p182m0a7cv2mh1j10up4lhe1skc4.pdf

Name (of company, if applicable) 

Address 

Phone Number 

(Name of Project) 

by 

(Name of First Writer) 

(Based on, If Any) 

Revisions by 

(Names of Subsequent Writers, 

in Order of Work Performed) 

Current Revisions by 

(Current Writer, date)

ACT I 

CUE GRAPHICS, MUSIC, AND TITLES FOR TV SHOW: CANADA? YA! 

CHYRON: WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO PAUL TELNER? 

FREEZE IMAGE OF PAUL TELNER (early 30’s) in a colorful orange 

suit in his prime. 

CANADIAN MALE VOICE (V.O.) 

Paul Telner was a TV presenter on 

the rise. 

More images of Paul dressed in various pantone colors, 

interviewing, dancing, singing, lounging. 


Known for his colorful personality 

and even more colorful wardrobe, 

Telner was on everyone’s short list 

to take over for The Morning Show. 

Image of Paul hugging an overwhelmed fan on the street. 


Paul was said to be the Canadian 

Ryan Seacrest... 

Images of Paul hanging out with famous people . 


...able to find out what 

celebrities really think. 

INT. CANADIAN TV STUDIO - DAY 

Paul is on camera interviewing a ROCKER (20’s, leather clad, 

British). 

PAUL 

So you stole a record executive’s 

pen. 

ROCKER 

Right off the bloke’s desk. 

The IN STUDIO AUDIENCE and Rocker . 

PAUL 

Was it to confirm what your father 

always said: that you were no good?

GOOD MORNING BANGLADESH PILOT - D1 - SPENCER WALKER 2. 

The Rocker looks taken aback, a little angry, but then his 

eyes well up with tears. 

ROCKER 

I...I...I just wanted him to tell 

me NO. No one tells me no. I’m a 

singer in a band, but I just want 

someone to tell me... 

No? 

PAUL 

The Rocker breaks down in tears. Paul picks him up and gives 

him a big hug. The Audience CLAPS. 


And who could forget his reality 

starlet girlfriend Shelly Shell? 

INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY 

Paul sits in a standard hotel room for an interview with his 

lady SHELLY SHELL (late 20’s, pretty, but Chavvy). 

PAUL 

My girl Shelly Shell has been such 

a kind, supportive influence on me. 

I- 

SHELLY SHELL 

-when I met Paul, I was a UFC ring 

girl. But we both knew I was 

destined for greater things. 

PAUL 

She’s the greatest- 

Quiet! 

PAUL 

Yes, Shelly. 

SHELLY SHELL 

SHELLY SHELL 

Paul wants his fans to know he’ll 

be leaving Canada soon for 

lucrative pastures down south. 

(beat) 

And you can catch me next season of 

Ice Sculpting with the Stars.


INT. CANADIAN TV STUDIO - DAY 

Paul on the air solo, talking without sound. 


...and then Paul, known for his big 

mouth, put his foot so far in, 

he'll could never pull it back out. 

Paul’s voice comes on. 

PAUL 

Our Olympic hockey team continues 

it’s proud tradition of drinking 

anti-freeze in solidarity with the 

prime minister. 

Behind Paul on a screen shows Celine Dion receiving an award. 

PAUL 

I want to close tonight with a 

special nod to Celine Dion. 

(beat) 

The Quebecois queen won a lifetime 

achievement award. For what? 

There’s an audible from the studio audience. 

PAUL 

Celine is overrated. Trust me. I 

rode in an elevator with her and 

believe me... 

(pantomimes fanning a fart 

away from his nose) 

Titanic was twenty years ago. Write 

a new song, lady. 

B ROLL OF VANCOUVER RIOTS 

CANADIAN MALE VOICE 

Riots broke out that night across 

our great nation. 

CLOSE UP on RIOTERS with angry signs: A-PAUL-ED! One Rioters 

speaks for the group. 

RIOTER 

We’re not asking for much. Just 

Paul’s life. Insulting Canadian 

royalty is treason, punishable by 

decapitation, then castration!


The other Rioters in agreement behind. 

IMAGE: Newspaper with Paul’s image with the headline: SACKED, 

the tagline reads: Broadcaster suing Telner for every penny. 


Paul was fired from the show he 

started moments after his fateful 

words. 

INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY 

Shelly Shell sits alone in the hotel room. 

SHELLY SHELL 

I dumped him immediately. I could 

never share my life with someone 

who doesn’t love Celine. She’s an 

icon, an inspiration to Canadian 

women everywhere. 

(beat) 

I hope you all tune in for my new 

show: Cousin or Boyfriend? 

EXT. PAUL’S APARTMENT - DAY 

It’s a quiet, drab apartment building. Nothing to see here. 


Paul Telner hasn’t ben seen or in 

months. An insider claims that Paul 

is been hiding in this studio 

apartment, desparate for privacy. 

INT. PAUL’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS 

Inside the drab, dark, empty apartment, PAUL TELNER (30’s, 

heavy beard, soiled clothes) rewinds the Canada? Ya! report 

and starts it over at the beginning. 

AUDIO from report plays as Paul props himself up and wanders 

through the apartment. He peaks out the blinds and met with 

paparazzi flashes and ANGRY SHOUTS. 

