Prologue
It began as a perfect day in Hollywood. The sun beamed down from a cloudless sky and birds chirped in the lush Hollywood hills. The city was alive with energy and the sound of people laughing, enjoying their day. Little did anyone know that a sinister plot was brewing in the home of one of Hollywood’s biggest studio executives.
Chapter 1
Richard Rodgers, an up-and-coming Hollywood producer, was fresh off of a successful film debut and was in the middle of signing a blockbuster deal to finance his next project. Little did he know, the events of that fateful day would change his life forever.
In a moment of unfortunate carelessness, Richard accidentally killed a person. He could hardly believe his own actions and was wracked with guilt and fear. He knew that his life, his career, his reputation—everything was on the line if he was found out. Richard knew he had to cover up his crime and fast!
Chapter 2
To hide his crime, Richard had to rely on his years of experience in the studio system. He immediately concocted a plan to fake the person’s death, making it appear as if they had simply disappeared. Richard used his connections to get the appropriate paperwork filed and had a talented makeup artist create a realistic corpse for the funeral.
With the body disposed of, Richard thought his deception was complete. But he was wrong.
Chapter 3
The police had become suspicious and began to investigate the mysterious disappearance. After months of dead ends, they finally found a link to Richard Rodgers. Knowing he was in deep trouble, Richard quickly set up a meeting with his former friend and mentor, a retired Hollywood producer.
The producer had a plan to help Richard out of his mess. He convinced Richard to take on a new identity and go into hiding until the investigation cooled off. Richard was hesitant at first, but eventually agreed and started living a very different life. The former Hollywood producer set him up with a new name and a new identity, and soon enough, Richard Rodgers was forgotten.
Chapter 4
Richard, now known as Jay West, settled in to his new life in Los Angeles as a mild mannered accountant, but he never could quite shake the feeling that someone was always watching him. He lived in fear that his secret would eventually be discovered, but he forced himself to move on and do his best to keep up his new life.
At times, Jay missed the glamorous life of Hollywood and all it had to offer. He had become so ensconced in his new life, that he refused to even consider going back, no matter how much he wanted to.
Chapter 5
One day, Jay was walking to work when he spotted a familiar face in the crowd. It was his former mentor, the retired Hollywood producer who had helped him out of his mess. They greeted each other warmly and went for a walk in nearby park.
That’s when Jay’s mentor finally shared with him the truth; the police had closed their investigation into Richard Rodgers and had given up the search. He advised Jay that if he was ever to go back to living his old life, he would have to do it soon.
After their talk, Jay left the park with a new sense of hope. He had finally been given a chance to reclaim his life and go back to being Richard Rodgers.
Epilogue
A few weeks later, Richard Rodgers was back in the public eye. After months of being in hiding, he had finally resurfaced. He was welcomed back with open arms by the Hollywood community, who had missed him dearly. Richard took his place back at the forefront of the industry and went on to produce several more successful films.
Richard could never quite shake the guilt that he had killed someone, but he refused to let it consume him. In the end, he was able to put that part of his life behind him and focus on his career. He never forgot the help he had received from his former mentor and was forever grateful for being given a second chance.
Some scenes from the AI movie The Player
EXT. SUNNY STREET IN HOLLYWOOD – DAY
We follow RICHARD RODGERS, a successful Hollywood producer, as he strides down a crowded street. He’s anxious, looking over his shoulder, but no one seems to be paying attention.
Suddenly, Richard is faced with an unexpected obstacle – a small group of protestors. He stops in his tracks as they block his path and hold up signs of protest.
PROTESTER: (Yelling) Richard Rodgers must pay for what he’s done!
Richard slowly backs away, but the protesters corner him, blocking his escape. He’s trapped.
CUT TO:
INT. STUDIO OFFICE – DAY
Richard nervously sits across from his former mentor, a retired Hollywood producer. The producer is speaking in a hushed voice.
PRODUCER: You need to go into hiding for a while, Richard. I know you didn’t mean for any of this to happen, but you can’t stay here any longer.
RICHARD: But what about my career?
PRODUCER: I can get you a new identity and get you set up in a new life, but you have to be willing to disappear for a while. It’s the only way you will be able to come back.
Richard pauses for a moment before reluctantly nodding in agreement.
RICHARD: Alright. I’ll do it.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES CITY STREET – DAY
We follow Jay West, a mild mannered accountant, as he walks down the street. He’s oblivious to the eyes that silently follow him. Little does he know that he’s being closely monitored by a mysterious figure.
Suddenly, Jay stops and turns, as if sensing someone’s presence. He’s startled to see Richard Rodgers standing right behind him.
RICHARD: Jay, it’s me.
Jay stares in disbelief.
JAY: Richard? What are you doing here?
RICHARD: It’s time for me to come out of hiding. I’m reclaiming my life.
INT. LAW OFFICE – DAY
We join Richard and Jay as they enter the office of a prominent lawyer. It’s clear they have a plan as they sit down with the lawyer.
LAWYER: So, what can I do for you two?
RICHARD: I need to produce a movie.
The lawyer looks confused.
LAWYER: Produce a movie? I don’t understand.
RICHARD: I know I’ve been out of the game for a while, but I want to get back into producing films. I need your help to make it happen legally.
The lawyer agrees to help them and sets up a meeting with the studio executives to discuss Richard’s return.
CUT TO:
EXT. STUDIO LOT – DAY
The studio executives are gathered on the lot to hear Richard’s pitch. He takes a deep breath before beginning.
RICHARD: With your help, I believe I have a project that will revitalize the Hollywood film industry. I called it “The Great Escape,” and it will be an action-adventure movie about a group of criminals who must break out of a high-security prison.
The executives are intrigued, and Richard continues to pitch his idea. After several minutes, the executives begin to clap and cheer.
EXECUTIVE: We’re in! Let’s make this movie!
The camera pans out as Richard and Jay walk away, smiling. They had achieved the impossible – they had done what everyone said couldn’t be done. Richard was finally back in the game.
EXT. PREMIERE – NIGHT
The Great Escape has its big-screen premiere, and the whole cast and crew are in attendance. The red carpet is full of paparazzi as the stars of the movie make their way down, smiling and waving.
Finally, Richard and Jay arrive, and they take their place among the movie’s stars. Richard poses for photographers before heading into the theater.
The movie starts, and we watch Richard and Jay as they watch their movie. They seem proud, but moved. As the credits start to roll, the audience’s clapping and cheering grows louder and louder.
Richard and Jay look at each other, clearly overwhelmed. Richard turns to the audience and holds up his hands for silence.
RICHARD: I just want to thank all of you for being here tonight and for your support. This was a long, hard road for all of us, and I couldn’t have done it without your help.
The audience erupts into cheers and applause. Jay gives Richard a hug and whispers in his ear.
JAY: You did it, Richard. You did it.
The camera pans out on Richard and Jay smiling, as the credits come to an end.
EXT. PARK – DAY
We join Jay and Richard in the park as they enjoy a morning walk. Jay turns to Richard and smiles.
JAY: It’s been a great run, Richard. I’m proud of you.
RICHARD: (Smiling) It’s been an incredible journey. I can’t believe how far we’ve come.
Jay takes Richard’s hand and they continue walking. Off in the distance, we hear the sound of children playing and the birds chirping. The camera fades to black.