Excuse me... 

874. 192.14 194.15 2.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...Um... D-Y. 

875. 196.12 198.04 1.08 


Psalmody. 

876. 199.10 201.05 1.11 



877. 204.14 206.11 1.13 JUDGE:(OS)(CONT) 

All right, next please. 

878. 208.03 210.02 1.15 WELCH:(OS) 

(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

Excuse me. I'm sorry.





1210.(208+14) FULL SHOT 

OTS Judges and Mr. 

Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...I'm sorry. Uh... 

The mother... 

1211.(211+02) CHEST SHOT 

Welch looks o/s R. to 

the Judges. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...of one of the 

spellers needs to 

speak with her. It's 

rather urgent. 

1212.(216+14) CHEST SHOT 

Pronouncer and Judge. 

JUDGE:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

Um... okay. But... 

1213.(219+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...she must be back on 

the stage before her 

next turn. Or she'll 

be disqualified. 

1214.(226+11) CHEST SHOT 

Welch looks o/s L. to 

Akeelah. 

WELCH:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

She'll be back. 

Welch motions for 

Akeelah to join him. 

1215.(230+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks 

sheepish. 

879. 210.08 216.13 6.05 


The mother of one of 

the spellers needs to 

speak with her. It's 

rather urgent. 

880. 217.03 224.03 7.00 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

Okay. But she has to 

be back on stage before 

her next turn... 

881. 224.09 226.10 2.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...or she will be 

disqualified. 

882. 227.07 228.15 1.08 WELCH:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

She will be back.





1216.(233+02) CHEST SHOT 

Welch motions again. 

1217.(235+08) MCS Dylan 


Akeelah and shakes his 

head. 

1218.(238+08) HEAD SHOT 


floor, then stands. 

1219.(241+00) FULL SHOT 

Welch, judges and 

audience BG. Akeelah 

STANDS and moves o/s 

R. 

1220.(243+06) MCS Javier 

watches the events 

unfold. 

1221.(245+01) CHEST SHOT 

Welch BG. looks to 

Akeelah FG. as she 

walks from the stage. 

1222.(246+11) MCS Dylan 

SMILES to himself as 

she watches her leave. 

1223.(249+07) FULL SHOT 

Dylan R. at the 

microphone. Akeelah 

joins Welch. Judges 

and Audience BG. 

Welch helps Akeelah as 

she JUMPS down from 


1224.(251+04) MCS Javier 

watches Akeelah o/s 

walk away into the 

audience.




1225.EXT. - AUDITORIUM - DAY 


Wanda WALKS Akeelah 

from the auditorium 

outside. Welch 

FOLLOWS. 

WELCH:(TO WANDA) 

I swear we thought you 

were on board with 

this Mrs. Anderson. 

WE SEE Larabee step 

from the auditorium 

BG. 


You wanna tell me what 

the heck is going on 

here. 

1226.(261+00) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


Because I never signed 

a consent form. 

1227.(264+07) WAIST SHOT 

Wanda L. FG. Akeelah 

R. FG., Welch and 

Larabee BG. 


I signed daddy's name. 

1228.(268+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Wanda. 


You did what? 

1229.(270+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

1230.(272+09) CHEST SHOT 

Welch looks away. 

883. 253.10 257.10 4.00 WELCH:(TO WANDA) 

I swear we thought you 

were on board with this 



Do you want to tell me 

what the heck is going 

on here. 

885. 261.04 263.12 2.08 WANDA:(OS)(CONT) 

Because I never signed 

a consent form. 


I signed daddy's name. 


You did what?





1231.(275+04) CHEST SHOT 



How do you think I 

felt? When Javier's 

mother calls me to see 

if I need a ride to 

USC. I don't know who 

she is... 

1232.(285+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...or what she's 

talking about. 


Sorry mama. I just 

wanted to do the bee. 

1233.(292+11) CHEST SHOT 



By lying? By going 

behind my back for the 

last six months? 

1234.(298+03) CHEST SHOT 


as he considers what 

he's hearing. 


You might as well say 

good bye to your 

little friends, 

Akeelah. Because... 


How do you think I 

felt? 

889. 279.02 284.11 5.09 WANDA:(CONT) 

When Javier's mother 

calls me to see if I 

need a ride to USC. 

890. 284.13 287.14 3.01 


I don't know who she is 

or what she is talking 

about. 


Sorry mama. I just 

wanted to do the bee. 


By lying? By going 

behind my back for the 

last six months? 

893. 299.01 301.12 2.11 WANDA:(OS)(CONT) 

You might as well say 

good bye to your little 

friends, Akeelah. 

894. 302.02 304.14 2.12 


Because this is your 

last spelling bee.





1235.(302+04) WAIST SHOT 

Wanda L., FG. Akeelah 

R. FG., Welch and 

Larabee BG. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...this is your last 

spelling bee. 

WELCH:(TO WANDA) 

I beg you... 

1236.(306+02) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...Mrs. Anderson, to 

reconsider this. 

1237.(309+01) WAIST SHOT 

Wanda and Welch L., 

FG. Akeelah R. FG. 

Larabee BG. walks to 

FG. 

WELCH:(TO WELCH) 

She deserves this 

opportunity. 


Bob, Mrs. Anderson is 

right. Akeelah does 

not deserve... 

1238.(318+03) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...to go to the bee 

this year. 

895. 305.05 308.15 3.10 

(over scene end) WELCH:(TO WANDA) 

I beg you, Mrs. 

Anderson, to reconsider 

this. 

896. 309.05 312.00 2.11 WELCH:(TO WELCH) 

She deserves this 

opportunity. 


Bob, Mrs. Anderson is 

right. 

898. 317.00 320.00 3.00 


Akeelah does not 

deserve to go to the 

bee this year.





1239.(320+09) HEAD SHOT 

Welch looks o/s R. to 

Larabee. 

WELCH:(TO LARABEE)(OS) 

What? 

(DING) 


(322+08) WAIST SHOT A 

STUDENT BG. walks o/s 

R. Judges FG. BACKS TO 

CAMERA. WE SEE Javier 

BG. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1241.(324+00) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(OUT LOUD) 

Next speller please. 

1242.(327+06) CHEST SHOT 

Javier stands on 

stage. He looks o/s R. 

to where Akeelah and 

Wanda left the 

auditorium. 

(APPLAUSE DIES) 

1243.(329+06) FULL SHOT 

of the EXIT DOORS at 

the BACK of the 

auditorium. 

JUDGE:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Come on up to the 

mic... 

1244.(331+08) CHEST SHOT 

Javier. 


...please. 

Javier moves SLOWLY. 

899. 320.13 322.05 1.08 WELCH:(TO LARABEE)(OS) 

What? 

900. 324.04 326.04 2.00 JUDGE:(OUT LOUD) 

Next speller please. 

901. 330.00 333.00 3.00 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Come on up to the 

mic, please.





1245.(336+05) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Javier WALKS 

SLOWLY to the 

microphone. 

1246.(338+13) CHEST SHOT 

Judges LOOK o/s L., to 

Javier. 

1247.(340+04) FULL SHOT 

SIDE ANGLE Javier 

WALKS SLOWLY L,. 

Judges R. 

JUDGE:(TO JAVIER) 

A little faster. Come 

on. 

1248.(347+03) CHEST SHOT 

Javier walks slowly R. 

1249.(349+11) FULL SHOT 

EXIT DOOR at the rear 

of the auditorium. 

LARABEE:(VO)-(OS) 

(TO WANDA)(OS) 

I apologize... 



OTS Larabee BG. looks 

to Wanda L. FG. 


...Mrs. Anderson, if 

we've contributed to 

any anguish you may be 

feeling. 

1251.(357+04) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda L. Welch R. 

WANDA:(TO LARABEE)(OS) 

And who are you, 

exactly? 

902. 340.05 344.15 4.10 JUDGE:(TO JAVIER) 

A little faster. Come 

on. 

903. 351.01 356.11 5.10 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(VO)-(OS) 

(TO WANDA)(OS) 

I apologize, Mrs. 

Anderson, if we have 

contributed to any 

anguish you may be 

feeling. 

904. 358.09 360.03 1.10 WANDA:(TO LARABEE)(OS) 

And who are you, 

exactly?





1252.(360+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

LARABEE:(TO WANDA) 

My name is Joshua 

Larabee, Ma'am. 

1253.(364+03) HEAD SHOT 



And I've been... well 

I've been helping 

Akeelah... 

1254.(368+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...prepare herself for 

the spelling bee. 

1255.(371+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

WELCH:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Akeelah's getting 

extra... 

1256.(374+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Welch. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...school credit for 

working with Doctor... 

905. 361.03 363.12 2.09 LARABEE:(TO WANDA) 

My name is Joshua 

Larabee, Ma'am. 

906. 364.07 371.00 6.09 


And I have been helping 

Akeelah prepare herself 

for the spelling bee. 

907. 373.00 378.04 5.04 

(over scene end) WELCH:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

Akeelah is getting 

extra school credit for 

working with Doctor 

Larabee.





1257.(377+00) WAIST SHOT 

Wanda L., Welch and 

Larabee C, Akeelah R. 

WELCH:(CONT) 

...Larabee. We 

designed an entire 

program specifically 

for her. 

Wanda looks R. to 

Akeelah. 


Why'd you tell me 

about this? 

1258.(387+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Mama, I hated going 

behind your back. But 

every time I brought 

up the bee, you didn't 

want to hear it. 

1259.(396+13) HEAD SHOT 


1260.(398+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I didn't know what to 

do. 

1261.(402+04) HEAD SHOT 


JAVIER:(VO) 

Can I get the... 

908. 378.12 383.15 5.03 WELCH:(CONT) 

We designed an entire 

program specifically 

for her. 


Why didn't you tell me 

about this? 


Mama, I hated going 

behind your back. 

911. 391.07 396.12 5.05 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

But every time I 

brought up the bee, you 

didn't want to hear it. 

912. 399.06 401.07 2.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I didn't know what to 

do. 

913. 404.15 406.11 1.12 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(VO) 

Can I get the 

pronunciation again?





(405+06) MCS Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...pronunciation 

again? 

1263.(407+07) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 


He's given it to 

you... 

1264.(409+15) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Javier BG. Judges 

FG. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...five times. You 

need to spell the 

word. 

JAVIER:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

Could you use it in a 

sentence? 

JUDGE:(OS)(TO JAVIER) 

He's already... 

1265.(418+12) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...used it in a 

sentence. 

1266.(422+02) MCS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(TO JUDGE) 

I mean, a different 

sentence than you used 

before. 

914. 407.12 414.00 6.04 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO JAVIER)(OS) 

He has given it to you 

five times. You need to 

spell the word. 

915. 415.08 418.01 2.09 JAVIER:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 


sentence? 

916. 418.13 421.13 3.00 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS)(TO JAVIER) 

He has already used it 

in a sentence. 

917. 422.13 426.02 3.05 JAVIER:(TO JUDGE) 

I mean, a different 

sentence than you used 

before.





1267.(426+07) CHEST SHOT 

Judges table. 


You only get one 

sentence. 

JUDGE#2:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

What's up with this 

kid? 

1268.(432+06) MCS Javier 

looks from the Judge 

o/s to the Exit Door 

o/s. 


(434+11) HEAD SHOT OTS 

Akeelah. 

1270.(437+02) HEAD SHOT 



Well you must want 

this thing pretty bad. 

Because you... 

1271.(441+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...ain't never lied to 

me before in your 

life. 

1272.(445+14) HEAD SHOT 



So maybe you can tell 

me what a good 

punishment would be 

for what you did. 

1273.(452+00) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah looks 

down. 


You only get one 

sentence. 

919. 430.04 431.12 1.08 JUDGE#2:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

What is up with this 

kid? 

920. 439.03 444.09 5.06 


Well you must want this 

thing pretty bad. 

Because you never lied 

to me before in your 

live. 


So maybe you can tell 

me what a good 

punishment would be for 

what you did.





1274.(456+03) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Wanda gives an 

"I'm waiting," look. 

1275.(458+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I guess I gotta miss 

the bee. 

1276.(462+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Wanda L., Welch 

BG. 


Well, that don't just 

punish you. 

1277.(464+05) WAIST SHOT 

Wanda L, Welch and 

Larabee C. BG., 

Akeelah R. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

Mister Welch and 

Doctor Larabee done 

put a lot of time into 

this too. 

1278.(469+05) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

So you think of 

something else. 

1279.(471+15) HEAD SHOT 


L. to Larabee. 

1280.(474+09) MCS 

Larabee returns the 

look. And he too waits 

for an answer. 


I guess I have got to 

miss the bee. 

923. 462.11 468.14 6.03 


Well, that don't just 

punish you. Mr. Welch 

and Doctor Larabee put 

a lot of time in this 

too. 

924. 469.13 471.10 1.13 WANDA:(CONT) 

So you think of 

something else.





1281.(476+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Maybe double chores 

for the month. 

1282.(482+07) HEAD SHOT 



For the next three 

months. 

1283.(486+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

1284.(489+01) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

She still got time to 

get back up on that 

stage? 

1285.(493+02) MCS Welch 

sees a ray of hope. 

WELCH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

Ah... If we move very 

quickly... 

1286.(497+14) HEAD SHOT 



...yes. 


Well, I guess you 

better get a move on. 

Hmm? 

1287.(504+06) HEAD SHOT 


her mother's eyes. 

Then slowly moves o/s 

L. 


Maybe double chores for 

the month. 


For the next three 

months. 

927. 489.07 492.13 3.06 WANDA:(TO WELCH)(OS) 

She still got time to 

get back up on that 

stage? 

928. 496.02 499.03 3.01 

(over scene end) WELCH:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

If we move very 

quickly, yes. 


Well, I guess you had 

better get a move on.





1288.(508+04) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah joins Welch 

BG. 


We haven't much time. 

Come on. 

Akeelah and Welch head 

for the auditorium 

door BG. Akeelah 

STOPS then moves BACK 

TO WANDA. They 

EMBRACE. 


Thank you mama. 

Wanda pats her with 

assurance. 


All right. 

Akeelah RUNS to join 

Welch BG. The EXIT 

into the auditorium. 

Wanda and Larabee look 

to each other. 

1289.(531+13) CHEST SHOT 


WANDA:(TO LARABEE) 

Doctor Larabee, is it? 

1290.(534+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Yes. 

1291.(536+14) CHEST SHOT 



So you actually think 

Akeelah... 


We haven't much time. 

Come on. 


Thank you mama. 


All right. 

933. 532.03 534.04 2.01 WANDA:(TO LARABEE) 

Doctor Larabee, is it? 


Yes. 

935. 538.05 543.08 5.03 

(over scene end) WANDA:(TO LARABEE) 

So you actually think 

Akeelah has a chance to 

win the national 

spelling bee?





1292.(540+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...has a chance to win 

the national spelling 

bee? 


Yes. Yes I think... 

1293.(549+06) HEAD SHOT 



...she does. 


(555+02) MCS Javier at 


JAVIER:(TO JUDGE) 

Well, could you use it 

in a song? 

1295.(559+15) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 


What? 

1296.(562+04) MCS 

Javier looks to the 

rear of the auditorium 

o/s. 

1297.(563+10) FULL SHOT 

the REAR of the 

Auditorium, EXIT DOOR 

OPENS. Akeelah and 

Welch ENTER. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Never... 

936. 545.06 550.04 4.14 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(TO WANDA) 

Yes, I think she does. 

937. 555.11 559.07 3.12 JAVIER:(TO JUDGE) 

Well, could you use it 

in a song? 


What? 

939. 566.03 568.15 2.12 


Never mind. 

Ratatouille...





1298.(566+11) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Judges FG. Javier 

BG. at the microphone. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...mind. 

"Ratatouille." 

R-A-T-A-T-O-U... 

1299.(570+15) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 

...I-L-L... 

1300.(572+03) MCS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...E. Ratatouille. 

1301.(573+14) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 


Ah... That's correct. 

1302.(577+00) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

Where's number seventy 

three, please? 

1303.(579+13) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah and Welch 

make their way to FG. 


Number seventy three? 

WELCH:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

She's here. She's 

here. 

Mister Welch HELPS 

Akeelah BACK ONTO THE 

STAGE. 

940. 569.05 573.08 4.03 


R-A-T-A-T-O-U-I-L-L-E 

"Ratatouille". 



942. 577.04 579.05 2.01 JUDGE:(CONT) 

Where is number seventy 

three, please? 

943. 580.05 582.01 1.12 JUDGE:(OS)(CONT) 

Number seventy three? 

944. 582.07 583.15 1.08 WELCH:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

She is here.





1304.(587+07) WAIST SHOT 

Wanda at the back of 

the auditorium look to 

Akeelah o/s L. She 

walks R. FOLLOWED BY 

Larabee. 

1305.(591+01) MCS Javier 

L., Akeelah R. 


Thank you. 


I was about to start 

tap dancing. 

1306.(594+09) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah takes her 

place at the 

microphone. Judges R. 

1307.(597+01) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda L., Larabee R. 

they look o/s L. to 

Akeelah. 

PRONOUNCER:(OS) 


Okay. "Pluviosity." 

1308.(602+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Can I get a 

definition, please. 

1309.(605+04) CHEST SHOT 


PRONOUNCER:(OS) 


Pluviosity means, "A 

state characterized by 

much rain." 


Thank you. 

946. 593.09 595.01 1.08 


I was about to start 

tap dancing. 

947. 597.04 601.08 4.04 PRONOUNCER:(OS) 


Okay. "Pluviosity." 


Can I get a definition, 

please. 

949. 605.14 612.00 6.02 PRONOUNCER:(OS) 


Pluviosity means, "A 

state characterized by 

much rain."





1310.(612+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH: 


Okay. 

1311.(614+14) HEAD SHOT 

Wanda sits in the 

audience. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1312.(620+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks o/s R., 

to Wanda and SMILES. 


Pluviosity. P-L-U... 

1313.(629+11) MCS Wanda. 


...V-I-O-S... 

1314.(632+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...-I-T-Y. 

Pluviosity. 

1315.(636+10) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 



(APPLAUSE) 

1316.(639+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah SMILES. 

(APPLAUSE) 

950. 624.02 626.02 2.00 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

Pluviosity. 

951. 627.04 634.04 7.00 


P-L-U-V-I-O-S-I-T-Y 

952. 634.11 636.03 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Pluviosity. 


That is correct.






1317.(641+03) MCS Wanda 

looks around at the 

audience as they 

applaud her daughter. 

She begins to clap 

also. 

1318.(651+12) CHEST SHOT 

CAMERA PANS R. as 

Dylan, Javier and 

Akeelah ALL HOLD 

RIBBONS. Each has 

placed as the top 

three winners for the 

Regional Spelling Bee. 

1319.EXT. - CRENSHAW SCHOOL - DAY 

(659+07) MS NEWSPRINT 

PICTURE, CAMERA PULLS 

OUT. WE SEE it is a 

poster ON A WALL. 

Akeelah, Mrs. Cross 

and Mr. Welch stand on 

a platform outside of 

the school. 

WELCH:(OUT LOUD) 

I'd like to thank you 

all for coming out 

today. To honor our 

own Akeelah Anderson. 

(CHEERS) 

1320.(678+06) LS of the 

school. POSTER BG. 

STUDENTS FG. 

(CHEERS) 

1321.(681+02) MS Tough 

girls and Chuckie. 

Rolls their eyes. 

954. 667.03 671.15 4.12 WELCH:(OUT LOUD) 

I would like to thank 

you all for coming out 

today. 

955. 672.12 677.10 4.14 WANDA:(CONT) 

To honor our own 

Akeelah Anderson.




(EXT. - CRENSHAW SCHOOL - CONT) 


1322.(684+00) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah MOVES to FG. 

to the microphone. 

(MUSIC OUT) 


Umm... Thanks. 

1323.(693+10) LS of the 

Pep rally. Silence. 

1324.(696+08) WAIST SHOT 

LOW ANGLE Akeelah at 



A lot. 

(CHEERS/APPLAUSE) 

1325.(701+00) MCS 

Georgia smiles and 

claps. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

956. 691.11 693.03 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

Thanks. 

957. 697.02 698.15 1.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

A lot.





1326.(704+15) M FULL 

SHOT CAMERA FOLLOWS 

Georgia as she WALKS 

to join Akeelah BG. 

who is signing 

autographs. 


Girl, you're like a 

movie star now. 


I know, it's pretty 

crazy. 


Hey, my mama said she 

wants to take us out 

to celebrate tonight. 

CAMERA TRACKS L. for 

OTS. 


Javier's parents are 

taking me out. But 

you know maybe we 

can... 

Mr. Welch ENTERS R, 


Excuse me, I'm sorry. 

There's a reporter 

here. And she wants 

to talk to you. 


I don't want to talk 

to no reporter. 


Are you kidding? This 

is exactly the sort of 

good publicity 

Crenshaw needs. 

Welch looks to the 

entourage. 


Girl, you are like a 

movie star now. 


I know, it is pretty 

crazy. 


Hey, my mama said she 

wants to take us out to 

celebrate tonight. 


Javier's parents are 

taking me out. 

962. 723.07 725.07 2.00 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

But you know maybe we 

can... 


Excuse me, I'm sorry. 

There is a reporter 

here. And she wants to 

talk to you. 


I don't want to talk to 

no reporter. 


Are you kidding? This 

is exactly the sort of 

good publicity Crenshaw 

needs.





WELCH:(TO ALL) 

Excuse us. Sorry. 

Welch shepherds 

Akeelah o/s R. CAMERA 

WALKS R. and PANS L. 

to a DEJECTED Georgia. 

REPORTER:(VO) 

Hi, this is Lauren 

Sanchez reporting from 

South Los Angeles. 

I'm here... 

1327.(749+09) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah L., Reporter 

R. 

REPORTER:(CONT) 

...with eleven year 

old Akeelah Anderson. 

She's a... 

1328.INT. - LARABEE'S HOUSE - DAY 

(753+05) ECS EYES ONLY 

of Larabee as she 

looks o/s R. to a 

television set. 

(MUSIC IN) 

REPORTER:(FROM TV) 

...seventh grader from 

Crenshaw middle 

school. Who's 

heading... 

1329.(757+11) MS 

Television set. 


...to the National 

Spelling Bee. How 

does it... 

966. 739.13 742.07 2.10 WELCH:(TO ALL) 

Excuse us. Sorry. 