PAUL 

(interviews himself) 

Paul Telner, people once called you 

the king of Canadian talk. 

(beat) 

True. They did. Not any more. 

(MORE)


PAUL(cont'd) 

(another question) 

So what did you do with all the 

money? 

(sighs) 

I spent it on clothes. 

(beat) 

All of it? 

(beat, opens up 

overflowing with color) 

I thought the money’d keep coming. 

(beat) 

Any future plans, Paul? 

(Paul pulls on a bright 

orange blazer) 

Nope. My dreams got canceled. 

Paul grabs his phone off the counter. After a beat, he calls. 

ASSISTANT (O.S.) 

Sarah Wexler’s office. 

PAUL 

Paul for Sarah. 


I don’t have her. 

PAUL 

Oh. Can you tell her I called? 


Umm, sure. Wait. I have Sarah for 

you. 

INT. AGENT OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 

Paul’s agent SARAH (late 30’s, pretty, pant suit) paces her 

office on a headset. CROSS CUT between Paul in his dark 

apartment and Sarah in her shiny office. 

SARAH 

How’s my favorite outcast? 

PAUL 

Hiding in the dark, waiting for 

your call. Any offers? 

SARAH 

Nothing new. The Farrelly Brothers 

still want to buy your life rights 

for that feature SCREW UPS.


Pass. 

INT. CUBICLE - DAY 

PAUL 

SARAH 

You could use the money. My boss is 

pressuring me to drop you as a 

client if we don’t make any 

commissions. 

PAUL 

This will blow over and people will 

forgive and forget. 

SARAH 

Paul, no one will ever forgive or 

forget. I love you, but I will 

NEVER forgive for what you said 

about Celine. 

PAUL 

Please don’t make me go back to 

selling toilet flushers for my dad. 

(beat) 

I’ll take anything. ANYTHING! 

Paul looks miserable sitting in a cubicle, on a headset. 

PAUL 

Hi, my name is Paul from Telner 

Toilet Supplies. Am I speak- 

ANGRY FEMALE VOICE (O.S.) 

Am I speaking to Paul Telner? The 

Paul Telner? 

PAUL 

Yes ma’am! I have a variety of 

amazing state of the art toilet 

flushers I can- 

ANGRY FEMALE VOICE (O.S.) 

I hope you die a thousand deaths, 

each more painful than the last. 

PAUL 

So I take it you’re not interested 

in our line of... 

(beat) 

Hello? Ma’am?


Paul , removes headset, buries head in hands. After a 

beat, Paul returns the headset and makes another call. 

PAUL 

Hi, my name is Paul from Telner 

Toilet Supplies. Am I speaking 

with...Sarah Wexler? 

SARAH (O.S.) 

Paul? Oh my god! This is perfect! I 

have news. 

PAUL 

The prime minister ordered me out 

of Canada? 

SARAH 

No. Not yet. I got you a gig! 

PAUL 

A gig? Wow! I thought I’d never 

hear those words. Is it THE Morning 

Show? I’d have to wake up early, 

but still. 

(off silence) 

Night Walk? As a co-host? Recurring 

guest? 

(more silence) 

You got me a gig abroad? 

Yes. 

SARAH 

PAUL 

The US? I knew it was only a matter 

of time. They aren’t so obsessed 

with Celine down there. 

SARAH 

It’s not the US. 

England? 

PAUL 

SARAH 

No. 

(beat) 

What do you know about Bangladesh? 

PAUL 

Bangla-what?

ACT II 


INT. LUXURY CAR - DAY 

Paul rides travels in the back of a nice car through Dhaka 

traffic. Paul admires the car’s leather interior. 

PAUL 

I could get used to this! 

The car comes to a standstill. 

PAUL 

Wow so many people! 

(rolls down window, shouts 

out loud) 

Good morning, Bangladesh! 

A CONFUSED MAN on a motorbike gives Paul a look. 

PAUL 

Hey, how are you? 

The Confused Man cruises off in a hurry. 

PAUL 

Must be in a hurry. 

Paul waves to a car with SMALL CHILDREN. One of the Children 

starts crying. Paul rolls up the window and looks forward. 

EXT. FANCY NEIGHBORHOOD - LATER 

The Luxury Car coasts through a swanky neighborhoods. 

PAUL 

Is this where you’re taking me? 

DRIVER 

This your boss Mizan’s home. 

PAUL 

Swanky. 

(beat) 

It’s very generous of him to put me 

up in this neighborhood. 

DRIVER 

(chuckles) 

Generous? Mizan? 

(laughs out loud)


EXT. RUN DOWN NEIGHBORHOOD - LATER 

Paul steps out of the car with his bags in a poorly lit 

neighborhood with feral dogs wandering the street. 

Paul is about to ask the Driver a question, but he speeds off 

before the door is even closed, leaving Paul stranded. 

PAUL 

Which one of these palaces is mine? 

Paul wanders around the empty street, looking for a street 

number. Nothing. 

Paul spots a door, shrugs, and tries to unlock it. No dice. 

HARSH VOICE 

(in Bengali, translated) 

Get out of here or I will strangle 

you with your own intestines! 

PAUL 

(shouts back) 

I can’t wait to hang out with you, 

neighbor! 

