Risquet All - Ep. 1

FADE IN:

INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

Five female Burlesque performers, NAOMI, SAGE, EMMA, KC, and CHARLIE GET READY at an underground club called Risqué. They CHANGE INTO matching lingerie and APPLY makeup in the mirror in SLOW MOTION. All of the women are breathtakingly beautiful and not a day over 26 years old.

CUT TO:

EXT. RISQUE CLUB – NIGHT

Men STAND in line for Risqué. Bouncers TAKE tickets and SEARCH men. The streets are filled with homeless and police cars. Four seemingly rowdy men who appear to be around 26 or 27 WALK into the club.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

CHARLIE, a tall and slender Middle Eastern woman with long dark hair and striking features, ATTEMPTS TO FIX a strap on the back of KC's bra strap. KC has a coke bottle figure and brown hair that's perfectly curled. They LEAVE into a conjoining room. Sage and Naomi TALK amongst themselves in a worried and careful tone. Naomi is Black, with brown almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, with a very stern but elegant feel to her. Sage is Hispanic, with the Latin fire charisma, long dark hair, and olive skin. Emma, a blonde bobbed bombshell with a body of a ballerina, CONTINUES to apply makeup in the mirror but LISTENS in on their conversation. BOSS, an alluring but eerie woman, WALKS IN. She is dressed in all black with a long black silk overthrow. She carries a staff with a jewel at the top where she holds it. Sage and Naomi IMMEDIATELY FACE THE MIRROR.

BOSS

"Ladies! It's time... And we have a lot to choose from tonight."

She MISCHEVIOUSLY SMILES and GLANCES at each girl. She NOTICES Charlie and KC are nowhere in sight and her smile disappears. Emma OBSERVES Boss' mood shift.

EMMA

Charlie is just fixing KCs straps. They are ready.

Boss TAPS her index finger on the jewel of the staff annoyed but keeps her composure. In the background, Sage and Naomi LOOK at each other.

BOSS

(annoyed) Very well.

Naomi slightly SHAKES HER HEAD no to Sage. Sage IGNORES her.

SAGE

Boss since we have some time... we need to... I mean, we're not sure about all of this anymore. We don't...

Boss WALKS to Sage and PLACES HER FINGERS ON HER LIPS. She CARESSES Sage's cheeks.

BOSS

(softly) Shhh... What is there to be unsure about?

Boss GLANCES around the room with Sage's face still in her hand, she GRIPS HER CHEEKS. Sage STANDS in discomfort but doesn't dare move. Naomi and Emma AVOID eye contact, but Boss STARES DAGGERS into them. She keeps her eyes train on Naomi for a while and then back at Sage. Boss CHUCKLES then LET'S GO of Sage. Sage STEPS BACK and RUBS her face. Charlie and KC rush back into the room.

BOSS

(not even glancing) Charlie... KC... you're late...

They STOP and midstride and don't dare to speak.

BOSS (cont...)

You've all forgotten what they are capable of. Huh.. Emma! Take a walk.

EMMA

I get it, Boss. I'm okay. I don't need to...

BOSS

Need to?

BEAT

BOSS (cont...)

All of you have forgotten your purpose here and it's pissing me the FUCK off!

Boss WALKS OVER to stand a few millimeters in front of Emma.

BOSS (cont...)

Need to? Emma, I said go and jog our memories... Or do I need to instead?

Emma LOOKS back at Sage and Naomi and LEAVES the dressing room into the club. Naomi CHOOSES HER WORDS CAREFULLY.

NAOMI

Boss, all Sage is saying is we've been taking things way too far lately. We don't even know these people, and we don't need...

Charlie RUSHES TOWARD Naomi. KC FOLLOWS a few steps behind.

CHARLIE

Hold on, hold on! What the hell is going on!?! Don't speak for all of us, Naomi! We don't need what? To do this! You mean YOU don't need to do this!

Charlie TURN to Boss.

CHARLIE

It seems like Naomi and Sage here want to play righteous all of a sudden when you two are the worst out of all of us.

KC

Naomi is as selfish and greedy as ever and Sage is just the angry little brat who doesn't play well with others.

SAGE

This angry brat will happily beat your ass so watch your mouth!!!

KC

I'd love to see how that ends! Try me!

SAGE

Oh, you must not like your teeth!

Sage LUNGES toward KC. KC RAISES HER HAND to slap Sage. Boss STOMPS HER STAFF on the ground and all four girls FREEZE. Boss CHUCKLES.

BOSS

Girls... relax.

BEAT

BOSS (cont...)

(with a light tone of voice) Charlie. KC. You know how I feel about tardiness and YOU BOTH have gotten too lackadaisical lately. I don't blame Naomi and Sage here, you're only human. It's natural for you to feel this way. You all need to be reminded... clearly.

Boss TWISTS HER STAFF SLOWLY, all of the girls FALL HOLDING THEIR THROATS GASPING.