967. 745.15 749.02 3.03 REPORTER:(VO) 

Hi, this is Lauren 

Sanchez reporting from 

South Los Angeles. 

968. 749.15 752.11 2.12 

(over scene end) REPORTER:(CONT) 

I'm here with eleven 

year old Akeelah 

Anderson. 

969. 754.00 759.14 5.14 


She is seventh grader 

from Crenshaw Middle 

School who is headed to 


bee. 

970. 760.04 764.02 3.14 


How does it feel, now 

that you are going to 

Washington DC?






1330.(760+03) MCS 


to the television set. 


...feel now that 

you're going to be 

going to Washington 

DC? 

AKEELAH:(FROM TV) 

It's pretty cool. 


Are you excited? 

Larabee looks o/s 

BOTTOM. 

1331.(767+01) MS HIGH 

ANGLE of a PICTURE of 

Larabee WITH HIS 

DAUGHTER. 


All right, let's check 

out the word that 

Akeelah spelled 

here... 

1332.(770+05) ECS EYES 

ONLY Larabee. 


...at the Southern 

California finals, 

that got her... 

1333.(773+05) CS Picture 

of Larabee and 

daughter. 


...to the national 

bee. 

971. 764.12 766.03 1.07 AKEELAH:(FROM TV) 

It is pretty cool. 

972. 766.09 768.01 1.08 

(over scene end) REPORTER:(FROM TV) 

Are you excited? 

973. 768.07 775.03 6.12 


All right, let us check 

out the word that 

Akeelah spelled here at 

the Southern California 

finals that got her to 


bee.






1334.(777+12) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee look to the 

picture o/s BOTTOM 

with sadness in his 

eyes. 

(LARABEE SIGHS) 

He rests his head in 

his hand. 

1335.(787+12) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE Larabee 

PUTS THE PICTURE in A 

DRAWER. He SITS BACK. 

LARABEE:(VO) 

Spell, 

"affenpinscher." 

974. 796.15 798.14 1.15 LARABEE:(VO) 

Spell, "affenpinscher." 

(INTENTIONALLY BLANK)







to Larabee. 


Affen – what? 

1337.(801+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


"Grallatorial." 

1338.(804+00) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


G-R-A-L-A-T... 


Wrong. 

1339.(809+12) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee. 


"Jacquard." 

1340.(811+09) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Doctor Larabee? 


Spell the... 

1341.(814+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...word. "Jacquard." 

1342.(816+01) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


J-A... 


Affen – what? 


"Grallatorial." 


G-R-A-L-A-T... 

978. 809.05 811.07 2.02 


Wrong. "Jacquard." 


Doctor Larabee? 

980. 814.05 815.13 1.08 


Spell the word, 

"Jacquard." 

981. 818.12 821.15 3.03 


J-A-Q-U-A...





1343.(820+06) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...Q-U-A... 


What about the "C"? 

1344.(823+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


These are all words 

that were... 

1345.(826+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...missed in last 

year's national 

spelling bee. 

1346.(830+02) FULL SHOT 



And you can't spell 

one of them. 


Maybe 'cause we 

haven't studied them 

yet. 


Why did you cancel 

yesterday? Hmm? Were 

you doing another... 

982. 822.05 823.13* 1.08 LARABEE:(TO AKEELAH) 

What about the "C"? 

983. 824.15 830.00 5.01 


These are all words 

that were missed in 

last year's national 

spelling bee. 

984. 830.12 832.04 1.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

And you can't spell one 

of them. 


Maybe because we 

haven't studied them 

yet. 

986. 835.09 840.14 5.05 


Why did you cancel 

yesterday? Hmm? Were 

you doing another 

interview?





1347.(839+08) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


...interview. 

Flaunting yourself in 

front of the 

television cameras? 

1348.(844+01) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


No. I was at the 

mall. 

1349.(846+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee grows wide 

eyed. 


Look... 

1350.(849+03) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...I wasn't dissing 

you. I was Christmas 

shopping. 

1351.(853+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Dissing? I thought we 

didn't use words like 

that. I thought we 

only used words from 

the dictionary in 

here. 

1352.(862+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah TURNS to A 

LARGE DICTIONARY BG. 

and thumbs pages. 

987. 841.04 843.03 1.15 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Flaunting yourself in 

front of the television 

cameras? 


No. I was at the mall. 

989. 848.10 853.01 4.07 


Look, I wasn't dissing 

you. I was Christmas 

shopping. 


Dissing? I thought we 

didn't use words like 

that. 

991. 857.04 861.11 4.07 LARABEE:(CONT) 

I thought we only used 

words from the 

dictionary in here.





1353.(867+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. looks 

through pages. 

Larabee BG. 

1354.(869+07) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah BACK TO CAMERA 

at the dictionary. 

1355.(870+14) CHEST SHOT 


crosses his arms. 

Akeelah FG. at the 

dictionary. 

1356.(874+03) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah at the 

dictionary FG. Larabee 

BG. 

AKEELAH:(READS) 

"Dis." Dissed, Dis... 

1357.(877+07) MCS 

Larabee. 


...eased. To treat 

with disrespect or 

contempt. To find 

fault with. 

1358.(882+13) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah turns and 


Larabee. 


New words get added to 

the dictionary... 

1359.(886+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...every year. 

1360.(889+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah crosses her 

arms also. 

992. 875.03 878.09 3.06 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(READS) 

"Dis." Dissed, 

Diseased. 


To treat with 

disrespect or contempt. 

To find fault with. 

994. 883.13 887.10 3.13 


New words get added to 

the dictionary every 

year.





1361.(892+07) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


Look... 

1362.(899+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...I didn't get to the 

national bee until I 

was... 

1363.(904+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...fourteen years old. 

I had no help. I had 

no training. I had 

nothing. By the time 

I got to the third 

round I was out. 

1364.(916+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


You have an 

opportunity... 

1365.(921+10) MCS 

Larabee. 


...to win this thing. 

1366.(924+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


But all we've done for 

eight months is study 

words. 

995. 898.07 905.07 7.00 


Look, I didn't get to 

the national bee until 

I was fourteen years 

old. 

996. 906.06 911.08 5.02 LARABEE:(CONT) 

I had no help. I had 

no training. I had 

nothing. 

997. 912.12 916.00 3.04 LARABEE:(CONT) 

By the time I got to 

the third round I was 

out. 

998. 917.07 924.00 6.09 


You have an opportunity 

to win this thing. 


But all we have done 

for eight months is 

study words.





1367.(935+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Why can't we take a 

break? Go to a 

movie... 

1368.(940+09) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...to a basket ball 

game. Why can't we 

have fun? 

1369.(943+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


I told you Denise, you 

can have fun after the 

bee. 

Larabee TURNS AWAY 

with books. 

1370.(949+11) HEAD SHOT 


to Larabee. 


Who... who's Denise? 

1371.(955+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee BACK TO 

CAMERA. 


What? 


Denise... 

1000. 936.05 942.08 6.03 


Why can't we take a 

break? Go to a movie or 

a basketball game? 

1001. 942.14 944.15 2.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Why can't we have fun? 


I told you Denise, you 

can have fun after the 

bee. 


Who is Denise? 


What? 

1005. 959.03 961.15 2.12 


Denise. You called 

Denise who is that?





1372.(959+13) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...you called me 

Denise. Who's that? 

1373.(962+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1374.(964+02) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee struggles with 

his strong feelings. 

1375.(966+14) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Doctor Larabee, are 

you okay? 

1376.(970+12) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 


Yes. Yes, I'm fine. 

1377.(982+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

1378.(984+10) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 

1379.(986+15) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah L, at the edge 

of the desk. Larabee 

R. lifts SEVERAL BOXES 

from a credenza R. 

and places them on his 

desk. 


Listen, I spent all 

last week... 


Doctor Larabee, are you 

okay? 


Yes. Yes, I'm fine. 

1008. 987.06 993.04 5.14 


Listen, I spent all 

last week making these 

for you.






1380.(991+09) MS the 

boxes. 


...making these for 

you. 

1381.(994+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


What are they? 


They are flash cards. 

Five thousand... 

1382.(998+05) MCS OTS 

Larabee. 


...new words. The 

types that you will 

run into at the 

finals. 

1383.(1003+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Five thousand? But 

we've only got a few 

months left. What, 

you gonna coach me 

twenty four - seven? 

1384.(1010+11) MCS OTS 

Larabee. 


Ah... no. You're 

going to umm... learn 

these on your own. 


What are they? 

1010. 997.01 1003.07 6.06 


They are flash cards. 

Five thousand new 

words. The types that 

you will run into at 

the finals. 


Five thousand? But we 

only have a few months 

left. Are you going to 

coach me twenty four, 

seven? 

(Twenty four, seven: Contrived meaning, 

"Twenty four hours a day, seven days a 

week.) 


No. You are going to 

learn these on your 

own.






1385.(1017+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


There's nothing 

left... 

1386.(1020+02) MCS OTS 

Larabee. 


...for me to teach 

you. 

1387.(1023+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah gasps. 


What? 

1388.(1027+12) MCS OTS 

Larabee. 


You... you've got it 

all, Akeelah. You've 

got word construction 

down. Etymology. 

1389.(1038+12) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Memorization 

techniques. What you 

need to do now is 

just... 

1013. 1018.08 1021.09 3.01 


There is nothing left 

for me to teach you. 


What? 


You have got it all, 

Akeelah. 

1016. 1034.09 1040.09 6.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

You have word 

construction down. 

Etymology. Memorization 

techniques. 

(Down: Mastered.) 

1017. 1041.15 1048.15 7.00 


What you need to do now 

is just focus on the 

words.






1390.(1045+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...focus on the words. 

(AKEELAH GASPS) 

1391.(1049+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah holds back 

tears and sobs. 


I can't learn five 

thousand new... 

1392.(1053+14) MCS OTS 

Larabee. 


..words all by myself. 


Yes you can. You've 

got a brain like a 

sponge. You just sit 

down and you study 

them. 

1393.(1062+11) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Doctor Larabee, I 

swear, I promise... 

1394.(1065+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee moves R. 


follow. 


...I won't miss 

anymore sessions. And 

I'll do what ever you 

say. 

1018. 1050.13 1055.15 5.02 


I can't learn five 

thousand new words all 

by myself. 


Yes you can. You have 

a brain like a sponge. 

You just sit down and 

you study them. 

1020. 1063.03 1068.00 4.13 


Doctor Larabee, I 

swear, I promise I 

won't miss anymore 

sessions. 

1021. 1068.09 1070.11 2.02 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And I will do what ever 

you say.






1395.(1071+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


You can't stop 

coaching me now. 

1396.(1074+06) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


I told Mister Welch 

I'd get you through 

the regionals. And 

I've done that. Now, 

I don't have anything 

else I can teach you. 

1397.(1083+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


You need to just take 

those words and 

study... 

1398.(1087+11) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


...them and you'll be 

all right. 

1399.(1091+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks down to 

her jacket pocket. 

CAMERA TILTS DOWN to 

reveal her REMOVING 

SOMETHING from her 

pocket. 

1400.(1102+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah moves her hand 

o/s to Larabee's desk. 

1022. 1071.04 1073.15 2.11 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

You can't stop coaching 

me now. 


I told Mister Welch I 

would get you through 

the regionals. And I 

have done that. 

1024. 1080.06 1083.08 3.02 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Now, I don't have 

anything else I can 

teach you. 

1025. 1084.06 1089.09 5.03 


You need to just take 

those words and 

study them and you will 

be all right.






1401.(1104+15) MS WE SEE 

a SMALL WRAPPED GIFT 

as Akeelah places it 

on Larabee's desk. 


This is why... 

1402.(1109+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...I was at the mall. 

1403.(1113+07) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 

1404.(1116+03) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Merry Christmas. 

1405.(1122+04) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah lifts the 

boxes from Larabee's 

desk. 

1406.(1127+14) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee BG. Akeelah 

CROSSES o/s R. with 

the boxes. 

(FOOT STEPS) 

1407.(1131+06) HEAD SHOT 


to his desk. 

(DOOR CLOSE) 

(MUSIC OUT) 

1026. 1107.11 1111.03 3.08 


This is why I was at 

the mall. 


Merry Christmas.





1408.INT. -AKEELAH'S BEDROOM- NIGHT 

(1139+09) MS WE SEE a 

FLASH CARD in 

Akeelah's hand as she 

removes it from one of 

her boxes. A SPELLING 

BEE WORD is PRINTED on 

the card. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1409.(1144+02) CHEST SHOT 


card in her hand. 

(RING TONE) 

GEORGIA:(FROM PHONE) 

Hello? 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

Hey girl. 

1410.(1151+13) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah seated on 

her bed BG. Flash Card 

boxes FG. 


What 'chu doin'? 



Watching TV. 

AKEELAH:(TO PHONE) 

You wanna go skating 

this weekend? 


Why don't you go with 

your friends from 


AKEELAH:(TO PHONE) 

What? Girl what's 

wrong with you? 

1028. 1148.13 1150.05 1.08 GEORGIA:(FROM PHONE) 

Hello? 

1029. 1150.11 1152.03 1.08 AKEELAH:(VO) 

Hey girl. 

1030. 1152.06 1154.03 1.13 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

What are you doing? 


Watching TV. 

1032. 1159.00 1162.01 3.01 AKEELAH:(TO PHONE) 

You want to go skating 

this weekend? 


Why don't you go with 

your friends from 


1034. 1168.02 1172.11 4.09 AKEELAH:(TO PHONE) 

What? Girl what is 

wrong with you?







Nothing. I got 

homework to do. I'll 

see you later. 

(DIAL TONE) 

1411.(1182+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah BUTTONS OFF 

the phone. 

KIANA:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Keelie, Keelie, come 

on out here. Girl, 

you on TV. 

1412.INT. - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT 


Wanda and Kiana L., on 

a couch FG. Akeelah R. 

walks to FG. 


Hurry, hurry. Look, 

look... 


Akeelah Anderson has 

captivated her... 

1413.(1203+13) MS OTS 

Television. 


...community. All of 

Los Angeles is talking 

about her. 

(MUSIC IN) 

WOMAN:(FROM TV) 

Well, if she wins this 

spelling bee... 


Nothing. I got 

homework to do. I'll 

see you later. 

1036. 1192.15 1198.01 5.02 KIANA:(OS)(OUT LOUD) 

Keelie, Keelie, come on 

out here. Girl, you 

are on TV. 


Hurry, hurry. Look, 

look... 

1038. 1202.05 1207.11 5.06 


Akeelah Anderson has 

captivated her 

community. All of Los 

Angeles is talking 

about her. 

1039. 1208.14 1213.11 4.13 

(over scene end) WOMAN:(FROM TV) 

Well, if she wins this 

spelling bee it will be 

like everyone in the 

neighborhood wins.






1414.(1211+06) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

WOMAN:(OS)(CONT) 

...it's gonna be like 

everybody in the 

neighborhood wins. 

STEVE:(FROM TV) 

I think it'll... 

1415.(1215+07) MS 

Television. 

STEVE:(CONT) 

...be real positive... 

1416.(1217+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah watches, 

becomes anxious. 

STEVE:(FROM TV) 

...You know, good for 

the community. 

LITTLE GIRL:(FROM TV) 

I'm already... 

1417.(1222+12) MS TV 

Little Girl. 

LITTLE GIRL:(CONT) 

...studying for next 

year's Bee. 

1040. 1214.07 1221.07 7.00 

(over scene end) STEVE:(FROM TV) 

I think it will be real 

positive, you know? 

Good for the community. 

1041. 1221.13 1224.12 2.15 

(over scene end) LITTLE GIRL:(FROM TV) 

I'm already studying 

for next year's bee.





1418.(1225+07) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah nearly breaks 

into full out crying. 

She turns AND RUNS to 

BG. CAMERA PANS L. to 

Wanda and Kiana. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

WANDA:(TO KIANA) 

What is the matter 

with...? 

1419.INT. -AKEELAH'S BEDROOM- NIGHT 


Akeelah sits on her 

bedroom FG. Wanda 

ENTERS BG. looks to 

Akeelah. 


Akeelah, what's wrong? 

1420.(1236+15) MCS 

Akeelah. 


I don't want to do the 

bee no more. 

1421.(1240+06) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Wanda sits R. 


You don't want to do 

the bee? 

1422.(1242+10) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

Why not? 

1423.(1244+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

(AKEELAH SNIFFS) 


Doctor Larabee don't 

want to coach me no 

more. 

1042. 1231.15 1233.07 1.08 WANDA:(TO KIANA) 

What is the matter 

with...? 


Akeelah, what is wrong? 


I don't want to do the 

bee no more. 


You don't want to do 

the bee? 

1046. 1242.14 1244.06 1.08 WANDA:(CONT) 

Why not? 


Doctor Larabee don't 

want to coach me no 

more.





1424.(1248+05) HEAD SHOT 



Georgia don't want to 

hang out with me. 

1425.(1252+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


And all these people 

are expecting me to 

win. 

1426.(1257+12) HEAD SHOT 



And it's just to 

hard... 

1427.(1260+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


..mama. I want it all 

to stop. 

1428.(1264+06) HEAD SHOT 



Baby you worked so... 


Please. Please. 


All right. All right. 

Wanda EMBRACES 

Akeelah. 




1048. 1249.06 1251.09 2.03 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Georgia don't want to 

hang out with me. 

(Hang out: Visit with.) 

1049. 1252.10 1257.08 4.14 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And all these people 

are expecting me to 

win. 

1050. 1258.01 1263.11 5.10 


And it is just to hard, 

mama. I want it all to 

stop. 


Baby you worked so... 


Please. Please. 


All right.





1430.(1282+08) CHEST SHOT 


Larabee. 

LARABEE:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

I certainly didn't 

mean to... 

1431.(1287+13) FULL SHOT 

Wanda seated on a 

couch L., with a cup 

of tee. Larabee in a 

chair R. 


...upset her. I... 

Well I honestly 

thought I was doing 

the best thing for 

her. 

1432.(1301+03) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

1433.(1304+02) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Wanda looks to her 

cup of tea. 

1434.(1311+07) FULL SHOT 

Wanda L., sets her cup 

of tea on a coffee 

table C. Looks to 

Larabee. 


You know Doctor 

Larabee, my child is 

only eleven years old. 

And she has been 

through so much 

already. 

1435.(1330+10) CHEST SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

Her father was killed 

when she was six. 

1054. 1285.13 1289.09 3.12 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(OS)(TO WANDA) 

I certainly didn't mean 

to upset her. 

1055. 1292.15 1299.15 7.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

I honestly thought I 

was doing the best 

thing for her. 


You know Doctor 

Larabee, my child is 

only eleven years old. 

1057. 1325.07 1329.05 3.14 WANDA:(CONT) 

And she has been 

through so much 

already. 

1058. 1331.02 1333.03 2.01 WANDA:(CONT) 

Her father was killed 

when she was six.





1436.(1333+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

Somebody shot him on 

his way home from 

work. 

1437.(1338+14) CHEST SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

Do you have any idea 

what it's like for a 

girl to lose her 

father that way? 

1438.(1344+04) MCS 

Larabee. 

LARABEE:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

I can imagine. 

1439.(1354+05) CHEST SHOT 



Then why do you want 

to cause this child 

anymore grief? 


That's an... 

1440.(1359+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...unfair accusation. 

Mrs. Anderson.. 

1059. 1334.02 1337.14 3.12 WANDA:(CONT) 

Somebody shot him on 

his way home from work. 

1060. 1339.07 1344.02 4.11 WANDA:(CONT) 

Do you have any idea 

what it is like for a 

girl to lose her father 

that way? 

1061. 1350.14 1352.15 2.01 LARABEE:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

I can imagine. 


Then why do you want to 

cause this child 

anymore grief? 

1063. 1360.01 1363.07 3.06 

(over scene end) LARABEE:(TO WANDA) 

That is an unfair 

accusation, Mrs. 

Anderson.





1441.(1363+09) CHEST SHOT 



...as I've told you 

I'm... I'm just 

not... 

1442.(1368+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...in a place where I 

can be of any more 

help to Akeelah right 

now. 

1443.(1375+12) CHEST SHOT 



But she needs you. 

She does. 

1444.(1380+05) MCS 


to Wanda. 

LARABEE:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

I beg to differ, Mrs. 

Anderson. It's not me 

that Akeelah needs. 

1445.(1385+08) MCS Wanda 


Larabee as she takes 

this thought in. 

1064. 1364.08 1370.03 5.11 


As I have told you I'm 

just not in a place... 

1065. 1370.09 1375.05 4.12 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...where I can be of 

anymore help right now 

to Akeelah. 


But she needs you. She 

does. 

1067. 1380.13 1384.14 4.01 LARABEE:(TO WANDA)(OS) 

I beg to differ, Mrs. 

Anderson. It is not me 

that Akeelah needs.




1446.INT. -AKEELAH'S HOUSE- NIGHT 


Wanda walks INTO THE 

FAMILY LIVING ROOM. 

WE HEAR a VIDEO 

PLAYING of a YOUNGER 

AKEELAH speaking of 

her time with her 

father. 

YOUNG AKEELAH: 

(FROM VIDEO)(OS) 

I remember when he use 

to take us out to the 

ball games. 

1447.(1395+11) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah sits in the 

family's living room. 

She watches the video. 

YOUNGER AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Take us to the movies. 

1448.(1398+12) CHEST SHOT 


YOUNGER AKEELAH: 

(OS)(CONT) 

We'd have popcorn 

fights. 

1449.(1408+13) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah L,. sits 

on a couch. Wanda R. 

CLICKS of the 

Television with a 

remote. 


I want to tell you 

something. 

Wanda turns to 

Akeelah. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

You know why I didn't 

want you to do the bee 

at first? 

1068. 1391.09 1395.02 3.09 YOUNG AKEELAH: 

(FROM VIDEO)(OS) 

I remember when he use 

to take us out to the 

ball games. 

1069. 1395.05 1398.01 2.12 YOUNGER AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Take us to the movies. 

1070. 1399.03 1401.02 1.15 YOUNGER AKEELAH: 

(OS)(CONT) 

We would have popcorn 

fights. 


I want to tell you 

something. 

1072. 1418.09 1421.05 2.12 WANDA:(CONT) 

You know why I didn't 

want you to do the bee 

at first?




(INT. -AKEELAH'S HOUSE - CONT) 

1450.(1421+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Wanda R. looks to 

Akeelah L. shakes her 

head "no". 