Paul walks away, tries another door, nope. He hears rustling, 

thinks it’s another dog. Nope. It’s a rat the size of a cat. 

Paul runs away from it, finding another door. Miraculously, 

the door unlocks. 

INT. GUEST HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 

Paul runs into the dump he will call home and locks the door, 

out of breath. He flips a light switch. One bulb bursts, 

leaving him with minimal light. 

Paul looks around the dingy Guest House with its ancient TV, 

a small cot, a dirty bathroom that’s more of a closet. 

Paul goes to the bathroom sink, puts some toothpaste on his 

toothbrush, turns the handle, but no water comes out. Paul 

bangs the faucet, triggering sludgy water. He throws his 

tooth brush away, frustrated. 

Paul tries to turn on the fan. It spins for a second, 

sputters, then stops. Paul, now sweating, gives up. 

Outside the lone window, the rat from earlier looks massive 

in the silhouette of the window shade.


Paul collapses onto his cot with a sigh, closes his eyes, 

immediately starts sweating. 

LATER 

While Paul sleeps, a massive cockroach crawls across his bed, 

and onto his ear, making him


DR. M 

(hesitates) 

This is the studio over there. 

(points down the hallway) 

Come. 

Dr. M leads Paul into his... 

INT. DR. M’S OFFICE - DAY 

...which is an homage to Dr. M. Memorabilia of himself 

everywhere. Framed photoes, sketches, and a painting of Dr. M 

flexing oversized muscles on a mountaintop. 

PAUL 

I love what you’ve done with the 

place. It’s... 

DR. M 

Interesting? 

PAUL 

One hundred percent. 

Dr. M sits down at the desk. Checks his email. 

PAUL 

So what visions do you have for 

this show? Are we going to do 

something bold and- 

DR. M 

(interrupts) 

-interesting. 

What? 

PAUL 

DR. M 

This company out of Uzbekistan will 

make the sculpture of me for my 

foyer for half the price. 

(keeps reading) 

Interesting. 

Dr. M starts typing with abandon. After a long, uncomfortable 

silence, Paul realizes Dr. M has forgotten him. 

PAUL 

Is there something I should be 

doing? Maybe check out the set. I’m 

on the air tomorrow, you know?


Dr. M doesn’t respond so Paul walks quietly out the door. 

INT. TV STATION - LATER 

Paul wanders the hallway, a little out of sorts. But then he 

walks onto the newly built set with a big sign that reads 

GOOD MORNING BANGLADESH! 

PRODUCTION PEOPLE scurry about. One YOUNG PA (20’s) catches 

Paul’s eye. 

PAUL 

Hey, how are you? Great set! 

The Young PA smiles and nods. He moves quickly away in the 

opposite direction. 

Another PRODUCTION GUY walks right past Paul without making 

eye contact. 

PAUL 

Is it me? Do I smell? 

(Paul sniffs his armpits) 

Nope. So fresh and so clean. 

Paul waves at ANOTHER PRODUCTION GUY who keeps his eyes down. 

Behind him stands MIZAN (40’s, impeccably dressed). 

MIZAN 

(in Bengali, translated) 

Get those lights up or you’ll never 

see your children again! 

(beat) 

Higher! Higher! 

VOICE (O.S.) 

(in Bengali) 

Yes, boss! 

Mizan looks over at Paul, smiles. Mizan gives Paul a very 

fake smile 

MIZAN 

Mr. Paul. Come join me in my 

office. 

INT. MIZAN’S OFFICE - DAY 

Paul sits down across from his new boss, MIZAN who stares at 

Paul without saying a word.


The large office is sparsely decorated, except for a shelf 

with many awards, including Dhaka Businessman of the Year. 

Paul breaks the silence... 

PAUL 

Good to see you! 

MIZAN 

We’ve never met. 

PAUL 

But I already feel like we’re been 

old friends. 

MIZAN 

Do you know my birthday? My wife’s 

name? Where my children attend 

school? 

(off Paul’s silence) 

Listen, Mr. Funny Man. You are 

known for your pranks, your crazy 

interviews, these silly clothes. 

PAUL 

Thank you, Mizan! It means a lot. 

MIZAN 

You will do none of that. You will 

host a respectable show. No jokes, 

no funny business, no flair. 

PAUL 

C’mon, TV needs a flair. 

No flair. 

MIZAN 

PAUL 

A little flair? 

MIZAN 

No flair! 

(lets this sink in) 

And you will call me Mr. Ishtiaque. 

PAUL 

Sure thing, Mr. Eesh-too-yoko-ono. 

Mizan winces at his family name being butchered.


MIZAN 

Hiring you was not my decision. My 

thirteen year old daughter enjoys 

you on the JewTube. 

Paul wants to say something, but but thinks better of it. 

MIZAN 

I’m hosting a party at my home 

tonight. 

PAUL 

I love parties! Will there be 

Twister? I’m good. I mean REALLY 

good! Left foot blue. 

MIZAN 

If you embarrass me or offend my 

guests, you will be back in Canada 

tomorrow, unemployed, perhaps dead. 

Um... 

PAUL 

Before Paul can make a comment, the production coordinator 

ALI (early 30’s, earnest) pops his head in. 

ALI 

You wanted to see me, boss? 

