Silicon Valley
Executive Summary
Poster

Overview
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Satire
Setting: Contemporary, Silicon Valley, California
Overview: In the heart of Silicon Valley, Thomas, a passionate coder, is determined to revolutionize the music industry with his project, Pied Piper. Living in the chaotic Hacker House with his quirky roommates, including the skeptical landlord Erlich and the carefree Big Head, Thomas faces the pressures of the tech world as he navigates high-stakes negotiations and the competitive landscape. As he grapples with offers from powerful tech moguls like Gavin Belson, Thomas must confront his values and the allure of financial success versus meaningful innovation. The story unfolds through a series of humorous and tense interactions, leading Thomas to a pivotal decision about his future and the fate of Pied Piper.
Themes: Meaningful Innovation vs. Financial Success, The Illusion of Silicon Valley, Friendship and Community, The Value of Authenticity, Disillusionment and Self-Discovery
Conflict and Stakes: Thomas's struggle to establish his startup, Pied Piper, amidst pressures from corporate interests and personal insecurities, with the potential for financial success or failure at stake.
Overall Mood: Chaotic yet hopeful
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 1: High-energy and chaotic, reflecting the frenetic nature of Silicon Valley's tech culture.
- Scene 2: Tense and confrontational, showcasing the struggles of Thomas against Erlich's skepticism.
- Scene 3: Frustrated and anxious, as Thomas grapples with the pressures of the tech industry during his commute.
- Scene 10: Celebratory and optimistic, as the characters toast to their new venture and the potential for success.
Standout Features:
- Unique Hook: The juxtaposition of the chaotic, humorous life in Hacker House against the high-stakes corporate world of Silicon Valley.
- Innovative Ideas: The concept of Pied Piper as a revolutionary music copyright infringement solution that captures the imagination.
- Distinctive Settings: The contrasting environments of the Hacker House and corporate offices, highlighting the differences in startup culture.
- Unique Characters: A diverse cast of eccentric tech personalities that bring humor and depth to the narrative.
Comparable Scripts:
- Silicon Valley (TV Series)
- The Social Network (Movie)
- Halt and Catch Fire (TV Series)
- Jobs (Movie)
- The Big Bang Theory (TV Series)
- Ready Player One (Book/Movie)
- The Imitation Game (Movie)
- The Internship (Movie)
- The Circle (Book/Movie)
Writing Style:
The screenplay exhibits a predominantly dialogue-driven style, characterized by sharp wit, fast-paced exchanges, and complex character interactions. It frequently incorporates satirical humor and social commentary, often focusing on the dynamics of power, ambition, and the tech industry. There's a blend of high-stakes scenarios and insightful explorations of human behavior within these settings.
Style Similarities:
- Aaron Sorkin
- Mike Judge
Pass/Consider/Recommend
Highly Recommend
Explanation: The Silicon Valley pilot screenplay is a highly promising project with a strong comedic voice, well-developed characters, and a compelling premise. The pilot effectively establishes its unique world and characters, leaving the audience eager for more. While some minor improvements in pacing and character depth could enhance the script, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a highly recommended pilot for production.
USP: The unique selling proposition of 'Silicon Valley' is its authentic and humorous portrayal of the tech startup world, combined with a relatable underdog story. It stands out for its sharp dialogue, well-drawn characters, and satirical take on Silicon Valley culture, making it compelling for both tech-savvy audiences and general viewers.
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$20-30 million
Target Audience Demographics: Young adults aged 18-35, tech enthusiasts, fans of comedy and drama, particularly those interested in startup culture.
Marketability: The screenplay taps into the current fascination with tech startups and Silicon Valley culture, appealing to a broad audience.
The mix of humor and drama, along with relatable characters, makes it attractive for both comedic and serious filmgoers.
The unique setting and themes of innovation and entrepreneurship resonate with contemporary societal interests.
Profit Potential: High, due to the film's appeal to a young, tech-savvy audience and potential for viral marketing and social media engagement.
Analysis Criteria Percentiles
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's voice is sharply witty, satirical, and character-driven. It blends fast-paced, often cynical humor with insightful commentary on the tech industry, its culture, and the human ambitions within it. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, capturing the casual banter of tech professionals while also conveying complex power dynamics and internal conflicts.
Best representation: Scene 2 - Tech Tensions on the Commute. Scene 2, set in the Hacker House, best encapsulates the writer's voice. It introduces the core characters and their dynamic relationships, showcasing the fast-paced, witty dialogue and satirical portrayal of the tech world. The tension between Thomas's ambition and Erlich's skepticism, combined with the humorous interruptions from Big Head and Dinesh, perfectly balances comedy and conflict, establishing the show's central themes and tone from the outset. The scene's sharp dialogue, fast-paced narrative, and satirical take on the tech industry are hallmarks of the writer's unique style throughout the entire screenplay.
Memorable Lines:
- GAVIN BELSON: I'm willing to give this dickhead thirty million dollars if I never have to talk to him again! (Scene 20)
- THOMAS: Changing the world, one crappy app at a time. (Scene 3)
- PETER GREGORY: The true value of snake-oil is intangible as well. (Scene 6)
- Gavin Belson: Well, look at it this way -- I have 30 million dollars that I’m going to use to destroy that sad, pathetic, stupid prick. (Scene 25)
- Erlich: I KNOW WHAT BINARY IS!!! Jesus! I’ve memorized the hexadecimal times tables! Ask me what 9 times F is!! I don’t need you to tell me what’s binary and I don’t NEED you thinking about soup. (Scene 8)
Characters
Thomas:The protagonist, a coder struggling to make his startup, Pied Piper, successful while navigating the tech industry's challenges.
Erlich:The house manager of Hacker House, a brash entrepreneur who often provides comic relief but also offers unexpected support.
Big Head:Thomas's friend and a fellow tech worker, who is often distracted and anxious about his own job security.
Jared:A young business executive who admires Thomas and wants to contribute to his startup.
Gavin Belson:The powerful CIO of Boodle, who is interested in acquiring Pied Piper and represents corporate interests.
Peter Gregory:An eccentric entrepreneur who advocates for innovation and dropouts, providing a contrasting perspective on education.