WANDA:(CONT) 

'Cause I saw that 

video of yours. And I 

saw one winner, and 

two hundred losers. 

And I didn't want you 

to be... 

1451.(1434+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...one of those 

losers. 

1452.(1438+08) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

Did you know your mama 

went to college right 

after high school? 

1453.(1447+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


No. 

1454.(1450+06) HEAD SHOT 



I had a scholarship, I 

was gonna be a doctor. 

1455.(1459+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


What happened? 

1073. 1424.15 1431.15 7.00 WANDA:(CONT) 

Because I saw that 

video of yours. And I 

saw one winner, and two 

hundred losers. 

1074. 1432.15 1436.08 3.09 


And I didn't want you 

to be one of those 

losers. 

1075. 1440.01 1447.01 7.00 WANDA:(CONT) 

Did you know your mama 

went to college right 

after high school? 


No. 


I had a scholarship, I 

was going to be a 

doctor. 


What happened?





1456.(1462+15) HEAD SHOT 



I just felt so out of 

place at that school. 

I convinced myself 

that I was gonna fail. 

So before that could 

happen, I dropped out. 

1457.(1487+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

I don't want you to... 

1458.(1491+13) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

...do the same thing 

with this bee. 

1459.(1494+12) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

1460.(1498+03) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Wanda looks from 

Akeelah o/s R. to 

their coffee table. 

1461.(1503+03) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah L., Wanda R. 

reaches for Akeelah's 

flash card box. 

1462.(1508+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Wanda looks to 

Akeelah. 

1463.(1511+06) FULL SHOT 

Wanda R. takes a flash 

card from the box. 


I just felt so out of 

place at that school. 

1080. 1473.15 1480.03 6.04 WANDA:(CONT) 

I convinced myself that 

I was going to fail. 

1081. 1483.09 1486.11 3.02 WANDA:(CONT) 

So before that could 

happen, I dropped out. 

1082. 1490.00 1494.07 4.07 


I don't want you to do 

the same thing with 

this bee.





1464.(1513+05) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Wanda looks to the 

card o/s BOTTOM. 


"Gabbro." A group of 

dark heavy rocks. Can 

you spell it for me? 


G-A... 

1465.(1534+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...B-R-O. Gabbro? 

1466.(1540+02) HEAD SHOT 



Actually it's got two 

b's. 

1467.(1544+05) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah laughs. 

Wanda laughs. 

1468.(1548+06) HEAD SHOT 



You know, Akeelah. 

You ain't short on 

people who want to 

help you. 

(MUSIC IN) 

WANDA:(CONT) 

I'll bet if you just 

look around you got 

fifty thousand 

coaches. Starting with 

me. 


"Gabbro." A group of 

dark heavy rocks. 

1084. 1525.01 1527.15 2.14 WANDA:(CONT) 

Can you spell it for 

me? 


G-A... 

1086. 1535.03 1540.01 4.14 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...B-R-O. Gabbro? 


Actually it has two 

b's. 


You know, Akeelah. You 

ain't short on people 

who want to help you. 

(Short on: "Short of" More as , There is no 

shortage of people.) 

1089. 1556.08 1562.07 5.15 WANDA:(CONT) 

I'll bet if you just 

look around you got 

fifty thousand coaches. 

1090. 1564.02 1566.01 1.15 WANDA:(CONT) 

Starting with me.






1469.(1570+13) HEAD SHOT 



Mama, you think that 

maybe you might go 

back to... 

1470.(1580+02) HEAD SHOT 



...college? 

Wanda smiles. 


I just might. 

1471.(1590+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah SMILES. 

1472.(1593+05) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Wanda EMBRACES 

Akeelah L. 


I love you. 


I love you, too. I 

love you, too. 

1091. 1572.12 1579.12 7.00 


Mama, you think that 

maybe you might go back 

to college? 


I just might. 


I love you. 


I love you, too. 







1473.EXT. - SIDEWALK - DAY 


CAMERA FOLLOWS 

Akeelah as she WALKS 

AWAY along a 

neighborhood sidewalk. 


Craqueluar. C-R... 

1474.(14+10) WAIST SHOT 


flash card in her 



...A-Q-U-E-L-U... 

Her brother TERRENCE 

steps out from behind 

a tree BG. 


Hey, yo. 

1475.(19+02) CHEST SHOT 


Terrence FG. BACK TO 

CAMERA. 


So, why ya'll punkin' 

out on this spellin' 

bee. Huh? What? 

1476.(23+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Terrence. 


You afraid of all 

those suburban kids 

now? 

1095. 12.06 18.04 5.14 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO HERSELF) 

Craqueluar. 

C-R-A-Q-U-E-L-U 

1096. 18.10 20.02 1.08 


Hey, yo. 

1097. 20.08 22.11 2.03 TERRENCE:(CONT) 

So, why are you punking 

out on this spelling 

bee. 

(Punking out: Slang meaning, "quitting" or 

"to act as a punk", "poor quality, 

worthless".) 

1098. 23.01 25.14 2.13 TERRENCE:(CONT) 

What? Are you afraid of 

all those suburban kids 

now?




(EXT. - SIDEWALK - CONT) 

1477.(26+06) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


No. 

1478.(28+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Terrence. GRABS 

the flash card from 



Hey! 

Terrence walks to FG. 

for OTS Akeelah. 


So how you spell all 

these words, anyway? 


I study 'em. 

Akeelah tries to grab 

the card. Terrence 

pulls it away. 

1479.(38+10) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Terrence. 


Whatever. 

Terrence looks o/s L. 

(MUSIC IN) 


Well, there go my... 

1099. * 26.06 28.03 1.13 AKEELAH:(TO TERRENCE) 

No. 


Hey! 


So how you spell all 

these words, anyway? 


I study them. 


Whatever. 

1104. 41.12 43.11 1.15 


Well, there go my ride. 

(Go: Here used as, "comes".)






1480.(42+06) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Derrick-T's new 

truck move to FG. 

along the neighborhood 

street. 


...ride. 

WE SEE Derrick-T and 

his DRIVER inside the 

truck. CAMERA PANS R. 

to INCLUDE Terrence 

and Akeelah for OTS. 

TERRENCE:(TO DERRICK-T) 

Hey what up, 

Derrick-T? 

DERRICK-T:(TO 

TERRENCE) 

What up, Terrence? 

1481.(48+12) MCS 

Derrick-T looks o/s R. 

to Akeelah. 

DERRICK-T:(TO TERRENCE) 

Who 'dat? 

1482.(51+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah R. 

Terrence L. FG. 


That ain't nobody. 

Just my little sister. 

1483.(56+01) MCS 

Derrick-T. 


What up, 'lil thing? 

Been seein' you on TV. 

1105. 45.13 47.14 2.01 TERRENCE:(TO DERRICK-T) 

Hey what up, Derrick-T? 

(What Up: Slang, "what is happening", "what 

is the situation?") 

1106. 48.04 50.15 2.11 

(over scene end) DERRICK-T:(TO TERRENCE) 

What up, Terrence? 

Who is that? 


That ain't nobody. 

Just my little sister. 

1108. 56.06 61.01 4.11 DERRICK-T:(TO TERRENCE) 

What up, little thing? 

Been seeing you on TV.






1484.(61+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

DERRICK-T:(OS)(CONT) 

Tryin' win some big 

contest. Huh? 

1485.(65+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Terrence. 


Answer the man. 

1486.(67+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

DERRICK-T:(OS) 

(TO AKEELAH) 

You know, I won 

somethin' once. 

1487.(71+13) MCS 

Derrick-T 

DERRICK-T:(CONT) 

Fifth grade. Wrote a 

poem. 

1488.(76+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Even got myself a blue 

ribbon... 

1489.(80+06) MCS 

Derrick-T. 


...too. 

(TERRENCE LAUGHS) 

1109. 61.14 64.14 3.00 DERRICK-T:(OS)(CONT) 

Trying win some big 

contest. Huh? 


Answer the man. 

1111. 69.11 71.03 1.08 DERRICK-T:(OS) 

(TO AKEELAH) 

You know, I won 

something once. 

1112. 72.10 76.06 3.12 DERRICK-T:(CONT) 

Fifth grade. Wrote a 

poem. 

1113. 77.15 81.05 3.06 

(over scene end) DERRICK-T:(OS)(CONT) 

Even got myself a blue 

ribbon, too.






1490.(83+01) CHEST SHOT 

Terrence L. FG. looks 

o/s L. to Derrick-T. 


Yeah, that's good. 

You wrote yourself 

a... 

1491.(85+05) MCS 

Derrick-T. 

TERRENCE:(OS)(CONT) 

...poem. 


Shut up, dog! What 

you think Rap... 

1492.(89+09) CHEST SHOT 

Terrence L., FG. 

Akeelah R. BG. 


...is? 

1493.(92+05) MCS 

Derrick-T looks to 

Terrence's hand o/s. 


What's that in your 


1494.(94+11) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Terrence C., looks 

to Derrick-T BG. 


Ain't nothin'. Just 

some stupid word. 


Oh, you helpin' her? 

1114. 83.03 86.05 3.02 

(over scene end) TERRENCE:(TO DERRICK-T) 

Yeah, that is good. 

You wrote yourself a 

poem. 

1115. 86.11 90.07 3.12 


Shut up, dog! What you 

think Rap is? 

(Dog: Salutation.) 

1116. 92.12 94.05 1.09 DERRICK-T:(CONT) 

What is that in your 



Ain't nothing. Just 

some stupid word. 

1118. 98.09 100.01 1.08 


Oh, you helping her?






1495.(100+02) CHEST SHOT 

Terrence L., FG. 

Akeelah R. BG. 


Naw, man. I'm 

chillin' wit 'chu. 

Right? 

1496.(103+14) MCS 


to Akeelah. 

1497.(105+15) HEAD SHOT 


to Derrick-T. 

1498.(108+13) MCS 

Derrick-T. 


Naw man. Stay here 

and... 

1499.(119+01) CHEST SHOT 

Terrence L., Akeelah 

R. 


...help your sis. 


Why? 


No, man. I'm chilling 

with you. Right? 

(Chilling: Slang, "to visit with".) 


No man. 

1121. 118.02 120.12 2.10 

(over scene end) DERRICK-T:(CONT) 

Stay here and help your 

sister. 

1122. 120.15 122.07 1.08 

(over scene end) TERRENCE:(TO DERRICK-T) 

Why?






1500.(121+13) MCS 

Derrick-T FG. Driver 

BG. 


'Cause I say so. 

Derrick-T puts on sun 

glasses. 

DERRICK-T:(TO DRIVER) 

Let's break out, man. 

1501.(127+14) HEAD SHOT 


to Derrick-T. 

1502.(130+02) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah and 

Terrence FG. 

Derrick-T's car pulls 

R. CAMERA PANS R. 

1503.(132+00) HEAD SHOT 


to Derrick-T. 

AKEELAH:(TO DERRICK-T) 

Derrick-T! 

1504.(133+06) FULL SHOT 

OTS Derrick-T's driver 

stops the truck BG. 

DERRICK-T:(TO AKEELAH) 

S'up? 

1505.(136+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


I wanna read your 

poem. 


Because I say so. 

1124. 125.15 127.07 1.08 DERRICK-T:(TO DRIVER) 

Let us break out, man. 

(Break out: Leave, depart.) 

1125. 132.05 133.13 1.08 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO DERRICK-T) 

Derrick-T! 

1126. 134.13 136.05 1.08 DERRICK-T:(TO AKEELAH) 

Yes? 

1127. 138.09 140.05 1.12 AKEELAH:(TO DERRICK-T) 

I want to read your 

poem.






1506.(140+14) HEAD SHOT 


to Akeelah. 

DERRICK-T:(TO AKEELAH) 

After you win the 

contest. 

Derrick-T sits back in 

the passenger seat. 

DERRICK-T:(TO DRIVER) 

Let's go man. 

1507.(148+14) FULL SHOT 

OTS WE SEE Derrick-T's 

truck pull R. 

1508.(151+02) HEAD SHOT 


Terrence FG. 

1509.(153+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Terrence looks to 


CAMERA. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

1510.(155+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


You ain't gotta help 

me if you don't wanna. 

1511.(159+08) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Terrence looks to 

the card in his hand. 

1512.(163+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


En- 

1128. 142.08 145.10 3.02 DERRICK-T:(TO AKEELAH) 

After you win the 

contest. 

1129. 147.00 148.08 1.08 DERRICK-T:(TO DRIVER) 

Let us go man. 


You don't have to help 

me if you don't want 

to. 

1131. 165.15 167.15 2.00 


En-fran-chis-ment





1513.(166+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Terrence. 


...fran-chis-ment? 

1514.(168+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


You mean, 

"enfranchisement?" 

1515.(172+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Terrence. 


Hey, whateva'. Can 

you spell it? 

1516.(175+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah thinks to 

herself. 


Fifty thousand 

coaches. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1517.(189+01) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Terrence and 

Akeelah TURN and WALK 

AWAY along the 

sidewalk. Akeelah 

SPELLS. 


E-N-F-R... 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1518.MONTAGE 


Mrs. Cross works with 

Akeelah in a 

classroom. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 


You mean, 

"enfranchisement?" 


Hey, whatever. Can you 

spell it? 


Fifty thousand coaches. 

1135. 191.10 194.09 2.15 AKEELAH:(TO DERRICK-T) 

E-N-F-R...






1519.(203+04) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah jumps rope 

while a postman reads 

words to her from her 

flash card box. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1520.(210+10) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah stacks apples 

while A KOREAN GROCER 

reads words to her. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1521.(219+02) M FULL 

SHOT Steve and Akeelah 

sit at a counter in a 

coffee shop. 

STEVE:(TO AKEELAH) 

Ap-teery-goat-ti. 

AKEELAH:(TO STEVE) 

What? 

Steve shows the card 

to Akeelah. 


That right there. 

AKEELAH:(TO STEVE) 

"Apterygote." Maybe 

you shouldn't show me 



Oh.. oh. Yeah, sorry. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1136. 217.02 219.12 2.10 STEVE:(TO AKEELAH) 

Ap-teery-goat-ti. 

1137. 220.02 221.10 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO STEVE) 

What? 


That right there. 

1139. 223.14 227.15 4.01 AKEELAH:(TO STEVE) 

"Apterygote." Maybe 

you shouldn't show me 



Oh.. oh. Yeah, sorry.






1522.(231+11) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah sits on a car 

hood. She SPELLS as 

Derrick-T and the boys 

of the hood work with 

her to spell words 

from her flash cards. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1523.(244+11) FULL SHOT 

IN A PLAY YARD. WE 

SEE a CIRCLE of 

children each CALLING 

WORDS from a flash 

card. Akeelah JUMPS 

ROPE in the center of 

the circle. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1524.(253+10) FULL SHOT 

the front of the 

ANDERSON HOUSE Wanda, 

Kiana, Terrence all 

work with Akeelah. 


LAP DISSOLVE;







Akeelah SKIPS ROPE 

along a neighborhood 

sidewalk. She 

practices. WE SEE a 

CAR BG. drive by. 

DIVER:(TO AKEELAH) 

You go Akeelah baby! 

Make us proud! 

Akeelah stops jumping 

and waves to the 

driver. 

(MUSIC OUT) 


and WINDS THE ROPE 

around the handles. 

SHE LOOKS to the 

HANDLES. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1526.(291+08) CS of the 

ENDS OF THE HANDLES. 

WE SEE a "D" and an 

"L" written on the 

ends. BUT THEY ARE 

UPSIDE DOWN. 

1527.(294+12) CHEST SHOT 


handles. 

1528.(297+06) CS Akeelah 

ROTATES the HANDLES. 

WE SEE the LETTERS now 

RIGHT READING. 

1529.(301+06) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah 

understands the 

Letters mean "Denise 

Larabee." 

1141. 272.07 276.07 4.00 DIVER:(TO AKEELAH) 

You go Akeelah baby! 

Make us proud!







Larabee works in the 

garden at the rear of 

his house. Akeelah 

ENTERS L. FG. and 

PLACES THE BOXES on 

Larabee's gardening 

table. Larabee looks 

to Akeelah and the 

boxes. 


Five thousand. I 

learned them all. 

1531.(319+10) WAIST SHOT 


Larabee R. 


But I had a little 

help. 

1532.(323+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


You should be very 

well prepared then. 

1533.(329+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


You know, Doctor 

Larabee. 


Five thousand. I 

learned them all. 

1143. 320.09 323.01 2.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

But I had a little 

help. 


You should be very well 

prepared then. 


You know, Doctor 

Larabee.






1534.(335+04) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


When I was a little 

girl, my daddy died. 

I used to cry all the 

time. But then, I 

found something that 

helped. 


What was that? 

1535.(370+05) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


I spelled. 

1536.(372+15) MCS 

Larabee FG. Akeelah 

BG. 


Over and over again. 

And I'd feel better. 

1537.(377+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Maybe when you're 

thinking of her... 

1538.(387+06) MCS 

Larabee. 


...you can try 

spelling. 

1146. 336.01 343.01 7.00 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

When I was a little 

girl, my daddy died. 

1147. 350.11 354.00 3.05 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

I used to cry all the 

time. 

1148. 358.06 365.06 7.00 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

But then, I found 

something that helped. 


What was that? 


I spelled. 

1151. 373.03 377.01 3.14 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Over and over again. 

And I would feel 

better. 

1152. 383.14 390.14 7.00 


Maybe when you are 

thinking of her you can 

try spelling.






1539.(393+05) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


It might help. 

1540.(399+06) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah takes the 

jump rope from her 

front pocket and 

places it on top of 

her flash card boxes. 

1541.(406+08) CS of the 

jump rope on top of 

the flash card boxes. 

Akeelah removes her 

hand from the rope. 


MCS of Larabee. 

1542.(414+06) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah walks AWAY BG. 

as Larabee places his 

hand on the jump rope. 

1543.(418+06) HEAD SHOT 


to Akeelah. 


Akeelah. 

1544.(421+04) FULL SHOT 

OTS Akeelah BG. stops, 

turns. 

1545.(426+03) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee looks o/s 

L. to Akeelah. 


Who told you? 

1546.(429+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


You did. 

1153. 393.09 395.03 1.10 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

It might help. 


Akeelah. 


Who told you? 


You did.






1547.(432+02) HEAD SHOT 


to Akeelah,. 


You called... 

1548.(433+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...me by her name, 

Denise. 

1549.(436+13) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee looks away. 

1550.(439+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

1551.(442+03) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee STANDS. 

1552.(447+04) CHEST SHOT 



That's her jump rope 

isn't it? 

1553.(451+08) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee with the Jump 

Rope. 


Yes. 

1554.(455+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Was she your little 

girl? 

1157. 433.06 436.06 3.00 


You called me by her 

name, Denise. 


That is her jump rope 

isn't it? 


Yes. 


Was she your little 

girl?






1555.(462+05) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee looks to the 

jump rope in his 

hands, then L., to 

Akeelah as she ENTERS 

the shot. 


Yes. 

Larabee sits. Akeelah 

joins him on the small 

bench. 


What happened to her? 



She got very sick. 

1556.(498+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


She was only a couple 

of years younger than 

you when she passed. 

1557.(507+06) HEAD SHOT 


Larabee R. 


Where's her mama? 

1558.(518+10) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


She moved to another 

city. And ah... 


Yes. 


What happened to her? 


She got very sick. 

1164. 498.11 505.00 6.05 LARABEE:(CONT) 

She was only a couple 

of years younger than 

you when she passed. 


Where is her mama? 


She moved to another 

city. And ah...






1559.(524+06) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah seated L,. 

Larabee R. 


...after it happened, 

my wife, Patricia and 

I... found that... 

slowly... became very 

difficult to be... 

Larabee looks to 

Akeelah as he 

struggles with his own 

feelings. He motions 

to the garden he has 

been working on. 


Anyway, this is... 

This is Patricia's 

garden. 

1560.(576+13) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. Larabee 

FG. looks o/s L. 


See, I need... 

1167. 526.15 529.00 2.01 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...after it happened... 

1168. 531.09 537.00 5.07 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...my wife, Patricia 

and I... 

1169. 540.01 547.01 7.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...found that... 

slowly... 

1170. 549.11 554.05 4.10 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...It became very 

difficult to be... 

(Note: To complete the line, understood, 

"married" or "man and wife.") 

1171. 569.05 576.05 7.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Anyway, this is 

Patricia's garden. 

1172. 581.10 587.05 5.11 


You see I need a lot of 

order in my life.






1561.(583+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


I need a lot of order 

in my life. That's 

why I don't teach in 

the class rooms 

anymore. It's just too 

unpredictable. 

1562.(598+02) HEAD SHOT 


Larabee R. 


Like you... 

1563.(602+12) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


This whole spelling 

bee business now has 

become a little too 

unpredictable as well. 

1564.(612+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Doctor Larabee, I... I 

can't go to DC... 

1173. 589.14 592.04 2.06 LARABEE:(CONT) 

That is why I don't 

teach in the class 

rooms anymore. 

1174. 594.15 597.07 2.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

It is just too 

unpredictable. 

1175. 599.07 602.00 2.09 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Like you... 

1176. 603.04 606.10 3.06 LARABEE:(CONT) 

This whole spelling bee 

business now has 

become... 

1177. 608.10 612.02 3.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...a little too 

unpredictable as well. 


Doctor Larabee, 

1179. 627.13 631.02 3.05 


I can't go to DC 

without you.






1565.(629+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...without you. 


Yes you can, Akeelah. 

You can do anything 

you want. 

1566.(635+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I can't beat Dylan. 


Don't say that. 


It's true. It doesn't 

matter how many words 

I learn, he'll always 

know more. 


Yes you can, Akeelah. 

You can do anything you 

want. 


I can't beat Dylan. 


Don't say that. 


It is true. 

1184. 641.09 646.12 5.03 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

It doesn't matter how 

many words I learn, he 

will always know more.






1567.(647+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Let me tell you about 

Dylan. There's only 

one person who can 

push him to spell as 

well as he possibly 

can. It's not his 

dad. It's not the 

spelling bee people. 

It's not even himself. 

1568.(672+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


That person is you. 

1569.(678+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


So, when you and I... 

1570.(684+10) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...get to DC... 


Let me tell you about 

Dylan. 

1186. 653.12 657.10 3.14 LARABEE:(CONT) 

There is only one 

person who can push 

him... 

1187. 658.08 662.15 4.07 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...to spell as well as 

he possibly can. 

