Script (Title Sequence)

Camera opens to Emma sitting at a desk writing on a paper and completing some coursework.

After 5 seconds, camera cuts to the same figure in a chair, but in a different classroom and a different time of the school day.

Repeat above cut again one more time.

Cut to POV view of character Emma looking down at her phone, with coursework and papers on the desk. Proceeds to check phone and sees a text from David that says:

David's text: "Check the mailroom before Mr. Robinson gets there, there's supposed to be an envelope delivered him today that has some suspicious financial documents that don't add up."

Emma looks down at her phone, only to be interrupted by a friend (Maris) who comes up behind her and surprises her, which starts a conversation.

Maris: What did you get for number five on the calculus homework? 

Emma: (startled, closes her phone and turns it upside down) Oh, I haven't gotten around to that yet, still trying to finish up my essay for English class.

Maris: Ah okay, was just wondering since I'm quite lost on how the problem was solved like Mr. Jones taught us in class. 

Teacher: Alright everyone, that's a wrap for class today, and I will see you all later! Make sure you get your worksheets done tonight and we will go over it in class tomorrow. (individuals in classroom are packing up and getting ready to leave in the background as Emma gets ready to leave, camera is focused on her as subject of composition).

Characters all get up and start walking towards the door, as background atmosphere of more characters packing up continue. 

Camera then cuts to window, where the door opens as the characters walk by and continue conversing as they walk towards the main office. More students are seen in the background walking to their classes and around campus. 

Elijah: Hey Maris, Maelee, did you see what I sent you last night?

(Maelee nods)

Maris: Yeah! It's so crazy how you won your debate competition over the weekend! I hope you do well at Regionals!

Emma: I saw the other day how debate competitions like yours helped raise money and awareness for the new football stadium were getting, I'm proud of how awesome you all are doing!

Elijah: Thanks, the new stadium is gonna be epic, I can't wait to be in it next year when it's all done.

Emma: You know, I wonder where and how the money is gonna be used; just a hunch.

Elijah: For construction, duh. (smiles)

*Improvised natural conversation continues until the intersection of office and parking lot is reached.*

Maris: Coming to the Essex Cafe with us Emma?

Emma: Can't. Sorry, I have to go take care of something first. I might catch you all later though, don't have too much fun. (smiles)

Maris: Okay, we'll miss you though, bye Emma!

Elijah and Maelee: bye Emma!

Emma: See y'all later!

Emma walks towards the main office, as camera follows her while the rest of the friend group walks offscreen towards the parking lot.

Camera tracks Emma as she walks down to the front office entrance, with a few students passing in the opposite direction to simulate campus activity.

She walks up to the doorbell, rings it, waits for it to open, opens the door, then walks in and over to the back desk. *All happens in one seamless cut.*

Emma: Thanks Mrs. Collige.

Mrs. Collige: No problem dear.

Administrator: (walking in the opposite direction, about to exit building) How you doing Emma? Nice to see you.

Emma: Good, thanks. Mr./Mrs. [insert administrator]. 

Administrator: Awesome, have a wonderful day! 

Emma: You too.

She walks but stops a few steps away from the mailroom, pulls out her phone, checks her messages, then proceeds to look up at the ceilings for cameras. All of this occurs in one take.

She then peeks into the mailroom to see no one is in there, turns her back to the door to check her surroundings one more time, then opens the door and enters the mailroom, heading straight for Mr. Robinson's mail slot to search for documents. She leaves her phone on the counter, ready to take photos of any documents she might come across.

Searching the papers in Mr. Robinson's mailbox, a text from an unknown number appears. Emma pauses sorting through the documents to look at her phone.

Camera cuts to phone screen and her opening the text message.

Unknown number: Watch your back where you tread, for one wrong step spells the end of your ambitions.

Camera cuts to black and to title card, with some letters forming the film's title. 

End of opening sequence.