Story Shape
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | Technical Aspects | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall Grade | Concept | Plot | Originality Score | Characters | Character Changes | Internal Goal | External Goal | Conflict | Opposition | High stakes | Story forward | Twist | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | Engagement | Pacing | Formatting | Structure | |
1 - Silicon Valley Unplugged | Satirical, Energetic | 8.5 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
2 - Tensions in Hacker House | Humorous, Confrontational, Desperate | 8.5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
3 - Tech Tensions on the Commute | Satirical, Frustrated, Reflective | 8.2 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
4 - Restless Ambitions | Curious, Reflective, Excited | 7.5 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
5 - Mockery in the Snack Area | Sarcastic, Disdainful, Mocking | 8.2 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
6 - The Education Debate: Innovation vs. Tradition | Sarcastic, Critical, Humorous | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
7 - The Pitch and the Futuristic Exit | Sarcastic, Cynical, Conversational | 8.2 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
8 - Pitching in the Hacker House | Sarcastic, Defeated, Frustrated | 7.5 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
9 - Sacbut Dreams and Startup Frustrations | Humorous, Defeated, Innovative | 7.5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
10 - Yoga, Dreams, and Discontent | Cynical, Humorous, Reflective | 8.2 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
11 - Reflections Over Coffee | Humorous, Reflective, Regretful | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
12 - From Mockery to Desire | Humorous, Intriguing, Greedy | 8.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
13 - The Call from Belson | Tense, Humorous, Excited | 8.5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | |
14 - The Cult of Gavin | Excitement, Anticipation, Cult-like Admiration | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
15 - The Innovator's Dilemma | Satirical, Sarcastic, Cynical | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
16 - Unexpected News at Boodle | Shocking, Troubled, Cult-like admiration | 8.5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | |
17 - Dismissive Dealings | Sarcastic, Cynical, Humorous | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
18 - The High-Stakes Dilemma | Shocking, Overwhelmed, Excited, Conflicted | 8.5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
19 - Decisions on the Stoops | Reflective, Casual, Encouraging | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
20 - Partnership Denied | Tense, Humorous, Confrontational | 8.5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | |
21 - Tech Tensions at the Four Seasons | Confusion, Awkwardness, Humor | 7.5 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7.5 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
22 - Skepticism in Silicon Valley | Disillusionment, Curiosity, Humor | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
23 - Tension at the Brew Pub | Anxious, Observant, Curious | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
24 - Unexpected Support in the Hacker House | Conflicted, Reflective, Supportive | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
25 - Revenge is Sweet | Intense, Sarcastic, Vengeful | 8.5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | |
26 - Celebration of New Beginnings | Hopeful, Excited, Reflective | 9.2 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Scene 1 - Silicon Valley Unplugged
BY
Mike Judge, John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
FADE IN:
CREDIT SEQUENCE:
WE SEE SHOT AFTER SHOT of what passes for exciting in the
Valley - Billboards about things we don’t understand, packs
of geeks, Logo T-shirts. Road signs that read CUPERTINO,
MENLO PARK, PALO ALTO. The shit brown colored hills of
Mountainview and past the entrances to Facebook, Google,
CISCO, etc. We also see quick scenes of people pitching at
accelerators, and the video of Steve Balmer ranting onstage.
Larry Ellison. Elon Musk with a Rocket. Steve Wozniak trying
to groove on his Segway. All mixed together in a high energy
montage.
Ratings
Scene 2 - Tensions in Hacker House
WE PAN THROUGH a nondescript neighborhood and end on a not-
well-maintained house with a scrubby yard. This could easily
be the homestead of upwardly mobile white trash or downwardly
mobile professionals.
INT. HACKER HOUSE - DAY
We pan through the denizens of Hacker House: An East Indian
guy, DINESH, who always wears a rugby shirt and is now
punching away furiously on his laptop; CALVIN, a black guy
with braces and glasses who looks like a younger version of
Eddie Murphy in Bowfinger; a fat white guy with a pony tail
and a black shirt and black sweat pants, ROLAND, who seems to
be drawing a Celtic tattoo on his arm with an ink pen; oddest
of all is a skinny Asian fellow, JIN YANG, who is working
away at a stand up work station. No matter what they are
doing they also are plugged into something else and are
eating instant Ramen. We end on our hero, THOMAS. He is
incredibly focused as he rapidly types code on a computer
screen. His best friend, BIG HEAD (who does have an
unusually large noggin), comes up. Big Head is holding a
Perplexus (the small ball-shaped game these guys are all
obsessed with).
BIG HEAD
Hey, man, some guys from Zynga are
throwing an all-night Perplexus
tourney. Maybe we can find some
Stanford kids to hustle.
Big Head twists and turns the ball, finishing it in a
ridiculously fast amount of time. Thomas never breaks his
concentration.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
THOMAS
Can’t.
Big Head takes a closer look at the screen.
BIG HEAD
Goddamn, Thomas, that’s a buttload
of code.
This gets the attention of Jin Yang at the stand-up work
station. Tall and skinny, he has a thick Taiwanese accent
and pretty much every other word is shit, fuck, motherfucker,
and dude.
JIAN YANG
Sheee-it, mother fucker you can
like buy compression software. You
don’t have to fucking write that
shit. You can buy that shit!
BIG HEAD
Or download a bootleg.
THOMAS
None of that CodeAcademy crap for
my web site. The whole idea of
Pied Piper is based on melody
recognition. If it doesn’t work
perfectly, no one will want in. So,
I am making it perfect.
Thomas turns and calls off.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
Hey, Dinesh, can you test this
module for me?
DINESH
Can I eat your salmon?
THOMAS
(grudging)
OK.
Dinesh takes Thomas’s lunch and sits down at the computer and
starts running tests.
Big Head looks a little hurt.
BIG HEAD
You’re letting him test your
module?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
Thomas tries to put a positive spin on things.
THOMAS
You’ve got the Perplexus tourney.
I want you to fuck those guys up.
This fires up Big Head. He uses some very awkward body
English to put a flourish on his Perplexus move.
The House Nerd, ERLICH walks in and sees this.
ERLICH
And you wonder why there are never
any girls around here.
We see that Erlich is wearing his favorite “I Know HTML --
How To Meet Ladies” shirt.
ERLICH (CONT’D)
Hey Thomas, can we talk for a
second?
THOMAS
OK.
Erlich doesn’t make much eye contact but is still somehow
very aggressive.
ERLICH
Thomas, I’m gonna have to ask you
to vacate.
THOMAS
What? Why?
ERLICH
You’ve been here six months. I
gave you place a to live and plug
in. You’ve given me nothing.
THOMAS
Look, Pied Piper is going to take
off. The website is up and running,
it works great, it just needs--
Erlich cuts him off.
ERLICH
Pied Piper is crap. When you
pitched it you said, “The Google of
Music.” I thought it had
“Applications”.
THOMAS
It does! Have you been
TV on it since
Calling - For educational purposes only
I revamped it?
(MORE)
THOMAS (CONT'D)
Once it takes off Pied Piper will
be able to search the whole world
of recorded music to see if there
is a match. If you’re a song
writer... or a band... or anything,
and you wanted to make sure you
weren’t infringing on copy righted
material, you could find out in no
time.
Erlich just gives his head a curt shake.
ERLICH
First of all, nobody cares about
stealing other people’s music.
Jesus, they do it on purpose! Jay-
Z and Puffy made whole careers on
it.
THOMAS
They didn’t steal it, they had to
get permission from the copyright
owners...
ERLICH
They don’t own dick. There’s no
money in music anymore. Everyone
involved in music is either
stealing it or sharing it. They’re
all assholes. And they’re all suing
each other. To stay here, you have
to deliver. Or at least show some
promise for fuck’s sake.
Erlich motions to Big Head.
ERLICH (CONT’D)
Like NipAlert. Big Head’s app.
It gives you the location of a
woman with erect nipples. That’s
something people want. How’s that
coming along?
Big Head gives him two thumbs up.
BIG HEAD
Almost ready to enter Beta Phase.
Thomas turns back to Erlich. He is desperate and fishing.
THOMAS
Look, I want to change the world.
Make it a better place...
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
Erlich knows he has to pay lip service to this trope.
ERLICH
We all want to change the world and
make it better. Like I did when I
developed Accutran. A lot of
companies use a lot of different
software to aggregate social media
feedback -- Frontier Airlines just
happened to like mine.
Thomas digs in.
THOMAS
You can’t just kick me out. When I
signed up I was promised a month’s
notice if I had to leave. It’s in
writing.
Erlich looks pissed.
ERLICH
Then I am giving you notice. I
hope you’re happy. You know, when
I sold Accutran there were a lot of
things I could do with my money.
But I wanted to give back. I
started this place to do something
big. Really make a difference.
Like Steve.
THOMAS
Jobs or Wozniak?