1188. 663.13 668.13 5.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

It is not his dad. It 

is not the spelling bee 

people. 

1189. 669.11 672.03 2.08 LARABEE:(CONT) 

It is not even himself. 

1190. 672.15 675.13 2.14 LARABEE:(CONT) 

That person is you. 

1191. 678.04 684.00 5.12 LARABEE:(CONT) 

So, when you and I... 

1192. 685.15 688.03 2.04 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...get to DC...






1571.(689+12) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...let's make sure we 

give him a run for his 

money. Okay? 

1572.(697+11) HEAD SHOT 


They EMBRACE. 

1573.(704+06) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee embraces 

Akeelah and sighs. 

1574.EXT. - GEORGIA'S HOUSE - DAY 

(718+02) MS Akeelah's 

FEET as she walks, 

CAMERA FOLLOWS. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

1575.(721+07) MS Akeelah 

BACK TO CAMERA KNOCKS 

on Georgia's FRONT 

DOOR. 

(KNOCK/KNOCK) 

1576.(722+07) HEAD SHOT 


Georgia FG. BACK TO 

CAMERA as the door 

opens. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

1577.(724+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia looks to 


CAMERA. 

1193. 690.03 694.07 4.04 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...let us make sure we 

give him a run for his 

money. 

1194. 695.07 697.02 1.11 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Okay?




(EXT. - GEORGIA'S HOUSE - CONT) 

1578.(726+13) HEAD SHOT 



Hey. 

1579.(730+06) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia sulks. 


Hi. 

1580.(734+05) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I'm off to DC 

tomorrow. 

1581.(738+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia. 


Yeah. Well, have fun. 

1582.(742+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


I'm sorry I've been so 

busy. 

1583.(744+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia. 


It's just this whole 

spelling thing's been 

real intense. But you 

know... 


Hey. 


Hi. 


I'm off to DC tomorrow. 


Yeah. Well, have fun. 


I'm sorry I've been so 

busy. 

1200. 745.03 748.15 3.12 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

It is just this whole 

spelling thing has been 

real intense. 

1201. 750.11 752.06 1.11 


But you know what?





1584.(751+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...what? I'd give 

it... 

1585.(756+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia. 


...all up if it meant 

you and me could hang 

again. 


That's stupid. 

1586.(762+12) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Why's it stupid? 

1587.(764+11) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia. 


'Cause people want to 

see you do good. I 

wanna see you do good. 

1202. 756.01 760.02 4.01 


I would give it all up 

if it meant that you 

and I could hang 

again. 

(Hang: "Be friends".) 


That is stupid. 

1204. *762.12 764.04 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO GEORGIA) 

Why is it stupid? 


Because people want to 

see you do good. 

1206. 771.10 774.05 2.11 GEORGIA:(CONT) 

I want to see you do 

good.





1588.(776+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 



Georgia, you're my 

best friend. And you 

always tell me I can 

do things. Even when I 

think I can't. 

1589.(789+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia. 


But, I gotta tell 

you... 

1590.(793+03) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...something. If you 

want to be a flight 

attendant, you first 

gotta ride... 

1591.(799+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia. 


...on a plane. 


I will someday. 

1592.(803+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah SHOWS A 

TICKET to Georgia. 


How about tomorrow? 



1208. 780.12 783.06 2.10 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Georgia, you are my 

best friend. 

1209. 784.00 789.01 5.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And you always tell me 

I can do things. Even 

when I think I can't. 

1210. 790.11 794.01 3.06 


But, I have to tell you 

something. 

1211. 795.13 799.05 3.08 


If you want to be a 

flight attendant, you 

first have to ride on a 

plane. 


I will someday. 


How about tomorrow?





1593.(807+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia is 

TRANSFIXED by the 

ticket, then looks to 

Akeelah. 

1594.(809+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah with the 

ticket, GRINS. 

1595.(810+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Georgia JUMPS FOR 

JOY. 

(GEORGIA SQUEALS) 

They EMBRACE. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1596.EXT. - AIRPORT - DAY 

(813+07) LS EXTREME 

LOW ANGLE of the sky. 

WE SEE a JET LINER fly 

OVERHEAD and o/s L. 

1597.INT. - JET - DAY 


Georgia MOVES R. along 

the center aisle of 

the plane. CAMERA 



I got to talk to the 

Captain. 

Georgia SITS FG. next 

to Akeelah. WE SEE 

Javier BG. He appears 

unwell. 


Oh, forget flight 

attendant. I'm gonna 

be the pilot. 

(JAVIER GROANS) 


What's wrong with him? 


I got to talk to the 

Captain. 

1215. 820.01 824.08 4.07 GEORGIA:(CONT) 

Oh, forget flight 

attendant. I'm going 

to be the pilot. 


What is wrong with him? 

(Him: Javier.)




(INT. - JET - CONT) 


1598.(829+05) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah FG. Georgia 

BG. 


He has an aversion to 

heights. 

Javier SITS UP INTO 

SHOW from o/s BOTTOM. 

JAVIER:(TO BOTH) 

It's an aversion to 

plummeting. 

1599.(835+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier BG. Akeelah 

FG. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

I may puke. 

1600.(838+02) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


My brother's in the 

Air Force. And he 

says that fear is all 

in your head. 

1601.(845+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. Akeelah 

MOVES CLOSER to place 

a PIN on Javier. 


Here, he gave me this 

for good luck. 

1602.(849+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Don't worry, I won't 

impale you. 


He has an aversion to 

heights. 

1218. 832.09 835.03 2.10 JAVIER:(TO BOTH) 

It is an aversion to 

plummeting. 

1219. 835.11 837.11 2.00 JAVIER:(CONT) 

I may puke. 


My brother is in the 

Air Force. 

1221. 841.01 845.03 4.02 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

And he says that fear 

is all in your head. 


Here, he gave me this 

for good luck. 

1223. 849.08 853.07 3.15 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Don't worry, I won't 

impale you.






1603.(854+01) CS of a 

AIR FORCE FLIGHT WING 

pin on Javier's 

sweater. 


You know, I never 

really... 

1604.(156+10) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...thanked you for 

helping me at the 

state bee. 


No biggie. 

1605.(861+15) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


Actually it was 

very... 

1606.(864+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


...chivalrous. 

Akeelah LEANS FORWARD 

and KISSES Javier on 

the cheek. 

1224. 855.03 859.13 4.10 


You know, I never 

really thanked you for 

helping me at the state 

bee. 


No biggie. 

(Biggie: Contrived word, "large" or "great 

effort".) 

1226. 862.09 866.07 3.14 


Actually it was very 

chivalrous.






1607.(872+13) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


Wow. I'm not thinking 

about the plane at 

all... 

1608.(877+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

JAVIER:(CONT) ...now. 


Well, in that case. 

She leans FORWARD 

again. 

1609.(882+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. Akeelah 

CONTINUES to lean. BUT 

OPENS THE SHADE on 

Javier's window. 

 

(AKEELAH GIGGLES) 

1610.EXT. - AERIAL - DAY 

(886+00) ELS AERIAL of 

the UNITES STATES 

CAPITAL COMPLEX below. 

CAMERA FLIES L. 

1227. 873.05 878.07 5.02 


Wow. I'm not thinking 

about the plane at 

all now. 


Well, in that case. 

(INTENTIONALLY BLANK)




1611.MONTAGE 

(888+13) LS of 

WASHINGTON MONUMENT 

SEEN FROM Car CAMERA 

TRUCKS L. 

1612.(891+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah in a 

limousine looks o/s L. 

to the monument. 

1613.(893+04) FULL SHOT 

The Lincoln National 

Monument BUILDING in 

DC. 

1614.(895+00) LS Capital 

Building. 

1615.(896+12) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah in the 

limousine SMILES. 

1616.(898+09) FULL SHOT 

WHITE HOUSE and LAWN. 

CAMERA TRUCKS L. 

1617.(901+10) FULL SHOT 

Presidential Seal in 

the Office of the 

President. CAMERA 

PULLS BACK, TILTS UP 

as the SPELLERS ENTER 

the oval office on a 

tour. 

1618.(910+10) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah L. Javier R. 

they look around the 

oval office.






1619.(917+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah and Larabee 

enter the FREDERICK 

DOUGLASS NATIONAL 

HISTORIC SITE. CAMERA 

PANS R. to follow as 

they view the display. 

Larabee explains the 

display to Akeelah. 

A WALL PANEL READS 

: 

FREDERICK DOUGLAS 1818 

1895 

1620.INT. - HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT 

(943+03) MS Javier 

OPENS A SODA. 

(POP TAB) 

The soda SPEWS o/s R. 

(GIRLS SQUEAL) 

1621.(943+10) WAIST SHOT 

OTS the soda SPEWS R. 

At Georgia and 

Akeelah. They DUCK. 

1622.(946+00) WAIST SHOT 

Javier holds the 

SPEWING SODA and looks 

o/s R., to the girls. 

(JAVIER LAUGHS) 

1623.(947+06) WAIST SHOT 

Girls laugh. 

(ALL LAUGH) 


I told you not to 

shake it. 

1229.I936.00 942.00 6.00 : 

FREDERICK DOUGLAS 1818-1895 

1230. 947.14 951.07 3.09 


(THEN JAVIER) 

- I told you not to 

shake it. 

- I'm sorry.




(INT. - HOTEL ROOM - CONT) 

1624.(949+13) CHEST SHOT 

Javier holds the soft 

drink in his hand. 

JAVIER:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

I'm sorry. 

WE SEE Wanda look into 

the room BG. 


Akeelah, I thought you 

guys were supposed to 

be studying. 

1625.(954+10) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah L., 

Georgia R. 


We are. 


It sounds like... 

1626.(957+02) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Wanda BG. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...like a party in 

here. Come on now, 

you got a big day... 

1627.(960+08) CHEST SHOT 


Georgia. 


...tomorrow. Ya'll 

better call it a 

night. 


Half an hour more. 


Fifteen... 


Akeelah, I thought you 

guys were supposed to 

be studying. 


We are. 

1233. 956.15 958.15 2.00 


It sounds like a party 

in here. 

1234. 959.05 962.08 3.03 


Come on now, you got a 

big day tomorrow. You 

all had better call it 

a night. 


Half an hour more. 

1236. 964.01 965.10 1.09 


Fifteen minutes.





1628.(964+05) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Wanda at the door. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...minutes. 

1629.(966+01) CHEST SHOT 


Georgia. Akeelah 

looks L. to Javier. 


What do you think 

Dylan's doing now? 


Trying... 

1630.(971+04) CHEST SHOT 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...to learn ancient 

Greek. 

1631.(974+02) CHEST SHOT 


Georgia. 


Maybe we should invite 

him over. 

1632.(976+12) CHEST SHOT 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

That turd-juggler? 

Forget it. 


What do you think Dylan 

is doing now? 

1238. 971.02 973.07 2.05 


Trying to learn 

ancient Greek. 


Maybe we should invite 

him over. 

1240. 977.06 979.02 1.12 JAVIER:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

That turd-juggler? 

Forget it. 

(Turd-juggler: Semi Vulgar denigration. 

Similar to, "one who works with sewage".)





1633.(979+04) CHEST SHOT 


Georgia. Akeelah take 

a drink from the night 

stand BG. 

AKEELAH:(TO BOTH) 

I'll be back. 

1634.EXT. - DYLAN'S ROOM - NIGHT 

(982+11) MS OTS 


CAMERA KNOCKS on 

Dylan's room door. 

(KNOCK/KNOCK) 

(DOOR OPENS) 

Mr. Chiu looks out. 

1635.(987+13) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO CHIU) 

Is Dylan here? 

1636.(989+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Chiu looks to 

Akeelah surprised to 

see her. 

1637.(990+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah looks into 

the room o/s L. 

1638.(992+03) CHEST SHOT 

WE SEE Dylan at the 

room's table. He 

LOOKS TO Akeelah o/s 

FG. 

1639.(994+10) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Chiu. 

CHIU:(TO AKEELAH) 

He's busy. 

1241. 980.10 982.03 1.09 AKEELAH:(TO BOTH) 

I'll be back. 

1242. 987.11 989.03 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO CHIU) 

Is Dylan here? 

1243. 994.10 996.06 1.12 CHIU:(TO AKEELAH) 

He is busy.




(EXT. - DYLAN'S ROOM - CONT) 

1640.(997+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Well, ummm... me and 

some of the other kids 

are hanging out in my 

room. Drinking soda 

pop and watching 

movies. 

1641.(1008+04) CHEST SHOT 


Akeelah as if that 

sounds like a good 

idea. 


We thought maybe he'd 

like to come over. 

1642.(1012+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Chiu. 


I'm sorry, but 

tomorrow is the 

spelling bee. 

1643.(1016+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Well, you know 

sometimes it's okay to 

take a little rest 

right before... 

1644.(1021+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Dylan. 


...the big event. You 

know? 


Well, me and some of 

the other kids are 

hanging out in my room. 

1245. 1005.12 1008.02 2.06 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Drinking soda pop and 

watching movies. 


We thought maybe he 

would like to come 

over. 


I'm sorry, but tomorrow 

is the spelling bee. 

1248. 1016.14 1023.10 6.12 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(TO CHIU) 

Well, you know 

sometimes it is okay to 

take a little rest 

right before the big 

event. You know?





1645.(1024+05) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Chiu -- blinks. 


Well, perhaps that is 

your strategy. But 

not ours. 

Chiu moves to CLOSE 

the door. 

1646.(1031+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah outside 

the half closed door. 


Wait, wait. 

Chiu opens the door 

again. Akeelah offers 

the soda she took from 

the night stand. 


This is for Dylan. 

1647.(1038+06) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Chiu looks to the 

soda in her hand. 

1648.(1042+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. Chiu 

TAKES the SODA from 

her hand. He shakes 

his head. 


Okay. 

1649.(1048+03) CHEST SHOT 


Akeelah as Chiu closes 

the door. 

1650.(1049+06) HEAD SHOT 


R., to Dylan as the 

door closes FG. 


Well, perhaps that is 

your strategy. But not 

ours. 


Wait. 

1251. 1035.11 1037.09 1.14 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

This is for Dylan. 


Okay.





1651.(1050+03) MS OTS the 

DOOR CLOSES in her 

face. 

(DOOR CLOSE) 

CUT TO BLACK; 

1652.BLACK FRAME 

(1051+04) 

LARABEE:(VO) 


not that we 

inadequate. 

FADE IN; 

(MUSIC IN) 

1653.MONTAGE 


SLOW MOTION. WE 

FOLLOW Akeelah as she 

walks along a hallway. 

CAMERAS FLASH as 

PHOTOGRAPHERS TAKE 

PICTURES. 

LARABEE:(VO)(CONT) 



beyond measure. We 

ask ourselves who am I 

to be brilliant, 

gorgeous, talented, 



not to be?" 

1654.(1093+09) MS Video 

Cameras are made 

ready. 

1655.(1095+05) CS a 

LIGHTING BOARD SLIDER 

is MOVED R. 

1253. 1052.12 1058.00 5.04 LARABEE:(VO) 


not that we inadequate. 

1254. 1059.14 1066.11 6.13 LARABEE:(VO)(CONT) 



beyond measure. 

1255. 1068.11 1075.05 6.10 LARABEE:(CONT) 

We ask ourselves who am 

I to be brilliant... 

1256. 1075.13 1081.00 5.03 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...gorgeous, talented, 


1257. 1083.00 1089.14 6.14 LARABEE:(CONT) 


not to be?"






1656.(1096+11) FULL SHOT 

Ellipsoid LAMPS LIGHT 

UP! 

1657.(1097+12) FULL SHOT 

a BANK of LIGHTS FLIP 

ON. 

1658.(1098+13) MS CAMERA 

PANS R. Along LAPTOP 

COMPUTERS. 

1659.(1101+03) MS Judges 

make ready. 

1660.(1104+07) MS A BOOM 


1661.(1107+00) FULL SHOT 

Audience and 

contestants walk INTO 

the AUDITORIUM. WE 

SEE Akeelah MOVE C. 


follow. 

(1114+09) TITLE 

FADES IN 

: 

SCRIPPS NATIONAL 

SPELLING BEE 

CAMERA CRANES UP to 

show the GRAND HYATT 

INDEPENDENCE BALLROOM, 

stretched out below 

us. 


CAMERA PANS R. and WE 

SEE the SPELLERS ON 

STAGE R. BG. 

MT#5 (1114.09) (1121.14) 

(TITLE FADES IN, FADES 

OUT 

SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE )





1662.INT.- BALLROOM - DAY 


Larabee sits in the 

audience. CAMERA PANS 

L. to reveal Mr. 

Welch, Georgia, Wanda, 

and Devon. 

1663.(1148+13) FULL SHOT 

Spellers file onto the 

stage. 

1664.(1156+12) MCS 


1665.(1159+13) CHEST SHOT 


Akeelah the back o/s 

R. 

1666.(1164+06) CHEST SHOT 

Mr. and Mrs. Chiu in 


1667.(1166+14) HEAD SHOT 

Chiu looks o/s R. to 

Dylan on stage. 

(MUSIC OUT) 

1668.INT. - BOOTH - DAY 


OTS Ted SAUNDERS a 

commentator looks R. 

to KATIE 

Kerwin-McCrimmen FG. 

SAUNDERS:(ANNOUNCES) 

I'm Ted Saunders here 

with Katie... 

1258. 1170.12 1174.08 3.12 

(over scene end) SAUNDERS:(ANNOUNCES) 

I'm Ted Saunders here 

with Katie 

Kerwin-McCrimmen.




(INT. - BOOTH - CONT) 

1669.(1172+15) CHEST SHOT 

Saunders L., Katie R. 

SAUNDERS:(CONT) 

...Kerwin-McCrimmen. 

Broadcasting live from 

the main ballroom... 

1670.INT. -AKEELAH'S HOME- DAY 

(1177+10) MS 

Television in 

Akeelah's house. 

CAMERA PULLS BACK- AND 

WE SEE - the televised 

Spelling Bee on the 

screen. 

SAUNDERS:(FROM TV) 

...of the Grand Hyatt, 

Washington. 

1671.(1181+01) M FULL 

SHOT Kiana and 

Terrence watch the 

broadcast. 


Now Katie, as a former 

spelling bee champ 

yourself. Who do you 

think... 

1672.INT. - DINER - DAY 


LOW ANGLE the 

broadcast is running 

on a television in the 

local Diner/ Coffee 

Shop. CAMERA TRACKS L. 

to reveal the 

neighborhood denizens 

watching. 


...we should be 

looking for to do well 

in this year's 

competition? 

1259. 1175.01 1180.15 5.14 

(over scene end) SAUNDERS:(CONT) 

Broadcasting live from 

the main ballroom of 

the Grand Hyatt, 

Washington. 

1260. 1181.07 1185.00 3.09 SAUNDERS:(FROM TV) 

Now Katie, as a former 

spelling bee champ 

yourself. 

1261. 1185.10 1189.08 3.14 


Who do you think we 

should be looking for 

to do well in this 

year's competition?




(INT. - DINER - CONT) 

1673.(1190+05) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE of the 

people in the coffee 

shop. All look to the 

TV L. FG. 

KATIE:(FROM TV) 

Several of the kids 

placed very high in 

last year's bee. 

Especially... 

1674.INT. - APARTMENT - DAY 

(1195+06) MS of a WIDE 

SCREEN TV in 

Derrick-T'S Apartment. 

KATIE:(CONT) 

...Dylan Chiu. He's 

come second... 

1675.(1198+00) FULL SHOT 

Derrick-T R. and 

friends L. and BG. 

They sit on a couch 

and chair watching the 

broadcast. 


...two years in a row. 

DERRICK-T:(OUT LOUD) 

Kick his butt, 

Akeelah. B-U-T-T, 

Butt! 


But the speller... 

1262. 1189.14 1194.09 4.11 KATIE:(FROM TV) 

Several of the kids 

placed very high in 

last year's bee. 

1263. 1194.15 1201.00 6.01 

(over scene end) KATIE:(CONT) 

Especially Dylan Chiu, 

he has come in second 

two years in a row. 

1264. 1201.15 1206.02 4.03 DERRICK-T:(OUT LOUD) 

Kick his butt, Akeelah. 

B-U-T-T, Butt! 

1265. 1206.08 1212.15 6.07 

(over scene end) KATIE:(FROM TV) 

But the speller I 

really have my eye on 

is little Akeelah 

Anderson from Los 

Angeles.




1676.INT. - GYMNASIUM - DAY 


STUDENTS in the 

Crenshaw Middle School 

Gymnasium. All watch 

the broadcast. CAMERA 

TRACKS L. 


...I've really got my 

eye on is little 

Akeelah Anderson 

from... 

(STUDENTS CHEER) 

1677.(1211+14) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE everyone 

cheers BELOW. 

KATIE:(CONT) 

...Los Angeles. 

1678.(1213+09) FULL SHOT 

BIG SCREEN BG. 

Students FG. CHEER. 


She's become a bit of 

a media... 

1679.INT. - AKEELAH'S HOME - DAY 


Kiana and Terrence 

CHEER. 

TERRENCE:(OUT LOUD) 

Yeah, that's my 

sister! 


She's only eleven 

years old... 

1266. 1214.03 1217.03 3.00 


She has become a bit of 

a media darling. 

1267. 1217.09 1219.01 1.08 

(over scene end) TERRENCE:(OUT LOUD) 

Yeah, that is my 

sister! 

1268. 1219.07 1222.04 2.13 


She is only eleven 

years old. And it is 

her first try at the 

spelling bee circuit.






Korean Grocer and 

Steve CHEER. 


...and it's her first 

try at the spelling 

bee circuit. 

1681.INT. - BALLROOM - DAY 


Javier looks o/s R. 

(MUSIC IN) 


Akeelah who looks o/s 

L., to Javier. Akeelah 


audience. 

1682.MONTAGE 


the audience and 

judges. CAMERA PANS R. 

LAP DISSOLVE; 

1683.(1249+10) MS ROW OF 

STAGE LIGHTS SHINE. 

CAMERA PANS L.






1684.(1251+12) ECS of 

Akeelah EYES ONLY as 

she looks o/s R. She 

CLOSES HER EYES. 