MIZAN 

Yes, Ali. Show our new guest 

around. Help him get to know his 

new homeland. 

ALI 

But I’m preparing for the show, 

boss. 

MIZAN 

Do you want to breathe through a 

machine? 

ALI 

No, boss. I will make sure he gets 

a tour, boss. 

INT. TV STATION - DAY 

Paul walks with Ali down the Hallway.


PAUL 

Great guy, huh? 

ALI 

Yes, boss. 

(in Bengali to Crew) 

No, no! Please put the chair there. 

Yes, there! 

PAUL 

Wow, you really run things around 

her. 

ALI 

No, boss. Dr. M is the producer. He 

is so wise and well educated. I am 

just common born. 

PAUL 

You don’t have to call me boss. You 

can call me Paul. 

ALI 

Yes, Paul. I understand, boss. 

PAUL 

(ignores this) 

I don’t care that you’re common 

born. So was I. We can still be 

friends. 

Paul holds his fist out for a pound. After a beat, Ali 

catches on and meets Paul’s for a pound. 

ALI 

Would you like a tour of Dhaka 

city? 

PAUL 

I would LOVE that. 

ALI 

I will arrange for my sister to 

show you around. 

PAUL 

Wow! You’re setting me up with your 

sister? 

Ali doesn’t know what Paul is getting at. 

ALI 

Yes, boss?


EXT. NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN - DAY 

Paul walks with NUSRAT (20’s, gorgeous, meek) through the 

Botanical Gardens. GAWKERS point at Paul, curious about this 

funky foreigner. 

PAUL 

I can’t believe you’re Ali’s 

sister. 

NUSRAT 

Why can’t you believe? 

PAUL 

Because you’re so pretty. 

(Nusrat blushes) 

I mean Ali’s a nice guy, but c’mon. 

That schnauz? 

NUSRAT 

What is schnauz? 

PAUL 

It’s your, never mind. I’ve been in 

Bangladesh for less than a day and 

I’m already on a date. 

NUSRAT 

This is not a date. I don’t date. 

PAUL 

Of course you date! You’re too cute 

to stay home. 

NUSRAT 

My family wouldn’t like it. 

PAUL 

Nusrat, please! Ali and I are 

already homies. We fist bumped and 

everything. 

Behind them, a YOUNG BANGLADESHI FAMILY poses for a picture 

behind a large row of massive sunflowers. 

Nusrat checks her phone. When she looks up, Paul has 

vanished. Nusrat panics that her charge has vanished. 

NUSRAT 

Paul? Paul!?


Nusrat turns to look at the posing Family and spots Paul 

standing just behind them between two sunflowers, his clothes 

blending in, photo-bombing with a wacky face. 

Nusrat cracks a smile. The Family is none the wiser. 

PAUL 

(smiles, sticks his arms 

out in a ta-da pose) 

Huh? 

NUSRAT 

You won’t last a week in 

Bangladesh. 

PAUL 

Is that so? 

NUSRAT 

That is so. 

PAUL 

I’ll make you a bet. 

(beat) 

If I last more than a week here, 

you go on real a date with me. 

Paul sticks out his hands to shake. 

NUSRAT 

Since you will most likely be 

deported and murdered, yes. Deal. 

Nusrat and Paul shake on it. 

INT. MIZAN’S HOUSE - NIGHT 

It’s party time Bangladeshi-style at Mizan’s home. 

BANGLADESHI ELITE mill about in their finest attire while 

eating canapes. 

The party stops when Paul walks in wearing a bright yellow 

suit you could spot from space. 

Paul is all smiles as he makes his way through the crowd, a 

yellow splotch in a see of dark greys and blues. Guests 

comment in Bengali. 

GUEST 1 (V.O.) 

Who is that weirdo?



He looks like a parakeet! 


What is Mizan thinking? 


That bozo is going to save his 

network? 

Paul starts shaking hands with men who don't know him, kisses 

ladies on the cheeks, which catches them off guard. 

One ANGRY HUSBAND of a woman Paul flirts charges at Paul who 

spins another woman around, breaking beaded necklace. The 

Angry Husband slips on the beads and knocks over a WAITER. 

Another WAITER comes by with a tray of food. Paul examines 

the food he’s never tried before and eats the red pepper 

garnish. Paul smiles, trying to play it off like it’s no big 

deal. But his face goes red. He beelines for the bar and 

drinks what he thinks is a glass of water in one gulp. 

PAUL 

That was vodka. Oh dear! 

Woozy Paul spots a PRETTY GIRL (20) across the roon and 

marches right up to her, butt-checking a HANDSOME MAN out of 

his way. 

PAUL 

(slurring) 

Hello, I’m Bangladesh’s most 

eligible and soon to be most famous 

bachelor. 

PRETTY GIRL 

I’ve never heard of you. 

PAUL 

You ever watch Canadian daytime TV? 

(off her silence) 

Well you should. And just you wait. 

I’m going to be a bigger star than 

Abdur Razzak! 

Off to the side, AMBEL (30’s, beautiful) assesses Paul. 

The Pretty Girl is relieved to see a girlfriend waving across 

the room and walks away without a goodbye.


PAUL 

(calls after) 

Are you on Facebook? 

Ambel gulps down the rest of her cocktail and calls to Paul. 