ERLICH
(duh)
Jobs. Now, suppose Steve came back
to us all reincarnated, because he
was a Buddhist you know, and he
showed up here at The Hacker Hostel
looking for a place to help him get
on his feet so he could launch the
next big tech revolution. What
could I do? There’s no room for
STEVE. Can you believe this? I
have to tell Steve to fuck off
because there would be no room at
the Inn because you and Pied Piper
are here gumming up the works. See
what I’m saying Thomas?
THOMAS
That Steve Jobs is Jesus?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
ERLICH
He was Buddist!
THOMAS
He was a poser! He didn’t even
write code.
Erlich looks stunned -- this is the only thing that could
shut him up.
Ratings
Scene 3 - Tech Tensions on the Commute
Thomas rides the luxury shuttle van to work with Big Head.
The Boodle Channel plays on closed circuit TVs and on it we
see GAVIN BELSON, CIO (Chief Innovation Officer) of Boodle
and a true running sore of a human being. He talks about how
Boodle is making the world a better place.
GAVIN BELSON (V.O.)
Boodle brings the world to
everyone. Boodle is everything.
And that’s what allows Boodle to
“make happy.”
Gavin then urges his workers to sit back and relax (but also
be sure to enjoy the complimentary energy bars and energy
drinks and energy gum onboard). We see everyone chomping and
drinking away as the channel then shows all the ways Boodle
“Makes Happy”.
Thomas is on his iPad looking at rentals.
THOMAS
These rents are insane. $2800 a
month, $4500 a month -- with five
people!
BIG HEAD
You forget how goddamn expensive it
is here.
Thomas looks miserable.
THOMAS
I don’t want to have to go back to
St. Louis. I can barely talk to
people in St. Louis. My parents
still live in St. Louis!
BIG HEAD
You think Oklahoma City’s any - For educational purposes only
TV Calling
better?
(MORE)
BIG HEAD (CONT'D)
And I’m going to be the next one
booted. Ever since GoolyBib landed
two million in seed money Erlich’s
been on the warpath about
monetizing.
THOMAS
GoolyBib? That Indian guy from
Dropbox you were hanging out with?
BIG HEAD
No, it’s a startup -- GoolyBib. I
think it’s a real estate app... or
maybe it’s that traffic one.
THOMAS
Fuck. Every day somebody in the
valley is hitting it big. But not
me. If I can’t pull it off now,
when there are billions of dollars
just LOOKING FOR A START UP, it
might not ever happen.
BIG HEAD
Yeah, no kidding.
THOMAS
What are you worried about? Erlich
loves Nip Alert.
BIG HEAD
He’s just blinded by boobs. Once
he scratches the surface he’s going
to see there’s giant holes in this
thing. It’s based on self
reporting. I can’t put sensors on
women to report when their nipples
are erect. I get one clown to send
out fake reports and the whole
thing collapses. I need something
to make it objective.
Thomas has calmed down now that he has a problem to focus on.
THOMAS
Maybe I could develop an image
recognition program, kind of like
the melody recognition in Pied
Piper.
Big Head is coming around.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
BIG HEAD
Or infra red cameras that detect
changes in body heat.
They are both sold for the moment. But it soon fades.
THOMAS
Fuck, I’m going to have to go to
graduate school. I can’t afford to
stay here even if I’m working full
time at Boodle.
Thomas looks down at the TV where Gavin Belson is still
talking.
GAVIN BELSON (V.O.)
That is how Boodle can change the
world.
THOMAS
Changing the world, one crappy app
at a time.
DISSOLVE TO:
Ratings
Scene 4 - Restless Ambitions
Thomas and Big Head walk through the Boodle campus. They
pass by the “play area” -- climbing walls, paintball obstacle
course, fitness stations, all of which are being unused as
engineers stand around drinking energy drinks.
Big Head is clearly lost in thought. He turns to Thomas.
BIG HEAD
Hey, did you hear what Peter
Gregory is doing?
THOMAS
You mean buying that island in the
Pacific?
BIG HEAD
He’s building one actually. It’s
gonna be this giant platform in the
middle of the ocean. And I think
he’s designing a new monetary
system for it. But anyway, he’s
also offering a hundred K to people
willing to skip or drop of college
to pursue any idea they have. I
mean, it has to be really kick -ass.
TV Calling For educational purposes only
THOMAS
Pied Piper kicks ass.
BIG HEAD
He’s speaking in Palo Alto tonight.
We should go. See if they’ll let us
talk to him.
(musing)
I don’t know what happened to that
guy, but he really hates college.
Thomas considers this idea. Big Head eats another energy
bar. He’s wired, tapping his hands, moving his legs.
BIG HEAD (CONT’D)
Fuck, I don’t know if it’s the
energy bar or drink or gum but I
can’t wait for tonight. And I
can’t sit still.
Ratings
Scene 5 - Mockery in the Snack Area
Thomas gets out of his cubicle. It is painted bright colors
and has a rounded shape to the sides but it is still a
cubicle. He gets up and walks over to a nearby snack area.
SNACK AREA - This place has large glass-cased refrigerators
filled with anything with caffeine in it. They also have
fountain drinks. Thomas is making himself an energy “swamp
water” by putting a little bit of each drink into his cup
when two douchey programmers or “brogrammers” stroll up and
start using the Auto Barrista. (These guys act like frat guys
and clearly only work out their upper bodies and thereby
succeed only in making themselves look odder -- they have
huge biceps and skinny legs).
Thomas mutters to himself with disdain.
THOMAS
Brogrammers.
BROGRAMMER #1
A double machiatto for me.
He presses a button.
BROGRAMMER #2
Make mine a double double.
BROGRAMMER #1
Yeah!
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
They are very happy with themselves. Brogrammer #1 one has
large side burns that actually meet under his chin.
Brogrammer #2 grabs Thomas’s skinny arm..
BROGRAMMER #2
Hey, To-mas -- you been working
out?
The brogrammers laugh at this. Brogrammer #1 then gives
Thomas a chin up nod.
BROGRAMMER #1
So how is every little thing?
THOMAS
Eh... not so good. Gotta find a
place to live, so if you guys know
of anything...
BROGRAMMER #2
You’re leaving the Hacker Hostel?
THOMAS
Getting kicked out. I’ve got a
website that I think could be huge,
but nobody gets it.
These guys look very interested.
BROGRAMMER #1
We might get it. We’d love to take
a look. What’s it called?
THOMAS
Pied Piper.
The brogrammers try not to laugh but they are giddy. Thomas
is oblivious to their snarkiness.
BROGRAMMER #1
Sounds amazing. Why don’t you
shoot it over to me and we’ll give
it a look. Maybe we can help.
Thomas eagerly opens his laptop. As soon as he hits “send”
he looks up and sees their smirking faces. Clearly, they are
just fucking with him. He sags, closes his laptop and
trudges off.
Ratings
Scene 6 - The Education Debate: Innovation vs. Tradition
A large crowd watches as Peter Gregory
TV Callinggives
- For aeducational
speech. purposes only
Gregory comes across as a very focused accountant.
No matter what inflammatory thing he’s saying, or what
epithets people are throwing at him, he never gets agitated.
PETER GREGORY
Gates, Ellison, Jobs, Dell. All
dropped out of college. Silicon
Valley is the cradle of innovation
because of DROP OUTS. We need
innovation and we need innovators!
Colleges are choking and strangling
with conformity what the drop outs
created through inspiration!
We see Thomas and Big Head watching from the audience.
PETER GREGORY (CONT’D)
College has become a cruel,
expensive joke on the poor and the
middle class that only benefits the
perpetrators of it -- the bloated
administrations and the myopic
teaching staffs. Wages for
graduates are going down.