FADE IN TO; 

ECS Akeelah's EYES as 

she looks o/s L., 

CAMERA PULLS BACK and 

CIRCLES her. WE SEE 

that she STANDS at the 

microphone. WE SEE 

the FILLED BALLROOM 

BG. CAMERA CONTINUES 

R. CROSSING BEHIND HER 

to show the JUDGES FG. 

then CONTINUES to show 

the SPELLING 

CONTESTANTS BG. The 

CAMERA RETURNS to the 

spot where it started 

for MCS Akeelah at the 

microphone. 

1685.(1313+06) FULL SHOT 

the Audience looks o/s 

R. to Akeelah. 

1686.(1315+08) HEAD SHOT 


L. into the audience. 

1687.(1317+08) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee R. Welch L.






(1320+05) MCS Akeelah 

SMILES o/s L. to 

Larabee, then looks to 

the Judges table o/s 

L. FG. 

(MUSIC OUT) 


Could you repeat 


1689.(1325+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Judges. 


...word, please? 

The Pronouncer gives 

two pronunciations. 


"Ratiocinate, 

Ratiocinate." 



Patrons watch TV. 

STEVE:(OUT LOUD) 

What in the hell, kind 

of word, is that? 

1691.(1335+09) FULL SHOT 

LOW ANGLE of the TV in 

the Diner. Patrons 

FG. CAMERA TRACKS L. 


R-A... 

1269. 1324.04 1329.09 5.05 


Could you repeat 

the word, please? 

1270. 1327.08 1331.10 4.02 


"Ratiocinate." 

1271. 1332.09 1335.05 2.12 STEVE:(OUT LOUD) 

What in the hell, kind 

of word, is that? 

1272. 1335.13 1342.13 7.00 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(FROM TV) 

R-A-T-I-O-C...








spellers on the stage. 



CRANES DOWN. 


...T-I... 

1693.(1340+08) FULL SHOT 

LOW ANGLE Akeelah at 



...O-C... 

1694.(1343+07) CHEST SHOT 



...I-N-A... 

1695.(1346+07) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


...T-E. 

1696.(1348+11) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Ratiocinate. 

1697.(1350+13) CHEST SHOT 

Judge L., Pronouncer 

R. 



1698.(1352+07) HEAD SHOT 

Wanda applauds, the 

audience follows 

suite. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1273. 1343.10 1346.10 3.00 


...I-N-A-T-E. 

1274. 1349.02 1350.09 1.07 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Ratiocinate. 

1275. *1350.13 1352.05 1.08 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO AKEELAH)(OS) 

That is correct.




(INT. - BALLROOM - CONT) 


1699.(1355+09) FULL SHOT 

Audience. WE SEE 

Devon, Wanda, Georgia, 

Welch and Larabee 

sitting C. 

1700.INT. - GYM - DAY 


Projection screen in 

Gymnasium. Students 

FG. 

(CHEERS) 

1701.(1359+07) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE Student's 

CHEER. 



Patrons clap and hoot. 


For an eleven year kid 

that's... 

1703.INT. - HOME - DAY 



clap and laugh. 


...just amazing. 



Larabee claps. 


But watch... 

1276. 1361.07 1364.01 2.10 

(over scene end) SAUNDERS:(FROM TV) 

For an eleven year kid 

that is just amazing. 

1277. 1365.04 1369.15 4.11 


But watch out, one 

wrong letter and that 

is it. 

(Is it: Meaning, "it is all over".)






1705.(1366+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah BG. looks 

to Speller TORSO ONLY 

FG. 

(DING) 

KATIE:(CONT) 

...one wrong letter 

and that's it. 

Speller CROSSES o/s L. 

1706.(1370+05) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan moves to the 

microphone FG. 

1707.(1372+01) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah BG., Dylan 

at the mic. FG. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO ALL) 

"Oersted". 

1708.(1374+02) HEAD SHOT 

Mr Chiu. No emotion. 

1709.(1375+11) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan. 

DYLAN:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

What's the language of 

origin? 


(1377+06) MS Patrons 

look to TV BG. 

PRONOUNCER:(FROM TV) 

It's from a Danish 

name. 

1278. 1372.11 1374.07 1.12 PRONOUNCER:(TO ALL) 

"Oersted". 

1279. 1375.12 1377.04 1.08 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

What is the language of 

origin? 

1280. 1377.14 1380.01 2.03 PRONOUNCER:(FROM TV) 

It is from a Danish 

name.




(INT. - DINER - CONT) 


1711.(1380+02) CHEST SHOT 

Korean Grocer L., 

Steve R. 

STEVE:(TO GROCER) 

Now, I can't stand 

this Korean kid. 

GROCER:(TO STEVE) 

He's Chinese. 

STEVE:(TO GROCER) 

He's uppity! 



Dylan. 

DYLAN:(TO ALL) 

O-E-S-T-R-E-D. 

1713.(1388+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 



1714.(1391+06) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan turns walks L. 

1715.(1393+11) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks o/s into 


(APPLAUSE) 

1716.(1396+09) FULL SHOT 

Audience WE SEE Mr 

Chiu stiff and 

unmoving as ALL OTHERS 

Applaud. 

1717.(1398+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

1281. 1380.07 1382.11 2.04 STEVE:(TO GROCER) 

Now, I can't stand this 

Korean kid. 

1282. 1383.01 1384.11 1.10 GROCER:(TO STEVE) 

(THEN STEVE) 

- He is Chinese. 

- He is uppity! 

1283. 1385.07 1388.07 3.00 DYLAN:(TO ALL) 

O-E-S-T-R-E-D. 

1284. 1389.02 1390.10 1.08 JUDGE:(TO ALL) 

That is correct.






1718.(1402+05) CHEST SHOT 

Javier at the 

microphone. 


What's the definition? 

1719.(1404+05) FULL SHOT 

from back of Ballroom. 



Xylem is a complex 

tissue in the vascular 

system of higher 

plants. 

1720.(1411+05) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah BG. looks 

to Javier FG. 

JAVIER:(TO ALL) 

"Xylem", X- 

1721.(1413+08) CHEST SHOT 

Javier FG. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...Y-L-E-M. 

1722.(1417+03) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(TO JAVIER) 


1723.(1419+05) CHEST SHOT 

Mr. and Mrs. Mendez 

applaud. 

1724.(1420+14) CHEST SHOT 

Javier turns from the 

microphone. 

1725.(1422+07) FULL SHOT 

back of ballroom. 



What is the definition? 


Xylem is a complex 

tissue in the vascular 

system of higher 

plants. 

1287. 1411.11 1416.14 5.03 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(TO ALL) 

"Xylem", X-Y-L-E-M, 

Xylem. 

1288. 1417.08 1419.00 1.08 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO JAVIER) 

That is correct.






1726.(1424+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah SMILES to 

Javier as he SITS FG. 


They thought they had 

me... 

1727.(1427+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...but I was too much 

for 'em. 

1728.(1429+04) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah CHUCKLES, 

and STANDS o/s R. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1729.INT. - APT. - DAY 


Derrick-T and crew 

KEEP TIME with 

Akeelah's letters. 


...T-H-O... 

1730.(1434+04) FULL SHOT 

Derrick-T and Crew 

WATCH TV BG. WE SEE 

Akeelah spelling. 


...E-P-Y. 

1289. 1425.08 1428.11 3.03 


They thought they had 

me. But I was too much 

for them. 

1290. 1431.09 1437.09 6.00 


...T-H-O-E-P-Y. 

Orthoepy.







Akeelah. 


"Orthoepy." 



FAST PAN. 

1732.(1439+08) CHEST SHOT 

Long hair SPELLER. 

FAST PAN. 

(DING) 

1733.(1440+15) MCS 

Pronouncer. 


Flocculation is 

originally... 

1734.(1442+05) MCS Hand 

to Face Speller. 


...Latin... 

MARY:(VO) 

Could you use it... 

1735.(1444+00) MCS MARY 

CALVERETTI at the 

microphone. 

MARY:(CONT) 

...in a sentence, 

please? 



1292. 1440.12 1443.13 3.01 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(TO ALL) 

Flocculation is 

originally Latin. 

1293. 1444.03 1445.11 1.08 

(over scene end) MARY:(VO) 


sentence, please.






1736.(1445+05) MCS Fuzzy 

haired boy. 

BOY:(OUT LOUD) 

Flocculation. 

FAST PAN 

(DING) 

1737.(1446+15) MCS 

SPELLER MAKES A FACE. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

Can I... 

1738.(1447+13) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...have a definition, 

please? 

JUDGE:(VO) 

That's... 

1739.(1449+02) MCS Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...correct. 

1740.(1449+14) HEAD SHOT 

Mary SMILES. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1294. 1446.01 1447.09 1.08 

(over scene end) BOY:(OUT LOUD) 

Flocculation. 

1295. 1447.15 1449.07 1.08 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(SPELLS) 

(THEN JUDGE) 

- Can I have a 


- That is correct.






1741.(1450+15) HEAD SHOT 

Boy with Glasses 

GRIMACES. 


Lobscows. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

The language of... 

1742.(1452+07) MCS 

Akeelah. 


...origin, please? 

FAST PAN 

1743.(1453+13) FACE SHOT 

Red haired girl. 

(DING) 

1744.(1454+12) HEAD SHOT 

Javier. 


Any alternate 

pronunciations? 

1745.(1456+09) HEAD SHOT 

DISHEVELED Hair KID. 

KID:(TO ALL) 

Gastromythia. 

(DING) 

1746.(1458+06) CS Bell. 

DYLAN:(OS) 

May I have... 


Lobscows. 

1297. 1452.09 1454.01 1.08 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(VO) 

The language of origin, 

please? 

1298. *1454.12 1456.04 1.08 JAVIER:(TO ALL) 

Any alternate 

pronunciations? 

1299. 1456.11 1458.03 1.08 KID:(TO ALL) 

Gastromythia. 

1300. 1458.09 1460.14 2.05 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(OS) 


definition, please?






1747.(1458+15) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

DYLAN:(CONT) 

...definition, please? 

FAST PAN 

1748.(1460+07) HEAD SHOT 

Finger in MOUTH KID. 

1749.(1461+15) MCS Mouth 

Kid looks L. 

1750.(1462+14) HEAD SHOT 

Mouth Kid looks o/s R. 

(DING) 

1751.(1464+02) MCS 

Pronouncer looks o/s 

R. 


Latin. 

1752.(1464+15) FACE SHOT 

Girl with Glasses. 

GIRL:(TO ALL) 

Esterodie. 

She smiles. 

1753.(1466+11) MCS 

Pronouncer SMILES. 

CAMERA ZOOMS IN. 

1754.(1467+09) CHEST SHOT 

Javier. 


Madrigal. 

JUDGE:(OS) 




Latin. 

1302. 1466.00 1467.08 1.08 

(over scene end) GIRL:(TO ALL) 

Esterodie. 

1303. 1467.14 1470.00 2.02 JAVIER:(TO ALL) 

(THEN JUDGE) 

- Madrigal. 

- That is correct.






1755.(1470+08) CHEST SHOT 

RAJEEVE. 

RAJEEVE:(TO ALL) 

Can I have the 


FAST PAN. 


From earliest... 

1756.(1472+06) MCS 

Pronouncer. 


...known time. 

(DING) 

1757.(1474+00) HEAD SHOT 

BLOND HAIRED KID rolls 

his head and GRIMACES. 

1758.(1475+01) MCS 

Rajeeve. 

RAJEEVE:(TO ALL) 

Aboriginally. 

JUDGE:(OS) 


FAST PAN 

1759.(1476+15) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Language of origin? 

1760.(1477+15) MCS Boy 

with arms raised. 

(BOY YELLS) 

1304. 1470.15 1472.07 1.08 RAJEEVE:(TO ALL) 



1305. 1472.13 1474.05 1.08 


From earliest known 

time. 

1306. 1475.02 1476.10 1.08 RAJEEVE:(TO ALL) 

(THEN JUDGE) 

- Aboriginally. 

- Correct. 

1307. 1477.00 1478.08 1.08 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(TO ALL) 

Language of origin?






1761.(1479+02) MCS Girl 

with pearl Ear stud, 

GRIMACES. 

(DING) 

1762.(1480+02) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan. 


Empleomania. 


FAST PAN 

1763.(1483+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah runs her hand 

over her head. 


Any ratio without 

separation... 

1764.(1486+05) MCS 

Pronouncer. 


...of two phases. 


(1487+14) MS 

Television at 

Akeelah's home. 

Akeelah spells. 


...I-B-L-E. 

1766.(1489+11) FULL SHOT 

Terrence and Kiana 

watch TV BACKS TO 

CAMERA. 

AKEELAH:(FROM TV)(CONT) 

Miscible. 

1308. 1480.06 1482.03 1.13 DYLAN:(TO ALL) 

Empleomania. 

1309. 1483.11 1487.08 3.13 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(CONT) 

Any ratio without 

separation of two 

phases. 

1310. *1487.14 1491.04 3.06 


...I-B-L-E. Miscible.




(INT. - HOME - CONT) 


1767.(1491+06) CHEST SHOT 


Cheer. 


If you're just joining 

us we're here in 




BOY in WHEELCHAIR at 



KATIE:(CONT) 

...eighth round of the 

National Spelling Bee 

with only thirty 

spellers remaining. 

WHEELCHAIR:(TO ALL) 

...U-R-S-U-S. 

"Excursus." 

1769.(1510+08) CHEST SHOT 

Judge TAPS BELL FG. 

(DING) 

1770.(1511+15) FULL SHOT 

Ballroom. 

(AUDIENCE REACTION) 

1771.(1513+11) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah steps to the 

microphone. 

1772.(1515+11) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 


"Argillaceous." 

1311. 1491.13 1498.08 6.11 


If you are just joining 

us we are here in the 

eighth round of the 

national spelling 

bee... 

1312. 1498.14 1501.14 3.00 KATIE:(CONT) 

...with only thirty 

spellers remaining. 

1313. 1503.01 1510.01 7.00 WHEELCHAIR:(TO ALL) 

...U-R-S-U-S. 

"Excursus." 

1314. 1515.14 1517.06 1.08 


"Argillaceous."






1773.(1517+12) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah. 

(MUSIC OUT) 


Excuse me? 

1774.(1520+15) CS 

Pronouncer's MOUTH 

ONLY. 


Argillaceous. 

1775.(1522+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 




1776.(1527+00) HEAD SHOT 




Argillaceous means, 

of... 

1777.(1529+04) MS Wand's 

LAP as she GRIPS HANDS 

with Georgia and Devon 

o/s R. and L. CAMERA 

CRANES UP 


...relating to, or 

containing clay, or 

clay minerals. 

1315. 1519.02 1520.10 1.08 


Excuse me? 

1316. 1521.03 1522.11 1.08 


Argillaceous. 

1317. 1523.15 1526.08 2.09 




1318. 1527.08 1532.11 5.03 


Argillaceous means, 

of, relating to, or 

containing... 

1319. 1533.01 1535.03 2.02 


...clay or clay 

minerals.





1778.(1534+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 



language of origin, 

please? 

1779.(1537+04) MCS 

Pronouncer. 


Latin. 



Kiana and Terrence. 


Man that's a white 

word if I ever heard 

one! It's a trick! 

Stop playing! 



Students FG. Screen 

BG. 


It's the suffix that 

would trip... 

1782.(1545+11) MCS Mrs. 

Cross. 


...up most people. 

They would... 

1320. 1535.09 1537.01 1.08 


May I have the language 

of origin, please? 

1321. 1537.07 1538.15 1.08 


Latin. 

1322. 1539.05 1543.07 4.02 TERRENCE:(OUT LOUD) 

Man that is a white 

word if I ever heard 

one! It is a trick! 

Stop playing! 

1323. 1543.15 1547.06 3.07 


It is the suffix that 

would trip up most 

people. 

1324. 1547.12 1552.15 5.03 


They would tend to 

spell it, 

"T-I-O-U-S," or 

"C-I-O-U-S.






HIGH ANGLE all look to 

the TV FG. 


...would tend to spell 

it, "T-I-O-U-S"... 

1784.(1550+13) MCS 

Postman looks o/s to 

the screen. 


...or "C-I-O-U-S." 



Audience FG. STAGE BG. 


microphone. 


Is it derived from the 

Latin word 

"Argilla"... 

1786.(1556+12) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 


...meaning clay? 



1787.(1560+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah thinks. 

1788.(1565+15) CHEST SHOT 


microphone. She TAPS 

and SPELLS. 


A-R-G... 

1325. 1553.08 1558.05 4.13 


Is it derived from the 

Latin word "Argilla," 

meaning clay? 

1326. 1558.13 1560.05 1.08 



1327. 1567.07 1573.08 6.01 AKEELAH:(TO ALL) 

A-R-G...





1789.(1574+00) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah TAPS FG. 

WE SEE Dylan BG. 


...I-L... 

1790.(1578+08) CHEST SHOT 


IN. 


...L-A... 

1791.(1587+13) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 

LARABEE:(TO HIMSELF) 

Come on. 

1792.(1590+00) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah CLOSES HER 

EYES. 

1793.INT. -LARABEE'S HOME- DAY 

(1594+13) CS of the 

WORD "ARGILLA" CAMERA 

PANS R. to FOLLOW a 

POINTER. 

1794.(1597+11) FACE SHOT 


INTO CAMERA. 



Akeelah concentrates. 

1796.(1600+14) M FULL 

SHOT Dylan BG., 

Akeelah FG. TAPS 

FINGERS. 

1797.(1603+15) CHEST SHOT 

Devon L., Wanda C., 

Georgia R. 

1798.(1606+02) HEAD SHOT 

Javier. 

1328. 1574.14 1577.15 3.01 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...I-L... 

1329. 1578.15 1582.03 3.04 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

...L-A... 

1330. 1587.14 1589.14 2.00 LARABEE:(TO HIMSELF) 

Come on.





1799.(1608+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Can I start over? 


You may, but... 

1800.(1614+00) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...you cannot change 

the letters you've... 

1801.(1616+07) MCS Welch 

L., Larabee R. 


...already spelled. 

CAMERA PANS L. to 

Georgia who covers her 

eyes. 

1802.(1622+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

1803.(1630+14) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah's HAND FG 

OUT OF FOCUS. Dylan 

BG. Akeelah RAISES 

HER HAND. Dylan LOOKS 

to the hand. 

1804.(1637+05) FULL SHOT 

Audience BG. Akeelah 

FG. LIFTS HER ARMS 

OUTWARD. 

1805.(1639+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah opens her 

eyes. 


Can I start over? 

1332. 1612.15 1617.14 4.15 


You may, but you cannot 

change the letters you 

have already spelled.





1806.(1642+02) FULL SHOT 

EXTREME HIGH ANGLE WE 

SEE Akeelah below with 

HER ARMS OUT. She 

MOTIONS with her HANDS 

AS IF JUMPING ROPE. 

She JUMPS and SPELLS. 

CAMERA CRANES DOWN. 

AKEELAH:(SPELLS) 

A-R-G... 

1807.(1648+12) FULL SHOT 

Audience REACTS by 

LOOKING TO EACH OTHER. 

AKEELAH:(OS)(SPELLS) 

...I-L... 

1808.(1650+15) HEAD SHOT 

Georgia PEEKS over her 



...L... 

1809.(1652+09) WAIST SHOT 

Akeelah JUMPS and 

SPELLS. 


...A-C... 


(1655+04) CS of the 

REMAINDER of the WORD. 

CAMERA PANS R. 


...E-O... 



Larabee SMILES. 


...U... 

1333. 1644.11 1649.14 5.03 


A-R-G-I... 

1334. 1650.04 1654.14 4.10 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS)(SPELLS) 

...L-L-A-C... 

1335. 1655.12 1659.13 4.01 


...E-O-U-S.





1812.(1659+02) FULL SHOT 

Audience FG. Akeelah 

BG. on stage JUMPS and 

SPELLS. 


...S. 

1813.(1660+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


..."Argillaceous". 

1814.(1663+00) WAIST SHOT 

OTS Judges table. 



1815.(1664+14) FULL SHOT 


CAMERA Audience BG. 

REACTS. 

1816.(1667+05) CHEST SHOT 

Devon L., Wanda C. 

Georgia R,. CHEER. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1817.(1670+03) CHEST SHOT 

Javier CLAPS and 

SMILES. 



Students APPLAUD and 

CHEER. 



Patrons APPLAUD and 

CHEER. 

1336. 1661.04 1662.12 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

..."Argillaceous". 


That is correct.







EMBRACE in 

CELEBRATION. 


She got it! That's my 

little sister. 


(1678+01) MS CAMERA 

FAST TRACKS R. and 

STOPS on Larabee. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1338. 1675.12 1677.15 2.03 TERRENCE:(OUT LOUD) 

She got it! That is my 

little sister. 









Audience CAMERA CRANES 

DOWN for CHEST SHOT 

Chiu and Wife. Chiu 

sits with arms folded. 

(MUSIC IN) 

1823.(19+00) HEAD SHOT 


L. to Dylan. 

1824.(24+10) CHEST SHOT 


Akeelah. 


Well... 


(32+02) MCS OTS Ted 

Saunders L. BG. Katie 

FG. 


...it's the twelfth 

round folks. And our 

five remaining 

spellers are... 


(38+01) MS TV. WE SEE 

MARY CALVERETTI on the 

screen. 


...Mary Calveretti, 

age... 

1827.(40+04) WAIST SHOT 

Patrons FG. look to 

the television set BG. 


...twelve. Thirteen 

year old, Rajeeve 

Subramonian. 

1339. 31.14 34.14 3.00 


Well it is the twelfth 

round folks. 

1340. 35.04 40.10 5.06 


And our five remaining 

spellers are Mary 

Calveretti, age twelve. 

1341. 41.11 43.11 2.00 SAUNDERS:(CONT) 

Thirteen year old, 

Rajeeve Subramonian.






Terrence and Kiana 

BACKS TO CAMERA watch 

TV. 


Twelve year old Javier 

Mendez. 



Students FG. Screen 

BG. 


Dylan Chiu, also of 

Woodland Hills. Wow, 

they really... 

1830.INT. - APT. - DAY 

(50+12) MCS Derrick-T 

looks o/s R. to his TV 

and makes a dismissive 

move. 


...crank 'em out down 

there, don't they? Of 

course... 


(53+08) MCS OTS 

Saunders. 


...Akeelah Anderson. 



Students FG. CHEER. 

Akeelah on screen BG. 


1833.(57+10) WAIST SHOT 

Tough girls and Chucky 

CHEER. 


Twelve year old Javier 

Mendez. 