BOSS

(with a more sinister tone of voice) Need I remind you what kind of person this place appeals to? No one who enters this place is innocent. Not them and especially not any of you!

Naomi ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK. Boss WAVES HER HAND. The girls GASP FOR AIR.

NAOMI

It doesn't mean they deserve this. There are repercussions we'll have to pay at some point. We aren't Gods, like you said, we are human.

Just as the words leave Naomi's mouth, Emma BUSTS THROUGH THE DOOR. Men LAUGH AND HOOT in the background. Emma RUNS to Sage. Boss LEANS BACK against the wall.

BOSS

(speaking calmly) Don't deserve it?

Boss LAUGHS and SNAPS HER HEAD toward Naomi.

BOSS

(matter of factly) Naomi, You know the kind of men we attract here and what they would do if given the opportunity... and YOU... have the audacity to feel sorry for them?

Boss LOOKS at Emma. Naomi's EYE's FOLLOW. Emma SHAKING.

BOSS

You know... EMPATHY is such a stupid trait to have in your position. These people get EXACTLY what they deserve, and if anything... we are letting them off easy.. Isn't that right Emma?

Boss TURNS and WALKS toward Emma, looks at her, and HITS HER STAFF on the floor. Emma STANDS UP lifeless.

BOSS

Emma, my sweetness, you will open up the show tonight. You think you can handle that.

Emma KNODS MINDLESSLY. Boss GLANCES at each girl.

BOSS

Now... Does anyone else have any issues?

BEAT

BOSS

Good. Now, I give all of you my protection. So, you only need to worry about repercussions, if you don't have it anymore. And if there ever comes a time where that is the case for even just one of you... I'll consider the rest... damaged. So, like I said before, it's time.

Boss is about to walk out of the dressing room but STOPS at Sage and Naomi.

BOSS

(only to Sage and Naomi) Oh... and Last thing. You may not be a God... but me, I might as well be. Especially to you. So watch your tongue with me girl and remember who you are dealing with. Same goes for you Sage.

Boss SMILES and EXITS. Emma FOLLOWS.

CUT TO:

INT. RISQUE CLUB - NIGHT

The interior of the club has a wide stage in front and a single small stage in the back corner. The room is small, fitting no more than 35 people, with tables of two and four and single chairs against the walls and back of the room. The Four handsome men seen entering the club, NICK, JORDAN, KELZ, and MICKEY TAKE THEIR SEATS. Emma and Boss WALK past the four men. Feeling uneasy, Nick, gives Boss a LOOK OF SUSPICION. His friend, Jordan, NOTICES and BREAKS his attention.

JORDAN

(chuckling) Aaaayyyyeeee... You like what you see Nicky.

NICK

(fake laughs) Haha... no. I'm just trying to figure out why I let yal talk me into this. What kind of place is this again?

KELZ

It's burlesque.

MIKEY

You know, classy, but still show some assy.

They LAUGH.

NICK

Shutup Mikey! ...I'm just saying this place seems a little sketch.

KELZ

Every place seems sketchy to Little Saint Nick.

NICK

Look around.

The room is filled with all men from seemingly different backgrounds but all suspicious.

NICK (cont...)

The guys in here look like they're either socially awkward or probably stone-cold killers.

He POINTS to two men who look like they could fit the criteria.

KELZ

Brah, you can point out two people at the mall and say the same thing. Just relax.

MIKEY

Yea, Relaxxxxx, bro... and enjoyyyyy the show.

KELZ

(backhanding Mikey on the shoulder) Mikey... Stop rhyming. Damn...

JORDAN

Seriously though, just enjoy it. Let loose sometimes brother.

Just before Nick can contest the lights SHUT OFF. Erotic music BEGINS TO PLAY.

CUT TO BLACK:

MIKEY (V.O.)

Ooooohhhh... it's starting.

A spotlight FLASHES ON and lights a center point of the backstage of the club. Boss stands there with her staff. The music is playing like an eery lullaby. On cue, she welcomes the crowd.

BOSS

Good evening, gentlemen. Welcome to Risque. Where everything you've ever desired is within arm's length.

Fog FILLS the room. Nick gives a SUSPICIOUS GLANCE at Boss.

CUT TO:

INT. DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT

Naomi and Sage LINE UP to enter the club. Charlie and KC REACH their entering position: still livid about the conversation that happened earlier.

KC

You know Naomi, you really are a selfish bitch! I swear you and Sage here are eventually going to get us all killed.

Naomi tries to speak

KC

No, save it. I like my life and I don't give a fuck about yours or any of those sick fucks out there who are probably hoping to date rape us by the end of the night.

CHARLIE

Naomi, you brought us all into this shit, this life, and NOW your conscience starts speaking to you.

SAGE

Hold on, I'm the one who brought it up. Naomi tried to...