Employment opportunities for
graduates are shrinking, but the
cost of a “higher education” just
keeps going up and up and up.
The audience laughs in agreement but A BEARDED ACADEMIC looks
fit to be tied. He yells out.
BEARDED ACADEMIC
You are a dangerous man, spewing
ignorance!
PETER GREGORY
I don’t think so. I’m just saying
that people should trust themselves
more than a system that happily
churns out unemployed debtors and
provides dubious value.
BEARDED ACADEMIC
The true value of a college
education is intangible.
PETER GREGORY
The true value of snake-oil is
intangible as well.
The audience laughs again.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
PETER GREGORY (CONT’D)
If you have a truly unique and
brilliant idea I can promise you
that any university worth its
weight will crush it with their
lack of creative thought and your
now monumental pile of debt.
The Academic gets up and storms out.
BEARDED ACADEMIC
Fascist.
Ratings
Scene 7 - The Pitch and the Futuristic Exit
Peter Gregory waits for his car. With him is his Head of
Operations, a very attractive, smart woman named MONICA.
Thomas approaches them with Big Head in tow. (Big Head is
mesmerized, staring at Monica’s chest).
THOMAS
Hi, excuse me, Mr. Gregory? I have
an idea I’d love to pitch--
Monica cuts him off.
MONICA
There were sign up sheets to have a
personal consultation with Mr.
Gregory.
THOMAS
There weren’t any slots left.
MONICA
I’m sorry.
Thomas nods but he clearly has a plan.
THOMAS
I just thought I should talk to him
before I give up and... go back to
college.
PETER GREGORY
Don’t! Wait, where?
THOMAS
I don’t know, probably Boston
University.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
Peter is practically spitting.
PETER GREGORY
That’s over fifty thousand a year.
Do not do that. Go work at Burger
King. Go into the woods and forage
for nuts and berries. But do not
go back to college!
At that moment, Peter notices that Thomas is smiling
slightly, maybe a little too happy with himself.
PETER GREGORY (CONT’D)
I think I have been played. Fine.
Go ahead and pitch. You have until
I fasten the seatbelt in my car.
Thomas was ready and jumps right in.
THOMAS
Pied Piper is a proprietary site
that allows you to find if your
music is infringing on existing
copyrights. Imagine if you were a
song writer....
Peter is lost.
PETER GREGORY
I don’t think I could write a song.
THOMAS
But if you did...
PETER GREGORY
I don’t even know if I can say
“Pied Piper is a proprietary site.”
Well I guess I just did but it
wasn’t easy.
Thomas is clearly thrown by Peter’s odd manner. At that
moment Peter’s car pull up. Thomas is about to pitch some
more but Monica steps between them.
MONICA
Crunching all those songs to find
matches sounds like a lot of data
flow.
This gives Peter a graceful exit.
PETER GREGORY
Yes. Yes it does.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
It is then that we notice his “car” -- it’s a futuristic
Volkswagen personal mobility transporter concept car. He
hops in and “hovers” away. Thomas is crushed.
MONICA
Look, why don’t you send me the
link for your project and we’ll
take a look.
THOMAS
Great, if you give me your email
address I’ll send you the link.
MONICA
(slightest beat)
Why don’t you just write it down
for me.
Thomas is certain he's just being shined on so she can get
out of there, but writes down the info and hands it to her.
Big Head is still just staring at her chest. He notices
Monica noticing.
BIG HEAD
Sorry.. I’m just thinking about...
image recognition.
Ratings
Scene 8 - Pitching in the Hacker House
Thomas, defeated, comes home to find Erlich slurping ramen
and listening to people pitch their ideas so they can get
Thomas’s room. (NOTE: When Erlich eats ramen he clips his
hair back).
ERLICH
...the airlines had a problem, and
I had Accutran. So... wow me.
The pitcher starts pitching.
PITCHER
Ok, here it is: Bit Soup. It’s
like alphaBET soup but it’s all
ones and zeroes.
Everyone waits expectantly but Erlich just stares at the
pitcher. The pitcher fidgets. Then:
PITCHER (CONT’D)
(hopefully)
See it’s binary. Because binary is
just ones and zeroes TV Calling - For educational purposes only
ERLICH
I KNOW WHAT BINARY IS!!! Jesus!
I’ve memorized the hexadecimal
times tables! Ask me what 9 times F
is!! I don’t need you to tell me
what’s binary and I don’t NEED you
thinking about soup. I NEED you
thinking about code. This is
Silicon Valley, not...
He pauses a second as he punches something into his iPad.
ERLICH (CONT’D)
...Paris, Texas.
(beat)
That’s where Campbell’s Soup is.
Erlich sees Thomas, then pointedly turns to the nerds.
ERLICH (CONT’D)
Look, I got one slot opening up
very soon, who’s gonna get it?
As Thomas retreats to his room we hear the nerds pitching a
battery of tech words like “capacity” and “battery”.
Ratings
Scene 9 - Sacbut Dreams and Startup Frustrations
Thomas enters his room to find Big Head talking with Dinesh
and Roland. Big Head holds a sacbut, which is an old brass
instrument that sort of resembles a trombone.
ROLAND
So that thing is from the 1400s?
BIG HEAD
Not this one literally, but the
sacbut is the least evolutionized
of all brass instruments, so it
would be the same as one from the
14th century.
DINESH
So do you guys play anywhere? Like
clubs or anything?
Big Head uses his sacbut to point at Dinesh.
BIG HEAD
Not yet. We’re trying to play
Street Fair this year.
(MORE) TV Calling - For educational purposes only
BIG HEAD (CONT'D)
Problem is, they’re more into
traditional Sacbut, which we can
do, but it seems like it would be
selling out or something -- just
doing what people expect.
ROLAND
I don’t think anyone ever expects a
sacbut ensemble anywhere...
THOMAS
Everyone likes music. I can’t
figure out what it is about Pied
Piper that people don’t get?
DINESH
Applicability?
THOMAS
I don’t know... Peter Gregory’s
head of operations said to send her
the link but she was probably just
shining me on.
DINESH/ROLAND
She?
BIG HEAD
Man, she was hot.
ROLAND
Why didn’t I see her on nip alert?
BIG HEAD
Because I was too distracted. See,
that’s another bug I have to work
out.
Big Head looks around nervously to make sure Erlich didn’t
hear that.
CUT TO:
EXT. LOS ANGELES - ESTABLISHING
Ratings
Scene 10 - Yoga, Dreams, and Discontent
Two very attractive women, LANGDON and TANDY, are doing yoga
at the back of the class. Tandy looks likes she could be a
model, but probably just swimsuit or lingerie; Langdon has
more of a classic beauty. (ThisTV place
Callingis- almost depressingly
For educational purposes only
filled with hot, young women and one guy.)
LANGDON
This is probably the worst time
ever to be a laid-off publicist.
TANDY
Yep. Social media.
LANGDON
I know! There are no cool jobs
anymore because everyone is out
there blogging and doing it for
free! At least you’re working non-
profit.
TANDY
I’m working the phones for
mesothelioma for ten bones an hour
and there are no parties. No
galas. No deep pockets. No
connections.
Langdon shakes her head.
LANGDON
Remember those Pediatric AIDS fund-
raisers? Those were huge.
TANDY
Yeah, that’s how I met Jerry
Weintraub. He took me to Cannes.
God, I miss the Hotel Du Cap.
Tandy and Langdon adjust positions.
LANGDON
There’s just no money in non-
profits anymore. Then I guess
there’s no money anywhere anymore.