Dylan Chiu, also of 


1344. 50.12 53.01 2.05 


Wow, they really crank 

them out down there, 

don't they? 

1345. 53.07 55.14 2.07 


Of course, Akeelah 

Anderson.





(60+01) MCS Javier at 


(MUSIC IN) 


Could you use the word 

in a sentence... 

1835.(62+07) CHEST SHOT 

Mendez family look o/s 

R. to Javier. 


...please? 

1836.(63+14) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 


The Merovingian kings 

were known for having 

long... 

1837.(68+15) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Javier stands 

between the Judges FG. 



...red hair. 


Okay. Ah... M-... 

1838.(77+15) MCS Javier 

at the microphone. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...A... 

1346. 60.10 63.11 3.01 

(over scene end) JAVIER:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

Could you use the word 

in a sentence, please? 

1347. 64.06 70.07 6.01 

(over scene end) PRONOUNCER:(TO JAVIER) 

The Merovingian kings 

were known for having 

long red hair. 


Okay. 

1349. 75.04 82.04 7.00 


M-A-R...






1839.(80+02) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...R-O-V... 

1840.(85+08) MCS 

Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...I-N... 

1841.(87+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...G-I-A... 

1842.(91+05) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Javier. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

...N. "Merovingian." 

(DING) 

1843.(95+02) MCS 

Javier sighs. 


1844.(98+12) CHEST SHOT 

the Mendez family 

reacts. 


Merovingian is 

spelled, M-E... 

1845.(104+00) MCS 

Javier. 


...R-O-V-I-N... 

1350. 83.09 88.04 4.11 


...O-V-I-N... 

1351. 84.10 91.00 6.06 


...G-I-A-N. 

1352. 91.06 94.09 3.03 JAVIER:(CONT) 

"Merovingian." 

1353. 100.14 103.07 2.09 PRONOUNCER:(TO JAVIER) 

Merovingian is spelled, 

1354. 103.13 109.11 5.14 


M-E-R-O-V-I-N-G-I-A-N






1846.(106+15) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...G-I-A-N. 

1847.(109+12) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE Audience 

applauds. 

(APPLAUSE) 

CAMERA CRANES R. 

1848.(112+07) MCS Javier 

looks o/s L. to the 

crowd. HE MIMES for 

the Audience. He 

THROWS KISSES. 

1849.(118+00) M FULL 

SHOT Javier BOWS. 

1850.(120+09) CHEST SHOT 

Judges CLAP and SMILE. 

1851.(123+08) HEAD SHOT 


to Javier. 


I forgot to spell it 

how it sounds. 

1852.(125+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier. 


Thirteenth last year, 

fifth this year. Next 

year I'll take it all. 

Now it's your turn. 

1853.(134+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah smiles o/s L. 

to Javier. 

1355. 123.11 125.03 1.08 JAVIER:(OS)(TO AKEELAH) 

I forgot to spell it 

how it sounds. 


Thirteenth last year, 

fifth this year. 

1357. 130.11 133.10 2.15 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Next year I will take 

it all. Now it is your 

turn.






1854.(136+07) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Javier moves o/s 

R. from the stage. 

1855.(137+14) HEAD SHOT 


as she watches Javier 

move from the stage. 

1856.(140+14) WAIST SHOT 

Javier sits BETWEEN 

HIS PARENTS as the 

console and 

congratulate him. 

1857.(146+07) CHEST SHOT 

MARY. 

MARY:(TO ALL) 

...I-S-M. 

"Mithridatism." 

DYLAN:(VO) 

..P-I... 

(DING) 

1858.(154+00) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

...S-C-N-C-E. 

"Resipiscence." 

JUDGE (OS)(TO DYLAN) 


RAJEEVE:(VO) 

F-I... 

1859.(160+07) CHEST SHOT 

Rajeeve at the 

microphone. 

RAJEEVE:(SPELLS) 

...R-E. "Vitrophyre." 

(DING) 

1358. 146.05 150.11 4.06 MARY:(TO ALL) 

...I-S-M. 

"Mithridatism." 

1359. 153.00 157.07 4.07 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(VO) 

..P-I-S-C-N-C-E. 

1360. 157.13 159.13 2.00 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

(THEN JUDGE) 

- "Resipiscence." 

- That is correct. 

1361. 160.03 164.15 4.12 

(over scene end) RAJEEVE:(VO) 

F-I-R-E. "Vitrophyre".






1860.(167+10) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah spells. 


G-I-N-O-U-S. 

"Serpiginous." 



1861.(174+14) CHEST SHOT 

Devon STANDS and 

SHOUTS. 

DEVON:(OUT LOUD) 

Yes! 

1862.(176+09) FULL SHOT 

HIGH ANGLE Audience. 

CAMERA CRANES L. 

1863.(178+14) CHEST SHOT 

Welch APPLAUDS. 

1864.(180+10) HEAD SHOT 

Wanda APPLAUDS. 

WANDA:(TO ONLOOKER) 

That's my baby. 

(APPLAUSE) 

1362. 167.15 173.07 5.08 AKEELAH:(SPELLS) 

G-I-N-O-U-S. 

"Serpiginous." 

1363. 173.13 175.05 1.08 



1364. 175.11 177.03 1.08 

(over scene end) DEVON:(OUT LOUD) 

Yes! 

1365. 181.00 183.07 2.07 WANDA:(TO ONLOOKER) 

That is my baby.






1865.(183+09) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah SITS down in 

her chair. 

(APPLAUSE) 

CAMERA PULLS BACK -- 

WE SEE only Dylan and 

Akeelah remain on 

stage. 

JUDGE:(ANNOUNCES) 

We're going to take a 

small break before 

Akeelah and Dylan 

commence with the 

championship level 

words. 

1866.INT. - COMFORT ROOM - DAY 


Akeelah wipes her face 

with a towel. She 

LOOKS TO HER 

REFLECTION and SMILES. 

She looks down the UP 

o/s TOP. 


Pretty good, huh? 

1867.INT. - HALLWAY - DAY 


Akeelah STEPS from the 

comfort room and walks 

to FG. CAMERA PULLS 

BACK PRECEDING. She 


sound of a voice. 

It's Mr. Chiu's voice. 

CHIU:(OS)(TO DYLAN)(OS) 

You know what happened 

last year. Make sure 

you stay focused, 

right? 

1366. 194.11 197.04 2.09 JUDGE:(ANNOUNCES) 

We are going to take a 

small break... 

1367. 197.10 202.13 5.03 JUDGE:(CONT) 

...before Akeelah and 

Dylan commence with the 

championship level 

words. 


Pretty good, huh? 

1369. 239.05 246.05 7.00 CHIU:(OS)(TO DYLAN)(OS) 

You know what happened 

last year. Make sure 

you stay focused, 

right?





1868.INT. - MEN'S ROOM - DAY 

(247+06) MCS WE SEE 

Akeelah OPEN the door 

SLIGHTLY and look 

inside. 

CHIU:(OS)(CONT) 

This is your... 

1869.(249+05) M FULL 

SHOT Dylan R. Mr. Chiu 

L . They stand inside 

beside some bathroom 

stalls. 

CHIU:(CONT) 

...last national 

spelling bee. If you 

lose to that girl, 

you're second place 

your whole life. 

1870.(258+06) HEAD SHOT 


to Chiu and Dylan. 

CHIU:(OS)(CONT) 

No way! You hear me? 

1871.(262+14) M FULL 

SHOT Chiu L., Dylan R. 

CHIU:(CONT) 

No way! 

1872.(264+15) HEAD SHOT 


to Chiu and Dylan. WE 

SEE Larabee BG. BEHIND 

Akeelah. 


Peeking on... 

1370. 248.03 252.03 4.00 

(over scene end) CHIU:(OS)(CONT) 

This is your last 


1371. 252.13 257.13 5.00 CHIU:(CONT) 

If you lose to that 

girl, you are second 

place your whole life. 

1372. 259.12 262.04 2.08 CHIU:(OS)(CONT) 

No way! You hear me? 

1373. *262.15 264.07 1.08 CHIU:(CONT) 

No way! 

1374. 265.03 266.11 1.08 


Peeking on someone?




(INT. - MEN'S ROOM - CONT) 

1873.(266+00) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah looks L. 

to Larabee. 


...someone? 

1874.(267+03) CHEST SHOT 


to Akeelah. 

1875.INT. - HALLWAY - DAY 




Just wishing Dylan 

good luck. 

1876.(271+15) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee. 


You've done a superb 

job. I am so proud of 

you. 


Just wishing Dylan good 

luck. 


You have done a superb 

job. I am so proud of 

you.




(INT. - HALLWAY - CONT) 

1877.(276+09) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Now listen, they are 

going to hit you with 

every trick word 

they've got. 

They begin to walk 

along the hallway. 

CAMERA PULLS BACK 

PRECEDING. 


Now, you just remember 

the things that we've 

studied. You can take 

these words apart. 

Even if you've never 

seen them, right? 

Akeelah nods. 


But if I don't beat 

Dylan, I've... 

1878.(295+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS HIGH ANGLE 

Akeelah. 


...still got next 

year, right? 

1879.(298+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Well, of course you 

do. 

1377. 276.13 282.08 5.11 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Now listen, they are 

going to hit you with 

every trick word they 

have got. 

1378. 283.10 286.10 3.00 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Now, you just remember 

the things that we have 

studied. 

1379. 287.00 291.01 4.01 LARABEE:(CONT) 

You can take these 

words apart. Even if 

you have never seen 

them, right? 

1380. 293.02 297.00 3.14 


But if I don't beat 

Dylan, I still have 

next year, right? 


Well, of course you do.





1880.(300+00) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Although, I don't know 

how much time we'll 

have to train 

together. I've... 

1881.(305+10) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


...been asked to come 

back and teach at 

UCLA. And I've said 

yes. 

1882.(311+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah 


Really? 

1883.(314+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Well, far be it from 

me to deny the next 

W.E.B. Dubois the 

benefits of my acerbic 

wit and sour 

disposition. 

1884.(326+03) HEAD SHOT 


(LARABEE CHUCKLES) 

(DOOR OPENS) 


to the sound. 

1382. 301.02 304.11 3.09 LARABEE:(CONT) 

Although, I don't know 

how much time we will 

have to train together. 

1383. 305.01 310.15 5.14 


I have been asked to 

come back and teach at 

UCLA. And I have said 

yes. 

1384. 313.01 314.09 1.08 


Really? 


Well, far be it from me 

to deny the next W.E.B. 

Dubois... 

1386. 320.12 325.07 4.11 LARABEE:(CONT) 

...the benefits of my 

acerbic wit and sour 

disposition.





1885.(330+02) WAIST SHOT 

Dylan and Chiu step 

INTO THE HALL and walk 


follow. They CROSS 

o/s BG. as Larabee and 

Akeelah stand FG. 

1886.(337+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah looks 

down. 

1887.(340+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


What's the matter? 

1888.(342+00) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Nothing, Doctor 

Larabee. I should get 

back. No matter what 

happens, I want you to 

know that... 

1889.(357+11) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


I couldn't have gotten 

this far without you. 

1890.(362+02) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

1387. 340.09 342.01 1.08 


What is the matter? 


Nothing, Doctor 

Larabee. I should get 

back. 

1389. 349.13 351.05 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

No matter what 

happens... 

1390. 355.07 361.01 5.10 


...I want you to know 

that I could not have 

gotten this far without 

you.





1891.(363+13) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Wanda ENTER BG. 

Larabee L. FG. 


Akeelah, baby. There 

you are, come on. 

1892.(366+00) HEAD SHOT 


Larabee FG. 


I gotta go. 

1893.(369+10) FULL SHOT 

Akeelah runs to Wanda 

BG. Larabee FG. looks 

on. 


They're about to start 

up again. 

1894.(373+04) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee moves o/s R. 



Audience BG. MOVES to 

their SEATS. Larabee 

ENTERS, MOVES to FG. 

1896.(382+05) HEAD SHOT 



1897.(386+01) WAIST SHOT 

Larabee. Wanda and 

Devon CROSS BG. Wanda 

STOPS and turns to 

Larabee. 


Don't look... 


Akeelah, baby. There 

you are, come on. 


I have to go. 

1393. 371.08 374.06 2.14 


They are about to start 

up again. 

1394. 392.07 397.07 5.00 


Don't look so nervous. 

I hear she had a pretty 

good coach.





1898.(393+05) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

... so nervous. I 

heard she had a pretty 

good coach. 

1899.(401+00) HEAD SHOT 



You know, I just found 

out that the Bee only 

gives each... 

1900.(405+07) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 

WANDA:(CONT) 

...kid two plane 

tickets. I was 

wondering how we 

ended... 

1901.(410+10) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(CONT) 

...up with six? 

1902.(416+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


Perhaps it was some 

unexpected largess on 

the part of the Bee. 

1903.(426+02) HEAD SHOT 



Or perhaps Akeelah's 

coach is also pretty 

generous. 

1904.(433+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee looks 

down, smiles. 

1395. 402.02 407.09 5.07 


You know, I just found 

out that the Bee only 

gives each kid two 

plane tickets. 

1396. 409.05 412.07 3.02 


I was wondering how we 

ended up with six? 


Perhaps it was some 

unexpected largess on 

the part of the Bee. 


Or perhaps Akeelah's 

coach is also pretty 

generous.





1905.(437+01) HEAD SHOT 



Thanks, for 

everything. 

1906.(445+13) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Larabee. 


You're welcome. 

1907.(449+04) WAIST SHOT 


JUDGE:(OS)(ANNOUNCES) 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

let's... 

1908.(452+05) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...welcome Akeelah and 

Dylan back to the 

stage. 

(APPLAUSE) 

(MUSIC IN) 



Now remember if either 

speller misses a 

word... 



Saunders. 


...the other has to 

spell that missed 

word... 


Thanks, for everything. 


You are welcome. 

1401. 449.14 456.09 6.11 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(OS)(ANNOUNCES) 


let us welcome Akeelah 

and Dylan back to the 

stage. 

1402. 458.15 461.11 2.12 


Now remember if either 

speller misses a 

word... 

1403. *462.04 468.14 6.10 


...the other has to 

spell that missed 

word plus another to 

win. Right?




(INT. - BOOTH - CONT) 


1910.(465+15) FULL SHOT 

Audience FG. Dylan and 

Akeelah on stage BG. 


...plus another to 

win. Right? 

KATIE:(ANNOUNCES) 

That's right. 

1911.(470+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Katie. 

KATIE:(CONT) 

And we could exhaust 

all twenty five 

championship words. 



Akeelah SITS in her 

chair on stage. 

KATIE:(CONT) 

But it's never 

happened. The 

championship... 

1913.(478+13) CHEST SHOT 


microphone. 

KATIE:(CONT) 

...words are just too 

difficult. 

1914.(481+13) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 


"Filiopietistic." 

1404. 469.04 475.03 5.15 

(over scene end) KATIE:(ANNOUNCES) 

That is right. And we 

could exhaust all 

twenty five 

championship words. 

1405. 469.04 477.15 8.11 KATIE:(CONT) 

But it has never 

happened. 

1406. 478.05 481.10 3.05 


The championship words 

are just too difficult. 


"Filiopietistic."






1915.(484+13) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan at microphone. 




1916.(486+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Of, or relating too, 

an often excessive 

veneration of 

ancestors or 

tradition. 

1917.(494+09) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan. 


Filiopietistic. F-I... 

1918.(500+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah looks INTO THE 

AUDIENCE. 

1919.(501+13) FULL SHOT 

Audience. WE SEE Mr. 

Chiu C. CROSSES HIS 

ARMS. 


...L-I-O... 

(DYLAN'S VOICE UNDER) 

1920.(507+09) HEAD SHOT 


L. to Chiu. 

1408. 484.11 486.07 1.12 DYLAN:(TO PRONOUNCER) 




Of, or relating too, an 

often excessive 

veneration of ancestors 

or tradition. 

1410. 494.12 497.04 2.08 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

Filiopietistic. 

1411. 498.05 505.05 7.00 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(CONT) 

F-I-L-I-O...






1921.(510+04) FULL SHOT 

Chiu with arms 

crossed. CAMERA ZOOMS 

IN. WE SEE the 

Audience applaud. Mr. 

Chiu sits stoically 

with arms still 

crossed. 

1922.(517+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah watches Chiu 

o/s. 

1923.(519+13) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu sits unmoving. 

WE SEE the audience 

applauding. He does 

not move. 

(APPLAUSE UP) 

1924.(524+12) HEAD SHOT 


to Chiu, then o/s R. 

to Dylan. 

1925.(527+05) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan sits also 

stoically but looks 

o/s R. to his father. 

1926.(529+09) HEAD SHOT 


Chiu o/s R. 

1927.(534+04) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 


Akeelah, you're up. 

1928.(537+09) HEAD SHOT 


1929.(541+00) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Akeelah moves 

to the microphone C. 

between the judges 



Akeelah, you are up.






1930.(545+09) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah at the 

microphone. 

1931.(548+01) HEAD SHOT 

Pronouncer. 


"Xanthosis." 

1932.(550+10) HEAD SHOT 


microphone. 


Xanthosis? 

1933.INT. - CLASS ROOM - DAY 


Dylan LOOKS INTO 

CAMERA. 


It starts with an "X". 



Akeelah looks down, 

then o/s R. to Dylan. 

1935.(563+03) CHEST SHOT 



microphone THEN down. 

1936.(569+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah turns back to 


1937.(574+09) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee. 

1938.(579+06) HEAD SHOT 


to Chiu. 

1939.(581+10) FULL SHOT 

Audience. Chiu SITS 

WITH ARMS CROSSED. 


"Xanthosis." 


Xanthosis? 


It starts with an "X".






1940.(585+05) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 


Miss Anderson? 

1941.(588+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Xanthosis. Z... 

1942.(606+11) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan looks up o/s L. 

to Akeelah. 


...A-N... 

1943.(608+09) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee can't believe 

his ears. HE STANDS. 


...T-H-O... 

1944.(611+10) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee stands INTO 

SHOT and looks o/s R. 


1945.(612+14) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan can't believe it 

either. CAMERA ZOOMS 

IN. 


...S-I-S. 


Miss Anderson? 


Xanthosis. 

1418. 605.11 608.08 2.13 


Z-A-N... 

1419. 609.02 614.12 5.10 

(over scene end) AKEELAH:(OS)(SPELLS) 

...T-H-O-S-I-S.






1946.(616+07) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Xanthosis. 

(DING) 



Tough Girls SHOW 

DISAPPOINTMENT. 

1948.(624+12) CHEST SHOT 

Mrs. Cross is 

disappointed. 



Akeelah FG. Dylan BG. 

with mouth agape. 

Akeelah moves o/s L. 

to her chair. 

1950.(630+08) HEAD SHOT 


his father. 

1951.(632+15) HEAD SHOT 

Mr. Chiu is expectant. 

1952.(636+06) FULL SHOT 

Larabee standing in 

the audience slowly 

sits. 

1953.(639+02) CHEST SHOT 

Larabee C. slumps into 

his seat. Welch L., 

looks to the floor. 

1954.(642+08) CHEST SHOT 

Devon and Wanda look 

to the floor. 


Dylan it's your... 

1420. 618.07 620.00 1.09 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Xanthosis. 

1421. 643.13 645.12 1.15 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(ANNOUNCES) 

Dylan it is your turn.






1955.(644+11) MCS 

Georgia hangs her 

head. 


...turn. 

1956.(646+11) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah then stands. 

1957.(650+08) HEAD SHOT 


floor. 

1958.(652+08) HEAD SHOT 


microphone. 

1959.(656+12) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 


"Xanthosis." 

1960.(658+09) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

1961.(662+03) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Dylan C. 

looks L. to Akeelah 

seated in her chair. 

1962.(665+01) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan looks back to 



Xanthosis. X... 

1963.(682+12) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

DYLAN:(OS)(SPELLS) 

...A-N-T-H... 


"Xanthosis." 

1423. 680.10 682.06 1.12 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

Xanthosis. 

1424. 682.15 685.15 3.00 


X-A-N-T-H...






1964.(689+13) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

DYLAN:(CONT) 

...O-S-E-S. 

1965.(698+15) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan. 


Xanthosis. 

1966.(703+04) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Dylan a the 

microphone. Judges 

FG. 

(DING) 

1967.(704+15) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu STANDS, CAMERA 

TILTS UP to follow. 


1968.(707+07) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan. 


Xanthosis is spelled, 

X-A-N... 

1969.(712+04) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah. 


...T-H-O-S-I-S. 

1970.(717+05) HEAD SHOT 

Chiu isn't happy, but 

struggles with his 

feelings. 

1425. 691.00 698.00 7.00 DYLAN:(CONT) 

...O-S-E-S. 

1426. 699.09 701.11 2.02 DYLAN:(OS)(CONT) 

Xanthosis. 


Xanthosis is spelled, 

1428. 710.05 716.11 6.06 


X-A-N-T-H-O-S-I-S






1971.(721+03) HEAD SHOT 


the Judge. 

DYLAN:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

Can I get some water, 

please? 

1972.(723+03) HEAD SHOT 

Judge looks o/s L. 

JUDGE:(TO ASSISTANT) 

Can we please get 

both... 

1973.(725+12) HEAD SHOT 


and shakes his head. 


...spellers some 

water? 

(APPLAUSE) 

(MUSIC OUT) 

1974.(727+13) FULL SHOT 

WE SEE Mr. Chiu 

STANDING in the 

audience. He slowly 

SITS. 

1975.(733+04) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu sits. 

1976.(737+00) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Dylan looks to 


CAMERA. 


What are you... 

1429. 721.10 724.03 2.09 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(TO JUDGE)(OS) 

Can I get some water, 

please? 

1430. 724.14 727.05 2.07 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO ASSISTANT) 

Can we please get 

both spellers some 

water? 

1431. 738.03 740.07 2.04 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(TO AKEELAH) 


- What are you doing? 

- What are you doing?





1977.(738+13) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

DYLAN:(CONT) 

...doing? 


What are you doing? 

1978.(740+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Dylan. 


You just threw that 

word. 

AKEELAH (TO DYLAN) So 

did you. 


You're just gonna give 

this all away? 

1979.(747+01) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Your dad will be 

happy. 

1980.(750+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Dylan. 


Who cares? He's never 

won anything in his 

life. I won the 

Regionals... 



- You just threw that 

word. 

- So did you. 


You are just going to 

give this all away? 


Your dad will be happy. 


Who cares? He has 

never won anything in 

his life. 

