∙ 𝚁𝙸𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 ∙

Ep 21 - Off-Script and On-Site (Pt 1)

[INT. STONE PICTURES – SOUNDSTAGE – LATE EVENING - A FEW DAYS LATER]

#Uproar - Lil Wayne - Instrumental Remake - Terrell Young plays

The final "Cut!" echoes across the soundstage.

The cast exhales in relief — a beat of silence before the studio erupts in applause. Crew members cheer, lights flare, the camera operators lift their hands in triumph.

The film Crash at Sunset has officially wrapped.

Anders Stone emerges from behind the set wall, grinning like a man who just conquered Hollywood itself. His designer suit gleams under the stage lights; his sunglasses catch the golden glow.

ANDERS:
"Well done, everyone! Absolutely phenomenal work! We couldn't have made this masterpiece without—"

He gestures— grand, showy, self-congratulatory —
himself.

HOLLY
(under her breath, rolling her eyes):
"I know this son of a bitch isn't taking all the credit—"

Kaleena, beside her, folds her arms and lets out a small laugh.

KALEENA:
"Nah, let him have it. He's feeling like the man of the world right now."

HOLLY
(scoffs):
"You're too nice, Fontaine."

KALEENA
(half-grin):
"That, or I just like watching egos perform live."

KALEENA (V.O):
"Funny thing about endings—some people clap for you, others just take the bow."

Anders lifts his champagne glass, voice booming through the studio speakers.

ANDERS:
"Tomorrow night, we celebrate! Crash at Sunset — wrapped, polished, and ready to make history! My team will send details, but consider this your invitation—"

Assistants begin circulating through the crowd, handing out sleek black-and-gold envelopes with QR codes embossed on them.

ANDERS:
"—Scan for the location. It's an outdoor event, tomorrow night. Dress to impress, and toast to the future! Editing begins next week — then it's festival season, my friends!"

The applause rises again. Holly stands beside Kaleena, both still watching Anders command the crowd like a politician on stage.

HOLLY:
"He sure is going all big for this."

KALEENA (V.O):
"In Hollywood, the party's never really about the wrap. It's about who gets to stand under the last spotlight."

KALEENA:
"I mean, Thomas had came out of retirement to direct this. Anyone would."

Across the room, Bianca crosses her arms, unimpressed but glowing under the lights.

BIANCA
(to Jenni, dry):
"So a party, huh? I can't wait."

JENNI:
"Oh yes, finally! Now we can go shopping."

BIANCA
(eye roll):
"Why are you here, Jenni?"

JENNI:
"Bibi, I've been your assistant this whole shoot, remember?"

BIANCA:
"Right. I barely saw you around."

BIANCA
(pauses, then smiles smugly):
"Whatever. Let's go shopping. I need to celebrate finally landing a big-screen role."

JENNI:
"On it. Calling up Shae and Addison."

As Bianca strides out, Jenni follows with a grin that's far too mischievous to be innocent.

Zoe, watching from a distance, spots Ethan talking to Thomas Hunt. She stops mid-step, expression unreadable.