And I need a job.
(shakes her head)
I’m in way default on my student
loans. Why the hell did they lend
me money to major in Art History.
Assholes!!
Tandy has an explanation.
TANDY
It’s fucked up. Wanna go to Vespio
tonight?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
LANGDON
I don’t know, we keep running into
the same guys. All the guys with
money in LA seem to be old and fat.
TANDY
Except for the professional
athletes.
LANGDON
Yeah, they’re hot but they’re all
rapists.
TANDY
(like it’s even worse)
Yeah, or Christians.
LANGDON
I would even settle for a guy who
wasn’t rich as long as he wasn’t a
douche.
TANDY
Keep telling yourself that. I
think you would be bored to death.
My mom always says it’s just as
easy to fall in love with a rich
guy as a poor guy.
LANGDON
Not around here...
The class ends. They roll up their yoga mats, sling their
towels over their shoulders and heads towards the adjoining
cafe.
Ratings
Scene 11 - Reflections Over Coffee
Langdon and Tandy head into the adjoining cafe where they
serve teas and herbal drinks.
TANDY
I really should have married Tom
when I had the chance. I’d be
living in a house in Malibu. I
wouldn’t be worried about getting
older. I’ve seen lines on my face.
Well, just around the eyes, but
they are there.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
LANGDON
Eyes aren’t as hard to fix as necks
and hands but... Yeah, I’m not even
getting carded anymore.
A TV is tuned to an MSNBC show about young rich Silicon
Valley guys.
LANGDON (CONT’D)
Why can’t we meet guys like that?
TANDY
Geeks?
LANGDON
Yeah. They’re rich and smart and
they’re our age.
TANDY
(being swayed)
Yeah, and they don’t look rapey.
But they’re all up North.
Langdon considers this a beat.
LANGDON
So a half hour plane ride away
there’s all these gazillionaires?
What the hell are we doing here?
TANDY
Getting older. And poorer.
They look to each other then back to the TV.
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP OF A COMPUTER
We see the Pied Piper Logo. It's pretty bad as far as logos
go. PULL BACK to see we are
Ratings
Scene 12 - From Mockery to Desire
The brogrammers who Thomas pitched Pied Piper to are calling
up the site to make fun of it.
BROGRAMMER #1
Let’s look at this stupid thing.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
BROGRAMMER #2
(snarky)
You have to download your own
player? Hey look at me, I traveled
back to 2009!
A song starts playing. Brogrammer #1’s smirk suddenly turns
into a look of surprise.
BROGRAMMER #1
Wait a second. Look at this file
size. 1.2 Megabytes? No way! I
know that song. That’s at least 3
on itunes...
He starts playing it.
BROGRAMMER #2
Wow, that doesn’t sound at all
downgraded.
DISSOLVE TO:
SAME SCENE -- MOMENTS LATER
They are testing the software, comparing file sizes, etc.
BROGRAMMER #1
I really can’t hear the difference.
BROGRAMMER #2
And the file size is like, half.
How the hell did he do that?
BROGRAMMER #1
I have no idea. Some kind of new
lossy compression I guess.
DISSOLVE TO:
SAME SCENE - MOMENTS LATER
A larger crowd has now gathered around to look at Pied Piper.
We see that someone has plugged large speakers into the
computer. Music is playing but nobody is really listening,
they’re just glued to the computer. Everyone is asking
various questions about how many bytes and what the
compression is.
Brogrammer #1 and Brogrammer #2 look at each other, They are
humbled and impressed. Just then, a young business exec,
JARED DUNN, walks by and sees everyone
TV Callinggathered around. purposes only
- For educational
JARED
What are you guys listening to?
BROGRAMMER #1
We’re listening to 1.5 gigabytes of
sound that should take up 4.5
gigabytes.
Jared leans in, intrigued.
CUT TO:
THE PERPETUALLY SCOWLING FACE OF GAVIN BELSON
He strides down a corridor of Boodle. Jared tries to keep up
while showing him Pied Piper on his laptop.
JARED
Do you realize how huge this could
be? With all the data storage and
data flow problems. The
applications could be endless.
As Gavin watches it, he stops walking. His scowl changes
into an expression of pure greed.
GAVIN BELSON
I want it.
Ratings
Scene 13 - The Call from Belson
Thomas has got his stuff all packed up. Big Head holds some
of it. Thomas is arguing with Erlich over the various and
seemingly arbitrary move-out obligations he is insisting
Thomas takes on.
ERLICH
Hey, I’m being a good guy here.
You can either get me a zip drive
with any and all code you worked on
or thought of working on while you
lived here, or you can just clean
the bathroom. Up to you.
Erlich leaves Thomas and takes a seat in front of an eager
young guy who is ready to pitch. Thomas’s phone rings. He
looks at it and turns to Big Head.
THOMAS
A Boodle number again. It’s
probably those fucking
TV brogrammers.
Calling - For educational purposes only
Big Head nods at this then puts the tip of his thumb up
against his lips and blows -- with each blow he pretends his
upper body is inflating in a crude imitation of the
brogrammers.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
They keep calling to tell me how
bad my website is. I really don’t
want to answer just to hear about
what an asshole I am.
ANGLE ON ERLICH
He turns to the eager guy.
ERLICH
You’re on.
EAGER GUY
My site is called Mashville.
ANGLE ON THOMAS
His phone rings again. It’s a Boodle number again.
THOMAS
(sighs)
I just want to put an end to this.
(answers)
Hi, Thomas Peckering, I’m an
asshole, tell me how much you hate
Pied Piper.
His expression changes.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
What? Really? Wait, is this a
prank? Can you prove it’s real?
OK, I’ll call right back.
This has gotten everyone’s attention. They watch as Thomas
calls back the number.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
Holy shit. OK... I’ll be there.
He hangs up.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
I have a meeting with Gavin
Belson... he likes Pied Piper.
The housemates are all freaking TVout. Erlich
Calling - For steps away purposes
educational from only
the guy pitching him and walks up to Thomas.
ERLICH
I own ten percent of Pied Piper.
THOMAS
You said it was a shitty idea.
ERLICH
It was a shitty idea. I’m not sure
what it is now. When’s your
meeting?
THOMAS
Right now.
ERLICH
I’ll go change.
Erlich hurries off. Thomas waits for a beat then turns to
Big Head.
THOMAS
What the fuck am I waiting for?
Thomas hurries out.
Ratings
Scene 14 - The Cult of Gavin
Thomas is admitted to the executive area.
INT. BOODLE - MOMENTS LATER
Thomas sits in the waiting area. Jared and a bunch of other
EXECUTIVES are with him.
JARED
Good to see you, Thomas. Now Gavin
is running about thirty minutes
late.
THOMAS
Well, it’s been forty minutes
already so does that mean another
30 minutes from now then...?
The other exec chimes in.
OTHER EXECUTIVE
You should know Gavin is very
excited about your site. Have you
met Gavin?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
THOMAS
I’ve never even seen him in person.
The other executive steps in. The exec has the glow of a
cult member talking about a cult leader.
OTHER EXECUTIVE
It’s amazing. You’ll just feel so
energized after you meet him. I’m
a VP here and I only see Gavin
about ten minutes a month.
ANOTHER EXECUTIVE
But that ten minutes is just
incredible. Indescribable.
Prepare to have your life changed.
A door opens and another SENIOR VP enters.
SENIOR VP
I heard Thomas Peckering was here.
Has he ever met Gavin? No?
OTHER EXECUTIVE
I told him it’s amazing.