AMBEL 

Hey, you. Ginger boy. 

Paul turns towards Ambel, but turns back to the Pretty Girl, 

assuming Ambel was talking to someone else. 

AMBEL 

(louder) 

Ginger boy! 

Paul and Ambel lock eyes. He points to himself. Ambel nods. 

Paul walks over to her. 

PAUL 

It’s ginger man. 

Hardly. 

AMBEL 

PAUL 

You’re not from around here. 

AMBEL 

I am from Espana. 

PAUL 

Latina. 

(growls like a cat) 

AMBEL 

Why do you flirt with children? 

Pretty little Rupa will not be with 

a foreigner. A Russian oligarch 

perhaps, but not a clown. 

PAUL 

I’m a TV host. 

AMBEL 

Exactly. Her father chose her 

husband years ago. 

PAUL 

Arranged marriage is an obstacle. 

In case you weren’t paying 

attention... 

(MORE)


PAUL(cont'd) 

(gestures to himself) 

...I’m a catch. 

AMBEL 

Mmm. Well, Mr. Catch, my advice: 

stay away from these rich girls... 

(beat) 

...if you enjoy living. 

PAUL 

(laughs) 

Wait. What? 

Ambel gets in close, whispering into Paul’s ear. 

AMBEL 

Wouldn’t you rather be with a real 

woman? 

PAUL 

Know where I could find one? 

Ambel slaps Paul’s face, then caresses his bruised cheek. 

AMBEL 

Come, ginger man. I’ll help you 

find her. 

Ambel leads Paul by the hand out of the room.


ACT III 

INT. ELEGANT BEDROOM - MORNING 

Paul sleeps soundly in an elegant bed, not at all like his 

nasty guest house. 

There's all manner of morning activities around Paul, but he 

sleeps on with a smile. 

Finally Ambel starts stroking his head. 

PAUL 

Shelly Shell, can you turn on the 

hockey? 

AMBEL 

There is no hockey in Bangladesh. 

But there is cricket. 

Paul shoots up, out of sorts, puts on his glasses. 

PAUL 

(panicky) 

No hockey? Bangladesh? Cricket!? I 

thought this just a weird dream. 

(beat) 

What time is it? 

AMBEL 

Eight thirty. 

PAUL 

Oh my god! I’m going to be late for 

my first show. 

AMBEL 

The show, the show. Mizan always 

goes on about the show. 

PAUL 

How do you know Mizan? 

AMBEL 

He is my benefactor? 

PAUL 

Wait, your his mistress? 

AMBEL 

I am his extramarital affair 

administrator.


PAUL 

Now I really have to go. 

Paul makes his way to the door. 

AMBEL 

If one of Mizan’s employees sees 

you leaving here, there will be 

trouble. No show for you, no luxury 

apartment for me. 

(beat) 

He’s a very dangerous man. 

INT. TV STATION - DAY 

Ali rushes around in a panic, muttering. 

ALI 

Where is Paul? Where is our host? 

Ali grabs the Young PA. 

ALI 

(in Bengali) 

Have you seen our host? 

The PA shakes his head and scurries off as quickly as he can. 

ALI 

Maybe that bozo M knows. 

INT. DR. M’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER 

Ali rushes into Dr. M’s office. M has his back to Ali, on the 

computer, unaware he has company. 

DR. M 

(mutters to himself) 

Mmm...Interesting. 

M! 

ALI 

DR. M 

It’s Dr. M. I didn’t go to school 

for twelve years for nothing. 

ALI 

Have you see Paul?


DR. M 

What’s a Paul? 

ALI 

Our host. 

(off Dr. M’s clueless 

face) 

For the TV show. 

(Dr’ M’s got nothing) 

Good Morning Bangladesh? 

DR. M 

Oh yes! I’m the producer. 

ALI 

(speaks slowly, like 

talking to a child) 

Paul, the host of the show YOU 

produce is missing. 

(regular talk) 

We’re going live in ten minutes. 

DR. M 

Interesting. 

Dr. M reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out a bobble 

head that sort of resembles himself. 

DR. M 

Does this look like me? 

ALI 

No. They messed up the hair. 

Dr. M’s face goes from confused to angry. 

DR. M 

(angrily) 

Interesting. 

Dr. M smashes his bobble head to pieces against the desk. 

DR. M 

I’m going to kill Mr. Etsy. Mmm... 

ALI 

You do that. I’ll find Paul. 

Ali makes his way out of Dr. M’s office, muttering...

LATER 


ALI 

This spoiled little boy is my boss? 

(groans) 

Now that is interesting. 

Paul runs into Ali in the hallway wearing the yellow suit, 

now streaked with dirt like a tiger. Ali looks relieved. 

ALI 

Boss, so glad you are hear. Mr. 

Mizan said I’m responsible if 

anything happens to you. 

(looks at Paul’s clothes) 

Is this a North American fashion? 

Paul looks down and realizes how trashed his suit is. 

PAUL 

Yup. Totally the stule. 

ALI 

We must hurry. You’re on the air in 

five minutes. 

Paul passes Mizan who glares at him. 

MIZAN 

Is this not the suit you wore while 

offending my guests at the party? 

PAUL 

Latest fashion trend in Toronto. 

MIZAN 

The man you will interview is my 

friend and business associate. No 

funny business, no flair! 