1436. 758.13 761.15 3.02 


I won the Regionals 

three times in a row.





1981.(760+00) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

DYLAN:(CONT) 

...three times in a 

row. And I finished 

second in the 

Nationals twice. 


And now you can finish 

first. I can do it 

next year. 

1982.(771+06) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Dylan. 


You do your best this 

year. 

1983.(774+00) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 


Dylan... 

1984.(776+06) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Dylan. 


You do your best, or I 

don't want it. 

1985.(781+08) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah. 

ASSISTANT:(OS)(TO BOTH) 

Here's your water. 

1986.(790+14) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Dylan looks L. to 

Akeelah. He MOTIONS 

with his head for her 

to TAKE HER TURN. 

1987.(792+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah STANDS and 

moves o/s L. 

1437. 763.00 765.11 2.11 DYLAN:(CONT) 

And I finished second 

in the Nationals twice. 


And now you can finish 

first. I can do it 

next year. 


You do your best this 

year. 


Dylan... 


You do your best, or I 

don't want it. 

1442. 783.05 785.04 1.15 ASSISTANT:(OS)(TO BOTH) 

Here is your water.






Saunders. 


That's kind of amazing 

isn't it? That both 

of these... 


(800+13) MS Television 

in Akeelah's house. 

WE SEE Akeelah move to 



...incredible spellers 

would stumble on 

that... 

1990.(803+01) FULL SHOT 

Terrence and Kiana FG. 

watch the TV L BG. 


...that word? 


I think we've got... 

1991.(805+11) CHEST SHOT 

Kiana L. Terrence R. 


...some pretty nervous 

kids up there. 

1443. 797.07 799.07 2.00 SAUNDERS:(ANNOUNCES) 

That is kind of amazing 

isn't it? 

1444. 799.13 804.10 4.13 


That both of these 

incredible spellers 

would stumble on that 

word? 

1445. 805.00 807.15 2.15 


I think we have some 

pretty nervous kids up 

there.






Pronouncer. 


"Effleurage"... 

1993.(811+03) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Akeelah at 



...or "Effleurage." 

1994.(814+09) HEAD SHOT 


to Dylan. 

1995.(816+13) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan nods. 

1996.(818+10) HEAD SHOT 




E-F-F-L-E-U-R-A-G-E, 

Effleurage. 

1997.(831+14) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Akeelah at 




(APPLAUSE) 

1998.(833+13) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan smiles and nods. 

1446. 808.15 813.15 5.00 


"Effleurage" or 

"Effleurage." 


E-F-F-L-E-U-R-A-G-E, 

1448. 830.00 831.08 1.08 AKEELAH:(CONT) 

Effleurage. 

1449. *831.14 833.06 1.08 JUDGE:(TO ALL) 

That is correct.





(838+10) LS Students 

APPLAUD and CHEER. 


I'm telling you this 

is just like watching 

two star tennis 

players... 

2000.(842+14) M FULL 

SHOT SIDE ANGLE of 

students in the Gym, 

they all chant and 

cheer. 


...at the net, 

returning volleys. I 

mean... 

2001.(846+01) MS 

Students STOMP FEET, 



...these kids are 

incredible. 

(MUSIC IN) 

DYLAN:(FROM TV) 

Lagniappe. 



Dylan. 


L-A-G-N-I-A-P-P-E. 

Lagniappe. 

1450. 838.15 845.08 6.09 


I'm telling you this is 

just like watching two 

star tennis players at 

the net returning 

volleys. 

1451. 845.13 848.02 2.05 


I mean these kids are 

incredible. 

1452. 848.08 853.14 5.06 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(FROM TV) 

Lagniappe. 

L-A-G-N-I-A-P-P-E 

lagniappe.






2003.(854+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Sumpsimus. 

2004.(855+10) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Can you use it in a 

sentence, please? 

2005.(857+04) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Is that a verb? 

2006.(858+07) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Ophelimity. 

2007.(859+08) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Tralatitious. 

2008.(860+08) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 



1453. *854.04 857.01 2.13 


(THEN DYLAN) 

- Sumpsimus. 

- Can you use it in a 

sentence, please? 

1454. 857.07 859.00 1.09 


(THEN DYLAN) 

- Is that a verb? 

- Ophelimity. 

1455. 859.06 862.00 2.10 


(THEN JUDGE) 

- Tralatitious. 

- That is correct.






2009.(862+01) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Sophrosyne. 

2010.(863+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Parrhesia. 

2011.(864+11) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Is that Greek? 

2012.(866+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Is that Latin? 

2013.(867+05) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan Starts a 

question. 


What's the language of 

origin... 

2014.(868+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah completes the 

question. 


...please. 

1456. 862.06 864.04 1.14 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(SPELLS) 


- Sophrosyne. 

- Parrhesia. 

1457. 864.10 866.15 2.05 



- Is that Greek? 

- Is that Latin? 

1458. 867.04 868.12 1.08 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(TO PRONOUNCER) 

(AKEELAH COMPLETES) 

What is the language of 

origin, please?






2015.(869+00) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Lyophilize. 

2016.(870+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Zarzuela. 

2017.(871+03) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Vibrissae. 

2018.(872+05) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Craquelure. 

2019.(873+08) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 



(APPLAUSE) 

1459. 869.02 870.13 1.11 



- Lyophilize. 

- Zarzuela 

1460. 871.03 873.07 2.04 



- Vibrissae. 

- Craquelure. 

1461. 873.13 875.05 1.08 JUDGE:(TO ALL) 

That is correct.






2020.(875+09) FULL SHOT 

audience APPLAUDS. 

CAMERA TRACKS L. in 

front of stage 

proscenium below the 

anti proscenium. 


These kids are chewing 

through these super 

tough words like... 

2021.(881+00) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee nods. 


...they were breakfast 

cereal. 

KATIE:(ANNOUNCES) 

You know, they could 

actually go... 

2022.(885+14) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu and Wife applaud. 

KATIE:(CONT) 

...the distance. And 

most people consider 

that un... 

2023.(890+04) HEAD SHOT 


KATIE:(CONT) 

...thinkable. 


You're now thirteen 

words into the 

champion... 

1462. 876.03 882.10 6.07 


These kids are chewing 

through these super 

tough words like they 

were breakfast cereal. 

1463. 883.05 887.03 3.14 

(over scene end) KATIE:(ANNOUNCES) 

You know, they could 

actually go the 

distance. 

(Go/distance: Allegory meaning, "complete 

the task.") 

1464. 887.09 890.13 3.04 


And most people 

consider that 

unthinkable. 

1465. 891.10 896.02 4.08 


You are now thirteen 

words into the 

championship level.






2024.(894+13) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Dylan at the 

microphone. Judges FG. 


Akeelah L. BG. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...ship level. If you 

make it through the 

remaining... 

2025.(898+07) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...twelve words, 

you'll be 

co-champions. 

2026.(902+04) HEAD SHOT 


Akeelah. 


That's never... 

2027.(904+03) CHEST SHOT 

Akeelah SMILES o/s R. 

to Dylan. 


...happened before. 

2028.(906+11) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Vinegarroon. 

2029.(907+14) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Ecdysis. 

1466. 897.02 901.15 4.13 


If you make it through 

the remaining twelve 

words, you will be 

co-champions. 

1467. 902.13 905.07 2.10 


That has never happened 

before. 

1468. 907.03 908.11 1.08 


- Vinegarroon. 

- Ecdysis.






2030.(909+02) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


Concitato. 

2031.(910+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


Puerpera. 

2032.(911+07) M FULL 

SHOT Akeelah at the 

microphone. 



(APPLAUSE) 

Akeelah moves L. 

Akeelah and Dylan do a 

HIGH FIVE. 


Dylan and Akeelah 

are... 



Kids chant and cheer. 


...trying to stage a 

miracle here. 


And to make it to the 

finish line... 

1469. 909.06 911.04 1.14 


- Concitato. 

- Puerpera. 

1470. 911.10 913.06 1.12 JUDGE:(TO ALL) 


1471. 914.08 917.15 3.07 



are trying to stage a 

miracle here. 

1472. 918.11 922.03 3.08 


And to make it to the 

finish line, they need 

each other to succeed.








Audience. 

KATIE:(CONT) 

...they need each 

other to succeed. 

2035.(922+14) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Dylan stands 



E-R... 

2036.(925+00) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


...A-Z... 

2037.(929+07) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu is tense. 

2038.(932+10) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan, cocks his head 

in thought. 

2039.(934+09) MCS 


to Dylan. 

2040.(937+01) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 


...A-D-I-A-N 

2041.(940+11) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Dylan. 


Scheherazadian. 

1473. 922.15 926.15 4.00 


E-R-A-Z... 

1474. 937.03 940.10 3.07 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

...A-D-I-A-N 

1475. 941.03 942.11 1.08 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

Scheherazadian.






2042.(942+13) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 



(MUSIC OUT) 

2043.(944+00) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan. 

(APPLAUSE) 

2044.(947+01) MCS 

Akeelah applauds. 

2045.(948+03) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu and Wife breath. 


L... 

2046.(950+10) HEAD SHOT 



O... 

2047.(952+05) HEAD SHOT 

Javier. 


G-I... 

2048.(954+06) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah R. FG., Dylan 

L. BG. 


C... 

2049.(958+11) MCS Dylan 

spells quietly with 

Akeelah o/s R. 


A-L. 

1476. 943.03 944.11 1.08 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO ALL) 


1477. 950.15 956.15 6.00 


L-O-G-I... 

1478. 956.10 960.10 4.00 


...C-A-L...





2050.(961+03) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah FG. 


Palynological. 

2051.(963+05) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 



2052.(965+01) MCS 

Akeelah R. FG. Dylan 

BG. 

(APPLAUSE) 

Dylan nods to Akeelah 

FG. 

2053.(967+10) CHEST SHOT 

Welch L., Larabee R. 

2054.(970+06) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu L., Wife R. 

(APPLAUSE) 

Chiu applauds Akeelah 

along with the rest of 


2055.(974+09) FULL SHOT 

Audience from the 

proscenium. CAMERA 

TRACKS R. 



we are down to the 

final... 

1479. 961.13 963.05 1.08 


Palynological. 

1480. 963.11 965.03 1.08 

(over scene end) JUDGE:(TO ALL) 


1481. 974.11 980.11 6.00 



we are down to the 

final two championship 

words.





2056.(978+04) HEAD SHOT 

Georgia smiles. 


...two championship 

words. 

2057.(981+03) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

One or both... 

2058.(983+02) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan L., Akeelah R. 


...of our spellers 

will walk away with 

the first place 

trophy. 

2059.(989+07) HEAD SHOT 

Judge. 

JAVIER:(CONT) 

Dylan, you're up. 

2060.(991+12) CHEST SHOT 

Dylan L,. walks to the 


WALKS R. For OTS with 

the Pronouncer. 

PRONOUNCER:(TO DYLAN) 

Logorrhea. 

1482. 981.15 988.03 6.04 


One or both of our 

spellers will walk away 

with the first place 

trophy. 

1483. 989.07 991.11 2.04 JAVIER:(CONT) 

Dylan, you are up. 

1484. 1002.07 1004.02 1.11 PRONOUNCER:(TO DYLAN) 

Logorrhea.





2061.(1004+07) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan R. Akeelah BG. 





Logorrhea is excessive 

and often incoherent 

talkativeness. 


Logorrhea. L-O... 

2062.(1037+09) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu and Wife. 


...G... 

2063.(1041+07) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan R. Akeelah BG. 


...O-R... 

2064.(1046+08) HEAD SHOT 

Chiu. 


...R-H... 

1485. 1005.07 1007.05 1.14 DYLAN:(TO PRONOUNCER) 




Logorrhea is excessive 

and often incoherent 

talkativeness. 

1487. 1025.10 1027.05 1.11 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

Logorrhea. 

1488. 1031.15 1037.07 5.08 DYLAN:(CONT) 

L-O... 

1489. 1038.09 1040.10 2.01 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

...G... 

1490. 1041.15 1046.03 4.04 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

...O-R... 

1491. 1048.02 1051.07 3.05 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

...R-H...





2065.(1052+00) HEAD SHOT 

Dylan FG. Akeelah BG. 


...E-A. Logorrhea. 

JUDGE:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

Congratulations, 

Dylan. You've won the 

Scripps... 

2066.(1064+00) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu and Wife are 

overjoyed. 


...National 

Spelling... 

2067.(1065+03) HEAD SHOT 

Chiu STANDS. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...Bee. 

CHIU:(OUT LOUD) 

Yes! Yes! 

(APPLAUSE) 

2068.(1071+03) FULL SHOT 

Audience STANDS and 

applauds. 

(APPLAUSE) 

2069.(1074+07) CHEST SHOT 

Judge and Pronouncer 

clap their hands. 

1492. 1052.07 1055.03 2.12 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

...E-A. 

1493. 1056.05 1058.01 1.12 DYLAN:(SPELLS) 

Logorrhea. 

1494. 1059.03 1061.07 2.04 JUDGE:(OS)(TO DYLAN) 

Congratulations, Dylan. 

1495. 1061.13 1066.01 4.04 


You have won the 

Scripps National 


1496. 1066.07 1070.04 3.13 CHIU:(OUT LOUD) 

Yes!





2070.(1076+00) CHEST SHOT 


Akeelah. 


Go get 'em. 

2071.(1079+00) MCS Dylan 

moves L. away from the 

microphone. Akeelah 

CLAPS. Dylan moves L. 

The two exchange 

grins. 

2072.(1083+05) FULL SHOT 

Audience CLAPS. 

2073.(1086+09) WAIST SHOT 

Dylan L. BG. makes a 

victory gesture L BG. 

Akeelah R. FG. stands 




please be seated... 

2074.(1091+04) CHEST SHOT 

Judge. 

JUDGE:(CONT) 

...for Akeelah's turn. 

(MUSIC IN) 

2075.(1096+11) FULL SHOT 

of stage BG. audience 

FG. CAMERA CRANES UP. 

2076.(1100+06) HEAD SHOT 


microphone. 

1497. 1077.12 1079.15 2.03 

(over scene end) DYLAN:(TO AKEELAH) 

Go get them. 

(Get them: A wish for success.) 

1498. 1088.07 1093.11 5.04 



please be seated for 

Akeelah's turn.






2077.(1102+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS The Judges. 


Pulchritude. 

2078.(1104+09) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 

2079.INT. -GYM FLASHBACK- DAY 


Larabee LOOKS INTO 

CAMERA. 


Pulchritude. 




2081.(1113+11) HEAD SHOT 


to Akeelah. 

2082.(1116+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


It's derived from the 

Latin word 

"pulcher,"... 

2083.(1123+11) HEAD SHOT 



...meaning 

beautiful... 

2084.(1128+01) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


...isn't it? 

1499. *1102.12 1104.04 1.08 


Pulchritude. 


Pulchritude. 

1501. 1118.08 1123.03 4.11 


It is derived from the 

Latin word 

"pulcher,"... 

1502. 1125.00 1129.07 4.07 


...meaning beautiful. 

Isn't it?






2085.(1129+09) CHEST SHOT 

Judges. 



2086.(1131+05) HEAD SHOT 

Akeelah. 


P... 



Larabee. 

LARABEE:(TO CAMERA) 

...U... 

2088.INT. - WELCH'S OFFICE - DAY 


Welch. 

WELCH:(TO CAMERA) 

...L... 



Kiana. 

KIANA:(TO CAMERA) 

...C... 

2090.(1137+11) HEAD SHOT 

Devon. 

DEVON:(TO CAMERA) 

...H... 

2091.(1138+12) HEAD SHOT 

Terrence. 

TERRENCE:(TO CAMERA) 

...R... 

1503. 1129.13 1131.05* 1.08 




P... 

1505. *1134.04 1135.04* 1.00 LARABEE:(TO CAMERA) 

...U... 

1506. 1135.10 1136.10* 1.00 WELCH:(TO CAMERA) 

...L... 

1507. *1136.11 1137.11* 1.00 KIANA:(TO CAMERA) 

...C... 

1508. *1137.12 1138.12* 1.00 DEVON:(TO CAMERA) 

...H... 

1509. *1138.13 1139.13* 1.00 TERRENCE:(TO CAMERA) 

...R...





2092.INT. - APT. - DAY 


Derrick-T. 

DERRICK-T:(TO CAMERA) 

...I... 

2093.EXT. - SCHOOL - DAY 


Javier. 

JAVIER:(TO CAMERA) 

...T... 

2094.EXT. -GEORGIA'S HOUSE- DAY 


Georgia. 

GEORGIA:(TO CAMERA) 

...U... 

2095.EXT. - PARK - DAY 


Akeelah FATHER. 

FATHER:(TO CAMERA) 

...D... 

2096.(1144+04) HEAD SHOT 


WANDA:(TO CAMERA) 

...E. 


(1146+01) MCS Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(TO CAMERA) 

Pulchritude. 


2098.(1152+14) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Judges. 



Akeelah. 

1510. *1139.14 1140.14* 1.00 

DERRICK-T:(TO CAMERA) 

...I... 

1511. *1140.14 1142.00* 1.02 JAVIER:(TO CAMERA) 

...T... 

1512. *1142.01 1143.03* 1.02 GEORGIA:(TO CAMERA) 

...U... 

1513. *1143.04 1144.03* 0.15 FATHER:(TO CAMERA) 

...D... 

1514. *1143.03 1146.00* 2.13 WANDA:(TO CAMERA) 

...E. 

1515. 1146.07 1147.15 1.08 AKEELAH:(TO CAMERA) 

Pulchritude. 



Akeelah.






2099.(1154+14) M FULL 

SHOT OTS Akeelah 

RAISES HER ARMS in 

triumph. 

2100.(1155+15) HEAD SHOT 

Wanda STANDS/CHEERS. 

2101.(1157+10) FULL SHOT 

from BACK OF BALLROOM. 

The Audience 

STANDS/CHEERS. 

2102.(1159+03) CHEST SHOT 


EMBRACE. 

2103.(1160+14) FULL SHOT 

Audience FG. 

STANDS/CHEERS. 

2104.(1162+15) HEAD SHOT 

Devon CHEERS. 

DEVON:(OUT LOUD) 

That's what I'm 

talking about! 

2105.(1165+00) CHEST SHOT 


RAISE CLASPED HANDS in 

triumph. 



HIGH ANGLE Students 

STAND/JUMP/CHEER. 

2107.(1170+01) CHEST SHOT 

Students CHEER. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

You know that 

feeling... 

1517. 1163.00 1164.14 1.14 DEVON:(OUT LOUD) 

That is what I'm 

talking about! 

1518. 1170.02 1174.10 4.08 


You know that 

feeling where 

everything feels right?







Patrons STAND/CHEER. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...where everything 

feels right? 

2109.(1174+14) CHEST SHOT 

Postman CHEERS. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

Where... 



Javier AND Parents 

CLAP/CHEER. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...you don't have to 

worry about... 

2111.(1178+05) MCS 

Georgia 

JUMPS/CLAPS/CHEERS. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...tomorrow, or 

yesterday. 

2112.(1181+05) CHEST SHOT 

Welch CLAPS/CHEERS. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

Where you feel... 

2113.(1183+13) HEAD SHOT 

Larabee CLAPS and 

SMILES. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

..safe. And know 

you're... 

1519. 1175.10 1181.03 5.09 


Where you don't have to 

worry about tomorrow, 

or yesterday. 

1520. 1182.12 1187.08 4.12 


Where you feel safe. 

And you know you are 

doing the best you can.






(1186+04) MCS Mrs. 

Cross CLAPS. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...doing the best you 

can. 

2115.(1188+01) CHEST SHOT 

Tough Girls CHEER. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

There's a word... 

2116.INT. - APT. - DAY 


Derrick-T and FRIEND 

CLASP/SLAP hands in 

triumph. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...for that feeling. 


(1192+03) MCS Steve 

and the Korean Grocer 

EMBRACE in triumph. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

It's called, "love". 


(1195+00) MCS Devon 

and Wanda EMBRACE. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

L... 




JUMP AND EMBRACE. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...O-V... 

1521. 1189.02 1191.08 2.06 


There is a word for 

that feeling. 

1522. 1192.11 1194.11 2.00 AKEELAH:(VO) 

It is called, "love". 

1523. 1195.11 1199.01 3.06 


L-O-V-E.





2120.EXT. - HOME - DAY 


the Anderson FAMILY on 

the front steps entry 

to their home. THEY 

PRACTICE with Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...E. And it's what I 

feel for all my 

family... 

2121.EXT. - PARK - DAY 


Akeelah sits on the 

hood of Derrick-T's 

car CAMERA PULLS BACK, 

TRACKS R. as the CREW 

Practices with 

Akeelah. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

...and all my coaches. 



Terrence and Akeelah 

WALK AWAY along the 

neighborhood sidewalk. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

In my neighborhood 

where I come from. 

2123.EXT. -LARABEE'S HOME- DAY 


Akeelah JUMPS ROPE as 

Larabee BEATS TIME on 

a watering can. 

CAMERA WALKS R. 

AKEELAH:(VO) 

Where I learned how to 

spell. 

1524. 1200.13 1207.04 6.07 


And it is what I feel 

for all my family and 

all my coaches. 

1525. 1208.00 1212.07 4.07 AKEELAH:(VO) 

In my neighborhood 

where I come from. 

1526. 1213.08 1218.03 4.11 AKEELAH:(VO) 

Where I learned how to 

spell.






(1223+04) MS the 

TROPHY, HELD ALOFT BY 

Dylan and Akeelah. 

(APPLAUSE) 


2125.(1232+02) FULL SHOT 

Devon, Wanda, Welch, 

Larabee and others 

MOVE TO THE STAGE. 

2126.(1235+08) FULL SHOT 

Group moves to stand 

with Akeelah. 

Audience FG. CAMERA 

CRANES L. 

2127.(1239+03) M FULL 

SHOT Wanda EMBRACES 

Akeelah. Surrounding 

Akeelah are Devon, 

Georgia, Welch and 

Larabee. WE SEE Chiu 

and Wife CROSS FG 

moving o/s L. to 

Dylan. 

2128.(1242+04) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Dylan and Chiu 

EMBRACE. 

2129.(1244+12) CHEST SHOT 

OTS Larabee looks to 

Akeelah FG. 

2130.(1246+12) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah looks R. 

to Larabee. 


We did it. 

Larabee EMBRACES 

Akeelah. 