SENIOR VP
That hardly begins to describe it.
Ratings
Scene 15 - The Innovator's Dilemma
A huge office. There are giant pictures all over the place --
and they are all of Gavin: Gavin in a hard hat pointing at a
giant crane as if he’s telling it what to do, Gavin dressed
in his judo gi in full action pose, Gavin standing amidst a
group of starving people in Nepal, his hands outstretched
benevolently. WE WIDEN to see that Gavin is in his office
with a designer who is pointing out the window at a huge
blank wall in the entryway to Boodle.
DESIGNER
We really need to do something to
fill that huge space up there. Now
I know you won’t like this idea,
Gavin, but how about a nice, bold
picture of you to fill it?
Gavin sighs and nods.
GAVIN BELSON
OK. But I don’t want to just pose
this time. Maybe we TV
canCalling
get a -shot
For educational purposes only
of me... innovating.
The designer clearly has no idea what this will look like.
DESIGNER
Perfect.
Ratings
Scene 16 - Unexpected News at Boodle
Erlich, now in a fresh blue “I know HTML -- How To Meet
Ladies” T-shirt, freshly waxed mustache, and what seems to be
a Greek fisherman’s cap, is shoving Big Head in front of him.
Big Head uses his pass card to get them in.
INT. BOODLE - CONTINUOUS
Thomas still waits with Jared and the other executives.
Gavin is still not there but they’re all still talking about
him.
SENIOR VP
(satisfied sigh)
Ah, Gavin...
Thomas’s phone rings. He excuses himself to answer.
THOMAS
Hello?
His expression slowly turns to one of shock. He looks up at
the others.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
It’s Peter Gregory.
The executives and Jared exchange a troubled look. The
Senior VP excuses himself and rushes out.
Ratings
Scene 17 - Dismissive Dealings
Gavin is now meeting with two Powerade reps. Gavin is
looking out the window at programmers in the courtyard below.
GAVIN BELSON
It’s weird. They always travel in
groups of five. Tall skinny white
guy, short skinny Asian guy, fat
guy with a ponytail, some guy with
crazy facial hair and then an east
Indian guy. Do they trade guys
till they all have the right group?
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
POWERADE REP
Ummm... I’m not sure, but we are
very excited about becoming the
official energy product of Boodle
Corporation. You know our products
are not just junk loaded with sugar
and caffeine. I mean of course
they have those but they really are
an excellent nutritional product.
GAVIN BELSON
When I first started Boodle I
worked those guys 24/7. It’s
amazing what you can get human
beings to do for $45 worth of ice
cream. But the thing is, now
everyone wants to be healthy...
At that moment the Senior VP rushes in and whispers to Gavin.
He turns to the Powerade reps.
GAVIN BELSON (CONT’D)
Get the fuck out.
Ratings
Scene 18 - The High-Stakes Dilemma
Thomas is still talking to Peter Gregory on the phone.
THOMAS
I’m actually outside Gavin Belson’s
office right now, Mr. Gregory.
Here he is! Can you hold on a
second?
Gavin strides in.
GAVIN BELSON
So, Thomas Peckering is here!
Gavin is looking at an overweight guy with a pony tail until
Jared guides him over to Thomas. Gavin acts like he has just
found a long lost friend.
GAVIN BELSON (CONT’D)
There you are, Tom!! I’m sorry
these gentlemen kept you waiting.
He gives Jared and the other executives dirty looks. They do
their best to look apologetic.
GAVIN BELSON (CONT’D)
Here’s the thing -- ITVlove what- For
Calling you educational purposes only
did.
THOMAS
You REALLY like Pied Piper?
GAVIN BELSON
LOVE IT! Fill him in Jared!
Jared steps in.
JARED
Now, Thomas, of course since you
developed this fantastic project on
the Boodle campus while employed by
Boodle, technically it is the
property of Boodle, but Gavin is
prepared to give you quite a nice
raise - and a promotion of course.
THOMAS
Oh, well actually I’ve only worked
here at Boodle a few weeks. I
needed a job because things weren’t
panning out and... well I created
this site months before I got here.
ERLICH (O.S.)
That’s right! He created it while
living AT MY INCUBATOR.
They all turn to see Erlich and Big Head coming. Big Head
whispers to Thomas.
BIG HEAD
Sorry, he threatened to kick me out
of the house if I didn’t get him
in.
ERLICH
(to Belson)
Scott Erlich.
Gavin ignores him, he is clearly figuring out a new way to
navigate the situation. He nods and looks as fatherly and
comforting as possible as he speaks to Thomas.
GAVIN BELSON
I’ll give you $600,000 for it.
Thomas, Big Head and Erlich are shocked, but Erlich puts his
arm around Thomas as if he owns him. Thomas is stunned, a
grin slowly spreading across his face.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
GAVIN BELSON (CONT’D)
But I am not just giving you
$600,000, I am giving you the full
weight of Boodle. We have the
reach and the muscle and the
resources to take what you have
done and push it to the global
level. At Boodle we don’t ask
people what they want. We tell
them what they want. And they thank
us for doing it. Boodle can bring
you the world.
Big Head’s phone ring. He answers it.
BIG HEAD
Hello? Really? Wow. Sure.
He hands his phone to Thomas.
BIG HEAD (CONT’D)
It’s Peter Gregory. I don’t know
how he got my number.
Thomas takes the phone.
THOMAS
Hello, Mr. Gregory, I’m so sorry.
Oh, you heard that?
(listening)
Uh huh... Uh huh...
GAVIN BELSON
(blurts)
I’ll give you ten million dollars
for it!
The room goes dead silent. Thomas is in shock. He speaks
half to himself/half into the phone.
THOMAS
Gavin Belson just offered me 10
million dollars for Pied Piper.
CUT TO:
PETER GREGORY
In his office with Monica standing by. They have Thomas on
speaker phone. Peter seems unimpressed.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
PETER GREGORY
Ten million? I’m prepared to give
you one hundred thousand dollars.
CUT TO:
THOMAS
Overwhelmed with stunned joy.
THOMAS
(to Gavin and the others)
Peter Gregory offered me one
hundred...
(realizing)
...thousand?
CUT TO:
PETER GREGORY
PETER GREGORY
File size is a problem that is
never going away. That makes your
compression code very valuable.
Ask yourself this, Thomas: Did you
come out to Silicon Valley to make
ten million dollars and disappear?
Or did you come to make billions
and leave your mark? You could be
up there with the greats.
Thomas tries to process this but just looks like he's in
clinical shock. Then something occurs to him. He turns to
Gavin.
THOMAS
Mr. Belson, I have a great idea!
Peter Gregory is only interested in
the compression algorithm I
created, so I could do Pied Piper
with you and develop the
compression technology with him.
GAVIN BELSON
(explodes)
The compression is the only thing
about the fucking stupid site I DO
WANT!!
Gavin comes up to him. TV Calling - For educational purposes only
GAVIN BELSON (CONT’D)
Don’t be an idiot. I’m offering
you real money. Ten million, right
now.
Everyone is peppering Thomas with advice. His head is
swimming.
THOMAS
Excuse me... I...I need to use the
bathroom...
Thomas walks off. We follow him past the men’s room and down
corridors and dead ends. He’s trying to get out but can’t.
He finally breaks free and runs.
CUT TO:
A SERIES OF PHONE CALLS AND MEETINGS
--Thomas and all the hacker house residents sit around the
kitchen table. Everyone peppers him with advice.
--Thomas is sitting behind the desk in a big private office
at Boodle. Jared and the other execs surround him. Thomas
seems excited but overwhelmed.
