Hot Skates
Note: This is the opening scene of a television pilot I wrote a few years ago.
INT. HOTSKATES - RINK - DAY
The rink is a flurry of activity. Painters are putting the finishing touches on the brightly colored walls. Electricians are fitting lights into sockets, and someone somewhere is occasionally testing the smoke machine - sending white puffs up from pipes in the walls.
ANNA walks through the chaos proudly. This is her baby, years of dreams finally coming true. She surveys everything, making sure things are just right. She’s in her early 30s but could easily be mistaken for 10 years younger. Her youthful looks bely a strong and fierce attitude buried underneath.
Next to her walks the BUILDING INSPECTOR. He is everything ANNA is not. Old, worn, and not amused. His clothes are various shades of grey, and he holds his clipboard like a weapon. He looks skeptical.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
I remember this place when it was called The Sphinx - an early 80s Egypt-themed dance club that was really more of a sex dungeon.
ANNA
So that explains the dusty obelisk dildos we found in the basement. The hieroglyphics on those things were .... intimidating.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
(Not listening)
And you think a rollerskating rink is a good idea?
ANNA
Yep.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
In 2022?
ANNA
Yep.
They walk past a small huddle of ANNA’s co-workers looking at an IPAD. ASH is a brilliant and spunky girl in her early 20s. Next to her is her sometimes boyfriend DIEGO who is more concerned with his target heart rate and calorie consumption than anything ASH has to say. Finally, KATE is working the IPAD as they upload photos. The BUILDING INSPECTOR notices and scoffs.
ANNA’s smile changes slightly from pleasant to smirk.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
They getting paid to surf the internet all day?
ANNA
Something like that.
ANNA and the BUILDING INSPECTOR walk past PENELOPE playing her UKELELE and writing down lyrics in her NOTEPAD.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
This generation, I swear.
ANNA
They’re actually doing work.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Listen honey-
ANNA winces at the old man calling her “honey” in this day and age. They stop walking.
BUILDING INSPECTOR (CONT'D)
This isn’t a way to run a business. No foresight into the market. No management skills. Workers who probably live in their parents’ basements. This is more like a clubhouse than a company.
ANNA takes offense, but realizes she needs the CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY to open, so she remains quiet.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
You’re not the first kid I’ve seen who over-reached.
At this comment, ASH, DIEGO, and KATE perk up.
ANNA
I’m 32.
ANNA and the BUILDING INSPECTOR begin walking again. ASH, DIEGO, and KATE follow closely behind eavesdropping.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Everyone in your generation has no idea what it means to work for a living.
ANNA
(Sarcastically)
Is that true?
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Definitely. Bunch of lazy do nothings who only need participation trophies and a few likes on Insta-whatever to feel a sense of worth.
ANNA
Ok.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
But sooner or later, you and the rest of your-
(Airquotes)
“Millennials” are going to have to realize that what makes this world tick is keeping your head down and getting by. It’s time to stop playing dress-up and start busting your ass.
ANNA
(Dismissive)
Yep.
The BUILDING INSPECTOR looks at his clipboard which holds the CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
If I were a smarter man, I’d deny you this C/O. Save you the trouble of watching this all come crumbling down.
(Thinks. Sighs)
Fine. Here you go sweetie.
The BUILDING INSPECTOR signs the CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY, pulls it out from the CLIPBOARD and hands the document to ANNA.
BUILDING INSPECTOR (CONT'D)
Good luck, you’re going to need it.
ANNA
Thanks.
ANNA grabs the CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY and holds her hand out guiding the BUILDING INSPECTOR to the EXIT DOOR.
ANNA (CONT'D)
You’re right.
The BUILDING INSPECTOR stops walking.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
I’m sorry?
ANNA
I said, you’re right. I will need luck.
(Looking at her group)
WE will need luck.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
(Laughing)
You aren’t kidding.
ANNA
What you and the rest of your so called-
(Airquotes)
“Boomers” have failed to realize is that luck is the only thing you’ve left us.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
Well, I-
ANNA is ready to pounce. ASH, DIEGO, and KATE stand next to ANNA in solidarity. They all know what is coming.
ANNA
You took all that the greatest generation gave you and rigged it in your favor so that no one who wanted to play the game could. You didn’t just move the goalposts; you tore down the fucking stadium. Frankly, I’m amazed how you went from peace and love to greed and shove in a matter of only a few decades. From celebrating love for everyone to hoarding everything you could get your hands on out of the fear that someone somewhere might actually succeed more than you.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
I don’t think that’s-
ANNA walks toward the BUILDING INSPECTOR with ASH, DIEGO, and KATE close behind. The BUILDING INSPECTOR takes a subconsciously defensive position.
ANNA
Trust me, it’s true. None of us WANT to live in our parents’ basements. None of us WANT to work menial jobs for little pay, but for better or worse, we live in a society that wasn’t built by us or for us. So we work - hard - just to get by. Because this is a tangled maze you created for us, and we aren’t sure if there’s a way out but we’re damn sure gonna try to find it.
DIEGO grabs a BAG of chips and eats them as if he’s watching the greatest action scene of his life. The GROUP continues walking/chasing the BUILDING INSPECTOR out into the PARKING LOT. We are outside in the bright sunlight.
ANNA (CONT'D)
So criticize us for following our dreams. For finding new avenues to travel down. For trying to be more than what we were given. Because one day, you’re all going to be gone and we’re going to fix this shit you created. And then, we’ll look back and thank you for being so generous with all of your luck.
The BUILDING INSPECTOR runs for his TRUCK. He starts it, puts it in GEAR and from the open WINDOW says:
BUILDING INSPECTOR
It’s just a certificate of occupancy. Jesus.
The TRUCK peels away.
ANNA
(Yelling)
Bring your grandkids. They’d love this place!
DIEGO
Yeah, free skate rentals motherfucker!
ANNA looks at DIEGO with confusion.
DIEGO
What? I was being charitable.
ANNA
All of you, back inside. Let’s get this place open.
ASH approaches and puts her arm on ANNA’s shoulder as they walk back into the ENTRANCE.
THE CAMERA LIFTS UPWARDS TO REVEAL THE “HOTSKATES” SIGN OVER THE ENTRANCE. WE FADE TO BLACK.