2131.(1253+14) CHEST SHOT 

Chiu PASSES the TROPHY 

R. to Larabee. 


We did it.






2132.(1255+15) HEAD SHOT 

OTS Akeelah L. Larabee 

R. with trophy. THEY 

LIFT the TROPHY HIGH. 

Akeelah grins. 

2133.(1259+01) CHEST SHOT 

Wanda and Akeelah L,. 

Trophy C,. Larabee R. 

ALL SMILE. 

(FREEZE FRAME) 


(MUSIC SEGUE) 

End Credits Roll (1277+08) 

(see attached sheets)

END CREDITS "AKEELAH AND THE BEE" Pg. 1 

Unit Production Manager 

First Assistant Director 

Key Second Director 

Executive in Charge of Production 

Associate Producers 

Akeelah 

Dr. Larabee 

Tanya 

Mr. Welch 

Javier 

Dylan 

Georgia 

Devon 

Terrence 

Kiana 

Derrick-T 

Ms. Cross 

Mr. Chiu 

Steve 

Polly 

Roman 

Ted Saunders 

Herself 

National Spelling Bee Head Judge 

National Spelling Bee Pronouncer 

Tough Girl #1 

Tough Girl #2 

District Judge 

District Pronouncer 

Regional Judge 

Regional Pronouncer 

Cheating Boy 

Cheating Boy’s Mom 

Akeelah’s Father 

Chuckie 

Volunteer 

Mary Calveretti 

Rajeev Subramonian 

Korean Grocer 

Reporter 

Woman on TV 

Little Girl on TV 

Red-Haired Girl 

Eighth-Grade Girl 

Regional Bee Assistant Judge 

District Speller #1 

District Speller #2 

Cast 

MIKE UPTON 

RODNEY ALLEN HOOKS 

DAVID RIEBEL 

DONNA SLOAN 

MICHAEL JOHNSON 

DALIA PHILLIPS 

KEKE PALMER 

LAURENCE FISHBURNE 

ANGELA BASSETT 

CURTIS ARMSTRONG 

JR VILLARREAL 

SEAN MICHAEL AFABLE 

SAHARA GAREY 

LEE THOMPSON YOUNG 

JULITO McCULLUM 

ERICA HUBBARD 

EDDIE STEEPLES 

DALIA PHILLIPS 

TZI MA 

JERIS LEE POINDEXTER 

SARA NIEMIETZ 

GEORGE HORNEDO 

CRAIG WASSON 

KATIE KERWIN McCRIMMON 

MARJORIE HARRIS 

JACQUES BAILLY, PH.D 

KRYSTEN LEIGH JONES 

AMIRAH HAWKINS 

JEFF MARLOW 

CHLOÉ CONROY 

LEE GARLINGTON 

SID GANIS 

AUSTIN HERRERA DAVIS 

JANET BORRUS 

WOLFGANG BODISON 

MARCUS HAWKINS DUNGEY 

BONITA FRIEDERICY 

CAROLINE J. SMITH 

NEIL SONI 

JACK ONG 

LAUREN SANCHEZ 

FAY HAUSER 

KESHELL LUCAS 

CORINA BOETTGER 

SHYANN CHATMAN 

TODD WAGNER 

BRITTANY ELIZABETH CURRAN 

ALEXANDRA RIEGER


Regional Speller #1 



“Sacciform” Speller 

“Scutellate” Speller 

“Longicollis” Speller 

“Ginglymus” Speller 

“Empennage” Speller 

“Souchong” Speller 

“Intussusception” Speller 

“Engastrimythic” Speller 

“Escharotic” Speller 

“Flocculation” Speller 

Boy in Wheelchair 

Driver 

Postman 

ERIC DON 

JULIA KELLEHER 

ZAC GARDNER 

JOHN A. AUSICK 

MADDY KLOSS 

MASON GREEN 

JESSY J. HWANG 

BIPLAB PANDA 

ALEXANDER CHRISTIAN STEPHANS 

KATIE L. BROWN 

JOHN OXENREITER 

KATIE OLSON 

JASON ORTENBERG 

LANCE NORLING 

JMEKA CHERREL 

KAHLIL ASHANTI 

Crew 

Production Supervisor JENNIFER L. BOOTH 

Additional Editing 

A-Camera Operator 

First Assistant Camera 

Second Assistant Camera 

Film Loader 

B-Camera Operator 

First Assistant B Camera 

Second Assistant B Camera 

Still Photographer 

Script Supervisor 

Sound Mixer 

Boom Operator 

Cable Person 

Key Grip 

Best Boy Grip 

Dolly Grip 

Grips 

MARK CZYZEWSKI 

JOHN RADZIK 

THEO PINGARELLI 

DAVID MUN 

STEPHEN WHITCOMB 

CHRISTOPHER MOSIO 

KEITH EISBERG 

MARCUS LOPEZ 

SAEED ADY ANI 

JAN McWILLIAMS 

MATTHEW NICOLAY, C.A.S. 

STACEY A. WASHER 

GERARD VERNICE 

BRAD HEINER 

RICK YOUNG 

JAMES “KEEPER” AULD 

DENISE BRADY 

JORDAN GARRETSON 

STEPHEN K. JAMES 

MATT MINKE 

ROBERT MYERS 

NOAH PETER 

ALEXANDER SALAZAR 

DERON TSE 

JOSEPH M. BARNO 

BRIAN CHRISTIE


Gaffer 

Best Boy Electric 

Electricians 

Art Director 

Set Designer 

Set Decorator 

Leadman 

Set Dressers 

Drapers 

On Set Dressers 

Greensman 

Art Department Coordinator 

Property Master 

Assistant Property Master 

Assistant Props 

Propmakers 

Laborers 

Construction Coordinator 

Painters 

Art Department Production 

Assistants 

Costume Supervisor 

RICH PAISLEY 

ROBERT MURPHY 

ERIC S. ADAMSON 

COOPER DONALDSON 

TIM HEDGECODK 

TOMMY HUBBARD 

JOHN T. LEONETTI 

JOSHUA LEE HUBER 

SHELLEY A. WALLACE 

ALICIA MACCARONE 

JULIEANN GETMAN 

GREG SANGER 

NELSON BUSH 

DOUGLAS McKAY 

GRANT SAWYER 

EFRÉN PÉREZ 

BUDDY RAY REYNOLDS-MAICHEL 

SALVADOR VALLE 

KEN PETERSON 

LAWRENCE D. LIRA 

ABRAHAM VORSTER 

JOHN WARNER 

SHAN KELLY 

JOSE A. SAENZ 

ALYSIA D. ALLEN 

KATHLEEN KASINGER 

F. MATTHEW FURGINSON 

CHELA FIORINI 

MATTHEW D. EGAN 

JASON DOCK HARRELL 

OSWALDO ROJAS 

CRILL HANSEN 

LONNIE HANSEN 

MARQUIS SMITH 

ROBERT “CASS” McENTEE 

KRISTIE E. MOORE-BIALUSKI 

CHARLES KERN 

LESLIE LAWSON 

MICHAEL RYAN 

ROXANNE BROOKS 

RICHARD J. DAY JR. 

MARK FINER 

JOCELYN MARSH 

ANGELA SIMPSON 

SHERMAN TOY 

RIKI LIN SABUSAWA


Assistant Designer 

Costumers 

Department Head Makeup 

Key Makeup 

Department Head Hairstylist 

Assistant Hair 

Location Manager 

Assistant Location Managers 

Transportation Coordinator 

Transportation Captains 

Transportation Dispatcher 

Drivers 

Genny Operator 

Mechanic 

Production Coordinator 

Assistant Production Coordinator 

Office Production Assistants 

Second Second Assistant Director 

Additional Assistant Director 

Set Production Assistants 

Production Accountant 

First Assistant Accountant 

Payroll Accountant 

ROBIN WEST 

YVONNE BASTIDOS 

CHERYL CRAVEDI 

META MOÏSE 

JODIE STERN 

EDNA M. SHEEN 

GIGI WILLIAMS 

LINDA COWAN 

KENNETH WALKER 

FAY KELLY 

ERMA KENT 

ANDY KEETER 

CRAIG N. SIMMONS 

RICHARD DiPATRI 

GENO HART 

KIRK HUSTON 

ANGEL DE SANTI 

NATHAN HARDCASTLE 

TONY BARATTINI 

ROD BRODIE 

JOE COSENTINO 

AUDREY FITZGERALD 

WILLIAM GARDNER 

JOHN PELLEGRINO 

ADAM PINKSTAFF 

JOE ROSE 

STEVE WEIBLE 

H. DAVID WILSON 

WAYNE FLOWERS 

LEO LANDA 

DASH HART 

ESTEBAN MUÑOZ 

JULES CARIDEO 

DONALD E. WYGAL JR. 

JENNY DeARMITT 

BRYANT CHENG 

JOSH “HOLDEN” HUME 

MARVIN J. WILLIAMS JR. 

ANNE CARROLL 

SHADEE ARDALAN 

JASON M. COX 

LYMAN RICHARDSON 

JEFF SAVILLE 

CYNTHIA GATES FUJIKAWA 

MARY JANE AMATO 

JAMES M. ARNOLD


Assistant to Michael Paseornek 

Assistant to Donna Sloan 

Assistant to Sid Ganis 

Assistant to Michael Romersa & 

Danny Llewelyn 

Assistant to Mike Upton 

Assistant to Marc Butan 

Assistant to Helen Sugland 

Assistant to Laurence Fishburne 

Assistant to Angela Bassett 

Assistant to Jay Faires 

Cast Assistants 

Studio Teacher 

Technical Advisor 

Dialogue Coach 

Caterer 

Chef 

Craft Service 

Second Craft Service 

Medic 

Set Security 

Clearance Supervisor 

Rights & Clearances 

Unit Publicist 

Assistant 

EPK 

Casting Assistants 

Extras Casting 

BREE BAILEY 

DANIEL MacARTHER 

CARLO EUGSTER 

ROBERT NATTER 

DOROTTYA HEGEDUS-LUM 

ROBYN HEATH 

AUDREY KENDRICK 

LELAND JAY ANDERSON 

TRACY JACKSON 

MICHELLE PULLMAN 

KERI ANN MOORHOUSE 

RICKY MENDEZ 

CHRISTOPHER MARLON 

DANIELLE MANA 

JO ANN M. SMITH 

POLLY BUSINGER 

JACQUES BAILLY, PH.D 

ELAINE HALL KATZ 

ROBERT WEISMAN 

JOSE LOPEZ 

NERY LOPEZ 

KEVIN PICKETT 

KEITH C. PICKETT 

SUSAN BANNOUT 

JAMES ROSS 

LISA GOODING 

ENTERTAINMENT CLEARANCES, INC. 

LAURA SEVIER 

CASSANDRA BARBOUR 

JULIE POLKES 

LISA NG 

JEFF LIEBERMAN 

BENITA ELLIOTT 

ROBYN MITCHELL 

EVE STREGER 

LAMESE WILLIAMS 

PRIME CASTING 

BIG CROWDS


Unit Production Manager 

Production Supervisor 

First Assistant Director 

Second Unit Director of Photography 

Assistant to Christopher Mosio 

Additional Photographer 

First Assistant Camera 

Second Assistant Camera 

Additional Photography 

Key Grip 

Production Assistants 

Driver 

JOE GENIER 

LISA LOONEY 

CHAD ROSEN 

CHRISTOPHER MOSIO 

KEITH ICEBERG 

STEVEN DOUGLAS SMITH 

JEFFREY R. CLARK 

JARROD OSWALD 

MANNY DURAN 

DANIELLE MANA 

TODD MCCORMICK 

MICHAEL S. STRANGE 

LUIS MATA 

Post Production 

First Assistant Editor MARK CZYZEWSKI 

Post Production Supervisor 

Post Production Coordinator 

Post Production Assistant 

Sound Design & Editorial by 

Supervising Sound Editor/Sound 

Designer 

Supervising Dialogue Editor 

Supervising ADR Editor 

Sound Effects Editor 

First Assistant Sound Editor 

ADR Mixer 

ADR Recordist 

Foley Artists 

Foley Mixer 

Foley Editor 

Re-Recording Mixer 

Additional Re-Recording Mixers 

Recordist 

Sound Editorial Coordinator 

Dolby Engineer 

ADR Voice Casting 

CARL PEDREGAL 

MARK W. McCOY 

JENNY CHO 

DANETRACKS, INC. 

ROLAND N. THAI, M.P.S.E. 

JAMES MORIOKA 

FRED STAFFORD 

GREGORY HEDGEPATH, M.P.S.E. 

NANCY BARKER 

ERIC THOMPSON, C.S.A.F. 

CHRIS NAVARRO 

LAURA MACIAS 

VINCE NICASTRO 

SHAWN KENNELLY 

MELISSA PILLMEAR 

KEN S. POLK, C.A.S. 

EZRA DWECK 

LANCE BROWN 

BARBARA McCART 

MATT HEDGES 

JAMES WRIGHT 

BARBARA HARRIS


ADR Cast KIMBERLY BAILEY 

CARLYLE KING 

ANDREA BAKER 

LANAI CHAPMAN 

KHANYA MKHIZE 

CARLOS LA CAMARA 

JEFFREY TODD FISCHER 

JOHN LA FAYETTE 

TERENCE MATTHEW 

TINASHE KACHINGWE 

KRYSTEN LEIGH JONES 

PAIGE HURD 

COURTNEY BURNESS 

JESSIE FLOWER 

ASHLYN ROSE 

KATELYN KOWALICK 

KAYLA HENRY 

MISCHON RATLIFF 

TERRENCE HARDY 

KENDRE BERRY 

AXEL ALBA 

ZACK SHADA 

AUSTIN MARQUES 

KEVIN DAVIDSON 

CODY KLOP 

AJ NOEL 

DENZEL WHITAKER 

AVID Editing Systems provided by ELECTRIC PICTURE SOLUTIONS, INC. 

Main title by PIC 

PAMELA GREEN 

JARIK VAN SLUIJS 

GARY HEBERT 

Opticals, VFX, Previews and End Titles by MODERN VIDEOFILM, INC. 

Colorist 

IQ Artist 

VFX Producer 

Inferno Artist 

VP Feature Post 

SUE GATES 

JOHN SCHEER 

ANDREW MIDGLEY 

SHELLY DUTCHER 

MARK INTRAVARTOLO 

PAT REPOLA 

VFX by XY&Z VISUAL EFFECTS 

Visual Effects Supervisor MIKE UGUCCIONI 

Video Projection Equipment Provided by AMERICAN HI DEFINITION, INC. 

Prints by TECHNICOLOR 

Color Timer 

Lab Contact 

DAVID ORR 

JOSH MOORE 

Stock Footage supplied by GETTY IMAGES


Telecine 

Negative Cutter 

Post Production Accountants 

Sr. VP, Production 

Creative Executive 

Supervisor of Production 

Manager of Production 

Executive Vice President, Business 

& Legal Affairs 

Vice President, Business & Legal 

Affairs 

Business & Legal Affairs 

Coordinator 

Business & Legal Affairs 

Contract Administrator 

Co-President of Film Marketing 

Co-President of Film Marketing 

Supervisor, Assets and Production 

Publicity 

Digital Asset Management 

President of Music 

Music Consultant 

Music Legal 

Camera Cranes & Dollies by 

Lighting and Grip Equipment 

Provided by 

Insurance Provided by 

Completion Guaranty Provided by 

Camera Cranes & Dollies 

For LIONSGATE: 

ENTERTAINMENT POST 

MARTHA SAVELIO 

NEGATIVE PEOPLE, INC. 

EMILY RICE 

LIAM HEARNE 

JOHN SACCHI 

JONATHAN RUIZ 

CURTIS A. MILLER 

ROSEMARY LARA 

ROBERT MELNIK 

CHARLYN WARE 

AMANDA SHAMIS 

AMBER N. ROY 

SAMAR SEPHERI 

TIM PALEN 

SARAH GREENBERT 

YON ELVIRA 

JIM BARTOO 

JAY FAIRES 

TRICIA HOLLOWAY 

EVELYN J. PAGLINAWAN 

KEVIN KOLOFF 

For 2929 PRODUCTIONS: 

2929 Counsel P. JOHN BURKE 

AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP 

2929 Business Affairs DOUGLAS B. McCLURE 

Assistant to Doug McClure DIANA HORWICH 

JL FISHER 

PASKAL LIGHTING 

AON/ALBERT G. RUBEN 

INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. 

BRIAN KINGMAN 

INTERNATIONAL FILM GUARANTORS 

CHAPMAN/LEONARD STUDIO 

EQUIPMENT INC.


Music Supervisor 

Music Clearance 

Music Coordinator 

Music Assistant 

Music Composed and Conducted by 

Score Recorded and Mixed by 

Electronic Programming by 

Supervising Music Editor 

Music Editor 

Music Consultant 

JOEL C. HIGH 

JEANNE FAY 

REBECCA RIENKS 

MOLLIE B. CASEY 

AARON ZIGMAN 

MICHAEL STERN 

JESSE VOCCIA 

MATEO LABORIEL 

JOHNNY CARUSO 

EDUARDO PONSDOMENECH 

SAM ZEINES for CLOCKWIRK MUSIC 

"EL INDIO Y EL VAQUERO " 

Written by Xocoyotzin Herrera 

Performed by Francisco Javier González & José Zuñiga 

Courtesy of LMS Records/Latin Music Specialists 

"THE HUSTLE PT. III " 

Written by J. Green and M. Perretta 

Performed by Planet Asia 

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"DAY BY DAY " 

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Performed by Stephanie Jones 

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"ANTHRAX ISLAND " 

Written by S. Bunting, K. Hendriks and W. Plischke 

Performed by Swollen Members 

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"NOT IN YOUR VIDEO" 

Written by Lauren Palmer, Loreal Palmer and Sharon Palmer 

Performed by Loreal Palmer 

"RUBBERBAND MAN" 

Written by Thomas Bell and Linda Creed 

Performed by The Spinners 

Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp. 

By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing 

"EFFERVESCENT" 

Written by Bootsy Collins 

Performed by Bootsy Collins 

Courtesy of Bootzilla Productions Inc.


"RESPECT" 

Written by Otis Redding 

Performed by Aretha Franklin 

Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp. 

By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing 

"WHATEVER IT TAKES " 

Written by Patrice Germain 

Performed by Frankie 

Courtesy of Lovecat Music 

By arrangement with Ocean Park Music Group 

"LESTER HAYES " 

Written by L. Daumont and X. Mosley 

Performed by Lateef & The Chief 

Courtesy of Quannum Projects 

By special arrangement with Bank Robber Music & Zync Music 

"WAKE UP EVERYBODY " 

Written by Victor Leon Carstarphen, Gene McFadden and John Whitehead 

Performed by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes 

Courtesy of Epic Records 

By arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 

"EVERYTHING " 

Written by Ben Harper 

Performed by Ben Harper 

Courtesy of Virgin Records 

Under License from EMI Film & Television Music 

"DEFINITION OF LOVE" 

Written by James Harris, III, Terry Lewis and James Q. Wright 

Performed by Deborah Cox 

Additional vocals by KeKe Palmer, Michelle Williams, Shalea Frazier, & A 

Place Called Home Choir 

Produced by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis & James “Big Jim” Wright for Flyte Tyme 

Productions, Inc. 

"LET YOUR BABY GO" 

Written by Jamey Jaz and Rhona Bennett 

Performed by Erica Rivera 

Courtesy of Music Line/Atlantic Recording Corporation 

"PROUD" 

Written by Heather Small and Peter Vettese 

Performed by Heather Small 

Courtesy of SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT (U.K.) LIMITED 

SOUNDTRACK AVAILABLE ON LIONSGATE 

[logo] 

Mr. Fishburne dedicates his performance to his daughter 

Montana


Special Thanks to: 

HONDA MOTOR COMPANY 

SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE 

FOOTAGE COURTESY OF ESPN ENTERPRISES, INC. 

FREDERICK DOUGLASS NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE 

CROSLEY RADIO 

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ATARI INTERACTIVE, INC. 

BLUE NOTE RECORDS 

HASBRO GAMES 

SCRABBLE BOARD GAME 

LANGERS JUICE COMPANY 

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL, INC. 

A PLACE CALLED HOME 

PROFESSOR RICHARD YARBOROUGH, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES 

THE DON AND GEE NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS IN SCREENWRITING 

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 

YALE UNIVERSITY 

WASHINGTON, DC GRAND HYATT HOTEL 

MONDRIAN HOTEL 

MATTEL 

INVACARE® MVP 

MCINTOSH EQUIPMENT 

BAYO OGUMDELE 

MARY N' DOYE 

DUBRIL N'DOYE 

MARC & TEGRA LITTLE 

REPLOGLE GLOBES, INC. 

BLACK SCHOLAR MAGAZINES 

WUV PUBLICATIONS, INC. 

D.A.R.E. 

McDONALD PUBLISHING COMPANY 

FRANK SCHAFFER PUBLICATIONS 

UNIVERSAL MUSIC 

PIERCE LAW GROUP LLP 

WARD A.M.E. CHURCH 

ALVIN WILLIAMS 

AMY ATCHISON & MICHAEL BEHRENS 

ERIC J. DANENBERG 

GREG TENNANT 

GARTH FRIEDRICH 

LOU PITT 

CARLA M. ROBERTS, ESQ. 

ALEX GRAVES 

Quotes from "A RETURN TO LOVE" courtesy of MARIANNE WILLIAMSON 

Footage from "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" Courtesy of 

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS LICENSING LLLP and AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT 

MapQuest and MapQuest.com name and logo © 2005 MapQuest.com 

Map content © 2005 MapQuest and GDT, Inc. Used with permission.


By permission. Webster's Third new International® Dictionary, Unabridged 

© 1993 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (www.Merriam-Webster.com) 

Set Design of the Scripps spelling Bee by Hargrove, Inc. 

DOLBY DIGITAL ® 

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MPAA # 42313 

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MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF 

AMERICA 

KODAK 

Motion Picture Film 

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Filmed with 

PANAVISION ® 

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TEAMSTERS 

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DTS ® 

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IATSE 

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© 2005 Lions Gate Films, Inc. & 2929 Productions LLC. 

THE PERSONS AND EVENTS IN THIS MOTION PICTURE ARE FICTITIOUS. 

ANY SIMILARITY TO ACTUAL PERSONS OR EVENTS IS UNINTENTIONAL. 

THIS MOTION PICTURE IS PROTECTED UNDER LAWS OF THE 

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