THOMAS
So what would my position with the
company be?
JARED
Your position?
THOMAS
What would I be doing?
SENIOR VP
You could just think of something
else genius.
THOMAS
And you guys would own it?
SENIOR VP
Well, yes, as per the terms of the
contract. But--
He motions to a very thick contract in front of Thomas.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
THOMAS
Yeah, I meant to ask you about
that, this contract is for thirty
years.
SENIOR VP
Yes, the ten million is paid over
thirty years.
All the execs nod happily as if this is the best news ever.
Thomas spots something else and points to a paragraph in the
contract.
THOMAS
This looks like a restraining
order.
JARED
Yes, well, Gavin is a very busy
man... and he doesn’t want to get
in your way... or you in his.
(mutters quietly)
It's not necessarily a bad thing.
As Thomas looks through the voluminous document, we see his
excitement fading.
Ratings
Scene 19 - Decisions on the Stoops
Thomas is lost in thought as he walks onto the front stoop.
He is about to try the door when something catches the corner
of his eye. He turns and sees Monica is sitting there
waiting for him. He practically jumps in surprise. Monica
can’t help but laugh. She is dressed casually now and
although she still has a professional polish to her she is
much more accessible than when in her normal business attire.
MONICA
Whoa, someone’s on edge.
Thomas tries to regain his composure.
THOMAS
Yeah, maybe. Wonder why.
MONICA
Well, I came by to let you know
that whoever you go with,
everything will be just fine.
Boodle is creepy and Peter is...
well nuts, but you have two of the
biggest players in Silicon Valley
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
fighting over you. Enjoy it.
THOMAS
Yeah, I don’t see that happening. I
have to make the most important
decision of my life! And I’m not
good at making those kinds of
decisions.
Monica moves over on the bench to make room for Thomas and
gestures for him to sit next to her but he doesn’t seem to
notice. She nods slightly like “okay then”.
MONICA
So, what kind of decisions are you
good at making?
Thomas thinks about this.
THOMAS
Technical ones. Fixes. Cracking
code and making it work. And then
making it work better. I like
having discreet reducible problems
and solving them. I’m not much of
a “big picture guy”.
MONICA
Maybe you are and maybe you aren’t.
Maybe you just need bigger problems
to solve.
Thomas gets an ironic smile.
THOMAS
So, Peter Gregory sent you here to
offer me bigger problems?
Monica gets up and moves towards Thomas. Thomas practically
holds his breath as she brushes past him. She lingers for a
second and looks him right in the eye.
MONICA
Nobody sent me over here.
And then she walks away.
MONICA (CONT’D)
When you don’t try to see the “big
picture” you miss a lot. Even
things that are right in front of
you.
And with that she walks down the steps and away. Thomas
watches her, she turns her head TVtoCalling
see him as educational
- For she gets to her
purposes only
car. He doesn’t know what to do so he just waves.
Monica sighs and waves back as she gets into her car. She is
smiling.
DISSOLVE TO:
Ratings
Scene 20 - Partnership Denied
All of the execs we have met before are standing around
anxiously while Gavin talks on the speaker phone.
THOMAS (V.O.)
I’ve been thinking about this a
lot, and I think Boodle is a great
opportunity, but I’m a little fuzzy
about just what exactly I would do.
Gavin jumps on this but tries to sound pleasant.
GAVIN BELSON
You can do anything, learn to play
zithers, play D&D all day long.
Hell, grow a pony tail, grow
pigtails, I don’t care.
Gavin is clearly getting revved up. Jared motions him to
calm down.
JARED
What Gavin is saying is that you’ll
have complete freedom.
WE NOW INTERCUT WITH THOMAS IN HIS ROOM PACING WHILE TALKING
ON HIS CELL PHONE.
THOMAS
Well, it’s just that I kind of want
to be a part of something. I want
to help take this to the next
level. So I was thinking maybe if
we became partners...
Gavin reacts to “partners” and turns to Jared.
GAVIN BELSON
I'm willing to give this dickhead
thirty million dollars if I never
have to talk to him again!
JARED
(whispers)
Gavin, we’re still on speakerphone.
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
GAVIN BELSON
I know!
And with that Gavin violently hangs up.
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 21 - Tech Tensions at the Four Seasons
Langdon and Tandy pull up, dressed to kill.
INT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - LATER
Langdon and Tandy are at the bar, baffled by this place.
There are some khaki pant wearing businessmen. Lots of
Asians, lots of glasses and lots of Ipads and notebook
computers. Everyone seems to be working like this is just
another office.
LANGDON
It looks like a Four Seasons but
sure as hell doesn’t feel like one.
The presence of Langdon and Tandy has registered -- they are
attractive women anywhere but here they are almost like from
another planet. Guys actually stop working to look at them,
but whenever Langdon or Tandy simply make eye contact with a
guy he becomes completely flustered, turns away and stares
intently at whatever screen he has handy. Tandy looks beyond
confused.
TANDY
OK, I have never felt less sexual
energy in my life.
At that moment, a hopelessly nerdy GUY stumbles up to them.
Clearly he is really stinking drunk, can’t handle liquor, and
awkwardly tries to hit on them..
GUY
Hey girls. My name’s James.
(hands them his card)
I started Zcranium.com. We just got
two million in start up money.
TANDY
Oh really? So you’re like, a
programmer or...?
GUY
(insulted for no TV
reason)
Calling - For educational purposes only
Fuck yeah!
(MORE)
GUY (CONT'D)
I was writing code when I was 8. I
was a math wizz Sergie Brin?!
Larry PAGE?!! Fucking Larry
Elllison??!!! They’re NOTHING!
Langdon and Tandy are stunned. At that moment a Hotel
Security Guard comes over and grabs the guy by the collar and
leads him out as he rants.
GUY (CONT’D)
I’m a tenth level magic user!!!
CUT TO:
Ratings
Scene 22 - Skepticism in Silicon Valley
Langdon and Tandy stand in the middle of downtown Palo Alto.
They look around at the bland, mundane quality of the cars,
shops and people walking around.
TANDY
This is it? This is where all the
tech billionaires decided to live?
LANGDON
It can’t be.
(stops a passerby)
Excuse me, is this Palo Alto?
The person nods and walks on. Langdon notices a Brew Pub.
She nods for Tandy to follow her.
Ratings
Scene 23 - Tension at the Brew Pub
Langdon and Tandy walk through the Brew Pub. Guys are
looking at them but it is that same flustered/terrified vibe
from before.
LANGDON
It looks like it’s all guys.
That’s gotta be good, right?
They come up to the bar where Roland and Jin Yiang are deep
in conversation. Jin Yiang looks angry and is oblivious to
the women, but Roland spots them and tries to play it cool as
Jin Yiang pays the tab.
JIN YIANG
This bullshit. Why I gotta buy
beers? That motherfucker just get
30 million dollars from Boodle.- For educational purposes only
TV Calling
This immediately catches Langdon’s attention. Roland tries
to sound cool, which sadly for him comes out sounding a bit
like John Wayne.
ROLAND
Cause you never pay for shit, Jin
Yiang. And this is a big night for
Thomas.
JIAN YANG
(confused)
Why you talk fucked up like that?
ROLAND
(gritted teeth)
Just c’mon.
Embarrassed, Roland pushes Jin Yiang ahead of him. Langdon
watches them walk across the bar to a a group of guys heading
out. In the center of the group is Thomas. He is surrounded
by his housemates and other tech geeks, everyone still giving
him advice or just coming over to shake his hand. Langdon
watches as they head for the door.