INT. GOOD MORNING BANGLADESH SET - MOMENTS LATER 

Paul sits at the desk of his own morning show. 

ALI (O.S.) 

You’re on in 5-4-3-2... 

PAUL 

(a la Robin Williams in 

Good Morning Vietnam) 

Good morning, Bangladesh!


Paul looks over at Mizan who stares daggers at him. 

LATER 

PAUL 

(buttons up) 

We have a great show for you today 

with leading Bangladeshi business 

magnate, Mohammed Rahman. 

(best) 

But first let’s check the weather. 

During the break, Paul grabs Ali. 

PAUL 

Ali, this show is sooo boring. No 

one’s going to watch it. It’s time 

to pull out the big guns, get them 

talking. 

ALI 

Please, boss. No, boss. 

Mizan walks over and claps Paul on the back. 

MOMENTS LATER 

Paul is back on air. 

MIZAN 

Doing a good job so far. Remember, 

I want this to be a show you can 

watch with your auntie. 

PAUL 

One hundred percent. Totally boring 

stuff. 

MIZAN 

Great. Back to it then. 

PAUL 

And we’re back. Let’s meet our 

special guest tonight. Give it up 

for Mohammed Rahman! 

Rahman steps out onto the stage in a very expensive suit, 

fake grin on his face. 

PAUL 

Welcome, Mohammed!


RAHMAN 

Mister Rahman. 

PAUL 

Tell us more about all your 

successes. 

RAHMAN 

I started by taking over my family 

candy business and turned it from 

millions of Taka to billions 

annually. 

PAUL 

Interesting. 

I know. 

RAHMAN 

Paul looks at his cue cards in disgust. Sets them down. 

RAHMAN 

I work hard, sacrifice money for 

happiness, for my family. 

Paul switches things up. 

PAUL 

So, Rhianna or Katy Perry? 

RAHMAN 

Um...I don’t know. 

PAUL 

Personally, I’m a Rhianna guy. But 

Katy Perry does have her moments. 

Rahman doesn’t respond, leaving Paul in uncomfortable 

silence. 

PAUL 

What’s your favorite animal? 

RAHMAN 

What does this have to do business? 

PAUL 

Everything! You should treat work 

like you should your prey. 

(best) 

C’mon. Your favorite animal. 

(still nothing) 

A tiger or an elephant?


RAHMAN 

I will not play this silly game on 

national television. 

PAUL 

Are you slow and methodical, 

employing business strategies like 

an elephant? 

(beat) 

OR do you attack with ferocity like 

a tiger? 

(still nothing) 

With a temper like that, I’d say 

tiger. 

Paul jumps out of the chair and makes a tiger pose. 

Grrr! 

PAUL 

Rahman is unsure what this peculiar host in the yellow suit 

stained with streaks like a tiger. 

RAHMAN 

That is no tiger. 

Rahman leaps to his feet and mimics the way a tiger stalks 

before it pounces, both claws grabbing it’s prey. 

RAHMAN 

This is a tiger! 

PAUL 

Amazing! You really are a tiger! 

Paul mimics Rahman’s move, has a thought. Paul adjusts the 

pounce into a Gangnam-Style dance. Stalk-stalk-pounce- 

to the left. Stalk-stalk-pounce- to the right. Repeat. 

Paul looks off the stage to the SOUND GUY. 

PAUL 

A little music with a beat, please! 

The Sound Guy cues a simple Bengali beat as Paul does the 

dance over and over. Off Stage Mizan, Ali, and Dr. M exchange 

confused glances. 

MIZAN 

What is he doing? 

ALI 

This was not rehearsed.


BACK ON STAGE 

DR. M 

Interesting. 

Dancing Paul looks at the befuddled Rahman. 

PAUL 

C’mon, join me. Let’s do Tiger 

Tiger Style! 

RAHMAN 

I will not. 

PAUL 

Are you a tiger or it’s prey? 

(beat) 

A scared little baby deer? 

Rahman’s face goes red. 

RAHMAN 

I am no deer! I am a mighty tiger! 

Rahman rips his tie off and joins Paul for the Tiger Tiger 

Style with passion and flair. 

OFF STAGE, the Production Crew , but stop when Mizan 

glares at them. 

BACK ON STAGE, Paul slows his dance down. 

PAUL 

That’s all for this episode of Good 

Morning, Bangladesh. Special thanks 

to Mohammed Rahman for showing us 

his Tiger Tiger Style. See you 

tomorrow! 

Paul continues to do dance until the music stops and the show 

is over and they are OFF AIR. 

Rahman relieved to stop dancing and a little sweaty marches 

over to Mizan. 

RAHMAN 

What is the meaning of this? 

(catches breath) 

You have me dance like a fool on 

your station? What will the 

shareholders say? The foreign 

investors?


MIZAN 

Mohammed, please. I’m very sorry. 

It’s not that bad. Good television 

needs a little flair, no? 

DR. M 

Your dance was very interesting. 

Mizan glares at his nephew who clams up. 

Rahman storms off. 

RAHMAN 

Consider your investment on the new 

hospital deal off. You are 

finished, Mizan! 

MIZAN 

(calls after him) 

Mohammed! Mohammed! 

Mizan, now angry, sets his sights on Paul. 