CHARLIE

Yea, well we know who wears the pants in your relationship--

SAGE

Bitch I'll--

NAOMI

Sage, stay cool. Right now, we can't.

She LOOKS toward the door. Boss and the club music can be heard in the background. KC SOFTLY TOUCHES a piece of Sage's hair.

KC

Yea Sage, no need to get rowdy.

SAGE

You know what...

Sage SLAPS AWAY KC's hand and GETS OUT OF FORMATION.

NAOMI

Calm down Sage, we need to start.

Sage WAVES her hand in disregard but stepping back in line.

CUT TO:

INT. RISQUE CLUB – NIGHT

Emma ENTERS onto the dim-lit front stage. The rowdy cries of the men begin to die down. Each step that Emma makes is on beat with the music, the audience can see nothing but her silhouette. A red light SWITCHES ON. Emma DANCES SEDUCTIVELY.

BOSS

In your deepest desires. Lust catches fire. Breath in deep, while the smoke brings you higher.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT

Sage, Naomi, Charlie, and KC. WAIT FOR THEIR CUE. Sage EXITS ON HER CUE. Naomi is about to head out but Charlie GRABS Naomi's shoulder.

BOSS (V.O.)

In your deepest desires. Lust catches fire. Breath in deep, while the smoke brings you higher.

CHARLIE

I'll tell you like this Naomi. I will take you out before I have to deal with Boss.

Charlie LETS GO and THEY FOLLOW BEHIND SAGE.

CUT TO:

INT. RISQUE CLUB – NIGHT

One by one the girls JOIN Emma's dance movement. Boss finishes the last verse of the poem.

BOSS

Fantasies turn reality; Love is nothing short of insanity. Beauty... to be admired and your sins trap you in your deepest desires.

The spotlight on Boss SHUTS OFF simultaneously with the music. Boss STEPS DOWN. TAKES A SEAT in the corner beside the front stage facing the audience. The front stage and crowd are perfectly in her view. An uptempo song PLAYS, but still as erotic as the first, the lights turn blue. The girls DANCE perfectly in step. The men ENCHANTED by something ominous. Something CATCHES Naomi's attention. She LOOKS at Boss and sees she hasn't noticed. She KEEPS her eye on that point while never losing a beat. Nick is still feeling uneasy about Risque. He LEANS OVER to Jordan.

NICK

Yo Joe, Something doesn't feel right... Joe!

He LOOKS at Jordan.. Jordan is completely ZONED OUT on the girls. Nick SHAKES him unable to get his attention. Nick then GLANCES at Kelz and Mikey, they have the same zombie-like look as Jordan. He SHAKES them.

NICK

Mikey, Kelz... hey. Hello...

Nick SCANS the room. Every man has the same zombie-like state. Nick's eyes move to Boss and FREEZES, not sure what to do. She HITS her staff on the ground with each beat of the song. He TURNS TO LOOK at the stage. Naomi and Nick EYES MEET. She MOUTH's DONT MOVE. Nick SHAKES HIS HEAD IN AGREEMENT. He COPIES THE OTHER MEN'S ACTION. Naomi, Sage, Emma, KC, and Charlie WALK to different men in the audience. Naomi HEADS OVER to NICK and WHISPERS.

NAOMI

You don't belong here.

Nick LOOKS UP. He is taken aback by her beauty but knows something is wrong.

NAOMI

You're wise to be wary. You know, you shouldn't have come here.

NICK

What is here exactly?

NAOMI

Well it's too late for you to leave, so you'll see soon enough. But trust me when I say...

Naomi gets a LITTLE CLOSER to Nick and WHISPERS to him in his ear, her lips just touch him.

NAOMI

Don't move... okay!?!

She joins the other girls but REMEMBERS SOMETHING.

NAOMI

Oh yea, do I have permission?

NICK

Permission for what?

Naomi LOOKS at him, at Boss then BACK TO HIM. Nick's EYES FOLLOWS hers.

NAOMI

We don't have time for me to explain, just say yes.

NICK

...Yes

Naomi walks back to the stage and gets in line with the rest of the girls right on time. Nick never moves but his eyes watch everything in the room. The five girls continue to dance and move into a unified circle. KC POINTS at a RANDOM GUY in the crowd and the men stands without any will. The other people STARE MINDLESSLY at the stage. Nick LOOKS at the man through the corner of his eye. Boss HITS THE FLOOR WITH HER STAFF 3xs. Then men PASS OUT. The Random Guy STILL STANDS but is SLEEPING. Boss WALKS OVER to the Random Guy. His eyes and head POP OPEN and he is upright standing like a soldier. His eyes SHIFT BACK AND FORTH. Nick LOOKS over to Naomi. Naomi WHISPERS something unheard. Nick's vision slowly begins to fade before PASSING OUT.

FADE TO BLACK:

END OF EPISODE 1