MIZAN 

Tiger Tiger Style? 

PAUL 

Pretty cool, right? For such a 

tight wad, he’s a pretty good 

dancer. 

MIZAN 

You embarrassed him! You embarassed 

this station! 

PAUL 

The show was a little flat. It was 

boring. 

MIZAN 

Boring is what I asked for. A 

respectable show for the Englishspeaking 

business community. 

PAUL 

I promise next show will be WAY 

more boring. Like old man telling 

the same story again boring. 

MIZAN 

There will be no next show. I’m 

booking you on the next flight back 

to Canada.


PAUL 

C’mon, Mizan! 

MIZAN 

It’s Mr. Ishtiaque! 

(beat) 

I will make calls. You will never 

work ever again, ANYWHERE! 

Mizan turns around and storms off, passing dumbfounded Ali 

and Dr. M. He stops for a second in front of Ali. 

MIZAN 

You’re fired too! 

ALI 

Me? Why, boss? 

MIZAN 

Because I can’t fire my nephew. 

Ambel steps into frame and starts massaging Mizan’s 

shoulders. 

AMBEL 

Come, Mizzy. Let’s help you relax 

in your office. 

Ambel leads Mizan away, giving Paul a lusty glance.


ACT IV 

INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT 

Paul eats with a distraught Ali. 

PAUL 

Dude, I’m so sorry I cost your gig. 

What a tyrant! 

ALI 

It’s okay, boss. 

PAUL 

No, it’s not okay. 

(beat) 

And stop calling me boss. You got 

fired, remember? 

This comment makes Ali even more upset. He buries his face in 

his hand and breathes deeply. 

ALI 

How am I going to support my 

family? My mother? My sisters? 

(something occurs to him) 

Now I can never marry Purnima! 

Ali starts to cry. Paul squeezes Ali’s shoulder. 

PAUL 

One way or another, I’m going to 

make this right. 

Behind Paul, a WAITER mimics the Tiger Tiger Style dance. 

ALI 

That is unnecessary, boss. 

PAUL 

It’s a duty of a good Jew to take 

care of his people. 

ALI 

You’re a Jew? 

Paul indicates his visage. 

PAUL 

D’uh! 

(beat) 

Listen, My career will bounce back. 

(MORE)


PAUL(cont'd) 

When it does, you’ll work for me. 

You can bring your whole family to 

Toronto. Live with me if necessary. 

ALI 

There are ten of us. 

PAUL 

(hesitates, offers) 

We’ll get bunk beds! 

Paul looks across the restaurant at a table of PATRONS all 

mimicking Tiger Tiger Style. After a beat, Paul joins in the 

dance, delighting the table. 

INT. AIRPORT LOUNGE - DAY 

Paul sits looking glum, on the phone. 

PAUL 

You were right, dad. This was a 

dumb idea. This whole TV hosting 

thing was dumb. 

(beat) 

I’m coming home. Ready to take the 

plunge-r. 

(beat) 

I love you too. Bye. 

Paul hangs up the phone and looks around the lounge at a 

group of KIDS all dancing Tiger Tiger Style. 

PAUL 

(loses temper) 

I get it. I’m a big joke. Stop 

making fun of me! 

One Kid starts to . Paul feels bad. 

PAUL 

No, no. I’m sorry. Keep dancing. 

Paul does a very enthusiastic Tiger Tiger Style, which makes 

the Crying Kid . People in the Airport Lounge 

as Paul gets into it. 

PAUL 

(mutters to self while 

dancing) 

Great. I leave the laughing stock 

of Bangladesh. 

The Kids and other LOUNGE PATRONS join in Tiger Tiger Style.


INT. MIZAN’S OFFICE - DAY 

Mizan sits across from Dr. M. 

MIZAN 

So how are Paul’s replacements 

looking? 

DR. M 

Interesting. 

MIZAN 

Have you even started looking? 

DR. M 

My sculpture is being delivered 

tomorrow. 

MIZAN 

Why did I have to fire Ali? 

Mizan looks out the window of his office and sees Production 

Crew doing Tiger Tiger Style. His face goes red. 

MIZAN 

Any luck finding a hit man in 

Toronto? 

Dr. M isn’t listening. He’s on his smart phone looking at 

images of a statue. 

The intercom rings. 

DR. M 

Interesting. From the pictures they 

sent, they got my hair right. 

MIZAN SECRETARY (V.O.) 

Sir, Mr. Rahman is on the phone. 

MIZAN 

(grimaces, then answers 

phone on speaker) 

Mohammed! 

RAHMAN 

Mizan, baby! 

MIZAN 

I’m so sorry for that stupid dance 

yesterday. I hope you weren’t 

serious about the hospital deal.


RAHMAN 

On the contrary! I overreacted. 

MIZAN 

That’s a relief, my friend. Our 

relationship is very important. We 

won’t let some Canadian freak end 

decades of friendship. 

RAHMAN 

Nonsense. Have you been on the 

internet? My dance is everywhere. 

I’m a celebrity! 

MIZAN 

And this is a good thing? 

RAHMAN 

Everyone wants to work with Mr. 

Tiger Tiger Style. I signed three 

new deals this morning! 

MIZAN 

That’s why I had you on the show. 

RAHMAN 

I do hope you’ll have me on again 

before your ratings are too big! 

INT. AIRPORT LOUNGE - DAY 

Paul stands in line waiting to board the plane. All around 

him, TRAVELERS do Tiger Tiger Style. 

Paul’s phone RINGS. He answers. 

Hello? 

Paul! 

PAUL 

SARAH (O.S.) 

In the BG the sound of an airport trolley BEEP approaching. 

PAUL 

Hey! I’m sure you heard. I got 

fired. Heading back to Toronto. 

SARAH 

Why? You’re a star has risen again.


Huh? 

PAUL 

SARAH 

Your Tiger Tiger thing. I saw it on 

CTV. You’ve gone viral, baby! 

Behind Paul, the trolley carrying Mizan pulls up behind him. 

Mizan unboards and taps Paul on the shoulder 

MIZAN 

May I speak with you? 

PAUL 

(into phone) 

Let me call you back. 

(hangs up, turns to Mizan) 

Why? I’m about to fly home. Someone 

fired me for having too much flair. 

MIZAN 

I like your flair. 

PAUL 

No you don’t. 

MIZAN 

I still want you back on the air as 

soon as possible. 

PAUL 

Why would I come back? I’ve gone 

viral. 

(beat) 

Besides, you fired Ali who was 

totally innocent. 

MIZAN 

I already rehired him. 

PAUL 

Did you give him a raise? 

MIZAN 

(hesitates) 

I will. 

PAUL 

And leave me in charge of 

programming decisions? 

MIZAN 

Sure sure.


PAUL 

And provide me with nicer 

accommodations...no cockroaches? 

MIZAN 

Very well. 

PAUL 

And dance Tiger Tiger Style. 

(beat) 

Right now. 

What? 

MIZAN 

PAUL 

I want you to dance. 

MIZAN 

I’m a respected businessman. I will 

not. 

PAUL 

Very well. My flight is departing. 

(Paul steps back in line) 

Fine! 

MIZAN 

Mizan dances an awkward Tiger Tiger Style. Paul and the 

Travelers for him. After a beat, Paul joins in. 

PAUL 

(out loud to crowd) 

I’d like to announce that I will be 

returning to the air hosting Good 

Morning Bangladesh tomorrow. 

Paul and Mizan shake hands. The Travelers . Mizan 

steps away and makes a call. 

MIZAN 

M? M?! Call off the hit. 

(beat) 

I don’t care about your stature. 

Cancel the assassination. 

EXT. DHAKA BRIDGE - NIGHT 

Paul walks with Nusrat along the bridge amongst a sea of 

young Bangladeshi COUPLES. As people spot Paul, they all 

dance Tiger Tiger Style.


NUSRAT 

I’ve never known a celebrity 

before. 

PAUL 

Lucky you. And lucky me I won the 

bet. 

NUSRAT 

Congratulations. One whole week 

without being deported or murdered. 

PAUL 

Next week, double or nothing? 

A SMILING COUPLE gestures for Paul to take a picture with 

them. Nusrat takes their phone to snap the pic. Paul and the 

Smiling Couple pose Tiger Tiger Style. 

Nusrat hands the Smiling Couple back their phone who walk 

away, admiring their new picture. 

NUSRAT 

I have a new prediction for you, 

Mr. Paul. 

PAUL 

Will I have my own personal 

rickshaw? 

NUSRAT 

You will become an important man in 

Bangladesh. Not just an 

entertainer. Someone truly great. 

PAUL 

(laughs) 

Me, an important man. What would my 

dad say? 

TEENAGERS approach Paul with a boombox. They cue the same 

Bengali beats and start dancing Tiger Tiger Style. 

A CROWD forms, . Paul joins in the dance. Soon 

everyone on the bridge but Nusrat is dancing. 

PAUL 

C’mon, Nusrat. Join us. 

Nusrat, hesitates, but then gives in and joins Paul. They 

dance Tiger Tiger Style sensually together. Paul moves in for 

a kiss. Nusrat blocks his lips with her hand.


NUSRAT 

No no no. Not until we’re married. 

Married? 

PAUL 

A STREET VENDOR holds a stick of street meat out to Paul. 

Paul looks at it warily, but takes a bite, smiles. 

NUSRAT 

I wouldn’t eat any more of that. 

You’ll get sick. 

PAUL 

If I can eat gefilte fish, I can 

handle a little mystery meat. 

Paul finishes the meat and continues to dance with Nusrat.

TAG 


INT. GOOD MORNING BANGLADESH SET - DAY 

ON AIR - Paul dances Tiger Tiger Style before sitting down. 

PAUL 

Good morning, Bangladesh! 

(beat) 

We have an amazing show today. 

Today we welcome Kader Azam, the 

Bangladesh Tourism Board President. 

(beat) 

He’s here to tell us all about the 

new... 

Paul’s face goes green. He grabs his stomach. 

PAUL 

(forces it out) 

...Visitor Center. But first a word 

from our sponsor. 

Paul jumps out of his chair and runs off set right past 

Mizan, Ali, and Dr. M into the nearest bathroom. 

MIZAN/ALI/DR. M 

Street meat. 

(laugh) 

FADE OUT.

p182m0a7cv2mh1j10up4lhe1skc4.pdf

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?