LANGDON
(to herself)
Thomas.
Tandy has been oblivious to all this. She’s had enough.
TANDY
We can still catch the late flight
back to LA.
Langdon shakes her head, never taking her eyes off Thomas.
LANGDON
We’re not going anywhere.
Ratings
Scene 24 - Unexpected Support in the Hacker House
It’s late at night and Thomas sits all alone in the kitchen,
clearly conflicted. Erlich comes in and starts making
instant noodle ramen. Thomas is waiting for a jackass remark
from Erlich as he sits down next to him but Erlich just clips
back his hair and starts eating his ramen. After a beat
Erlich looks up at Thomas.
ERLICH
You don't want to work for assholes
and now you don't have to. You're
like me - you want toTVbuild
Calling - For educational purposes only
something.
Erlich goes back to slurping down his noodle ramen. Thomas
looks surprised by Erlich's comment but then almost relieved.
Ratings
Scene 25 - Revenge is Sweet
Gavin looks like he is about to have an aneurism as he hangs
up the phone. Jared shakes his head in disbelief.
JARED
He turned down 30 million dollars?
Gavin shakes his head.
GAVIN BELSON
Well, look at it this way -- I have
30 million dollars that I’m going
to use to destroy that sad,
pathetic, stupid prick.
This thought seems to cheer Gavin.
Ratings
Scene 26 - Celebration of New Beginnings
Thomas, Erlich, Big Head and the other hacker house residents
celebrate with pizza and beer.
THOMAS
With this new company we’re really
going to try and do things right.
First order of business -- changing
the name.
(off their looks)
Yes, I know “Pied Piper” sucks.
They all laugh and toast. Just then, Jared enters.
THOMAS (CONT’D)
Oh... Hey. I turned down you guys.
And my decision is final.
JARED
I know. And I respect that. As a
matter of fact, that’s all I can
think about... that you turned down
30 million dollars because you
cared about something. You were
passionate about something. I want
to feel that way. I want to work
for you. I don’t know if Gavin
will give me a good recommendation
but I’m really fucking
TV good at - For educational purposes only
Calling
business development.
Thomas looks around at his group and smiles.
THOMAS
It always sounded like bullshit
when every guy with a start up said
that they wanted “to change the
world” Okay, it still sounds like
bullshit... but maybe we can make
our mark.
The crew are swept away. It is clear that this is what they
all came out to Silicon Valley for.
ERLICH
AND MAKE SOME MONEY!!!
Big cheers from everyone. After a beat Thomas turns to Big
Head and whispers.
THOMAS
We’re going to need some energy
drinks.
BIG HEAD
Big ones.
And as they all start chattering with excitement about the
future we...
FADE OUT. *
TV Calling - For educational purposes only
Ratings
Characters in the screenplay, and their arcs:
Character | Arc | Critique | Suggestions |
---|---|---|---|
thomas | Throughout the pilot, Thomas evolves from a frustrated and ambitious coder struggling to be taken seriously in the tech world to a more self-aware entrepreneur who begins to understand the importance of balancing ambition with authenticity. Initially, he is driven solely by his desire to succeed and innovate, often at the expense of his personal relationships and well-being. As he faces rejection and skepticism, he learns to confront his vulnerabilities and the complexities of the tech industry. By the end of the pilot, Thomas is poised to make a significant decision regarding his project and his future, reflecting a newfound understanding of the importance of collaboration and authenticity in his work. | While Thomas's character arc presents a compelling journey of growth and self-discovery, it risks becoming predictable if not executed with nuance. His initial frustrations and determination are relatable, but the pilot should ensure that his internal struggles are depicted with depth to avoid falling into common tropes of the 'driven entrepreneur.' Additionally, the stakes of his decisions should be clearly defined to enhance the tension and emotional impact of his journey. | To improve Thomas's character arc, consider introducing more diverse challenges that force him to confront his values and priorities beyond just professional success. Incorporating relationships that challenge his worldview or ethical dilemmas that test his commitment to authenticity could add layers to his character. Additionally, showcasing moments of vulnerability where he seeks support or guidance from others could create a more relatable and well-rounded protagonist. Finally, ensure that his growth is reflected in tangible changes in his relationships and decision-making by the end of the pilot, setting the stage for further development in subsequent episodes. |
erlich | Throughout the pilot, Erlich begins as a confrontational and self-serving figure, often clashing with the other characters due to his aggressive communication style and skepticism towards their ideas. However, as the story progresses, he experiences moments of vulnerability that reveal a more supportive and understanding side. This duality in his character allows him to evolve from merely a brash landlord to a more complex figure who, despite his flaws, genuinely wants to see the aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. By the end of the pilot, Erlich's character arc culminates in a moment where he balances his ambition with a newfound appreciation for collaboration and mentorship, setting the stage for further development in future episodes. | While Erlich's character is well-defined and provides comic relief, his arc could benefit from deeper emotional stakes. The transition from a self-serving landlord to a supportive mentor feels somewhat abrupt and lacks sufficient buildup. Additionally, his moments of vulnerability could be more impactful if they were tied to specific events or conflicts that challenge his worldview, rather than appearing as isolated instances. | To improve Erlich's character arc, consider introducing a backstory that explains his confrontational nature and fear of failure, which could be revealed through flashbacks or conversations with other characters. This would provide context for his behavior and make his eventual shift towards support and mentorship more believable. Additionally, incorporating a specific conflict or challenge that forces Erlich to confront his own insecurities could create a more compelling narrative and allow for a gradual transformation rather than a sudden change in demeanor. |
big head | Throughout the pilot, Big Head starts as a carefree and somewhat oblivious character, primarily focused on social interactions and avoiding conflict. As the story progresses, he begins to recognize the importance of ambition and direction in the competitive world of Silicon Valley. By the end of the pilot, Big Head experiences a subtle shift in perspective, realizing that he must balance his laid-back nature with a more proactive approach to his career and friendships. This growth sets the stage for future episodes, where he can further explore his potential and the challenges of the tech industry. | While Big Head's character provides comic relief and a sense of balance within the group, his arc lacks significant depth and stakes. His laid-back demeanor, while endearing, may lead to a perception of him as a one-dimensional character. The pilot could benefit from more moments that challenge his carefree attitude, pushing him to confront his own ambitions and fears. Additionally, his loyalty and supportiveness could be tested in a way that forces him to make difficult choices, adding complexity to his character. | To improve Big Head's character arc, consider introducing a subplot that places him in a situation where he must choose between his friends and his own aspirations. This could involve a conflict where he has to decide whether to support Thomas's ambitious plans or pursue his own interests, leading to a more dynamic character development. Additionally, incorporating moments of self-reflection or mentorship from other characters could help Big Head realize the value of ambition and drive, allowing for a more nuanced growth throughout the series. |
langdon | Throughout the pilot, Langdon's character arc transitions from a disillusioned former publicist yearning for her past to a more self-aware individual who begins to embrace the unexpected opportunities in her new environment. Initially, she is cynical and bitter about her circumstances, but as she engages with the tech world and forms connections, she starts to recognize the potential for growth and reinvention. By the end of the pilot, Langdon's journey reflects a shift from longing for the past to embracing the present, setting the stage for her to explore new possibilities and redefine her identity in Silicon Valley. | While Langdon's character is well-developed with a rich backstory and relatable motivations, her arc could benefit from clearer stakes and a more defined goal. The pilot introduces her longing for a better life, but it lacks a concrete objective that drives her actions. Additionally, her transformation feels gradual but could be more impactful with specific challenges or conflicts that force her to confront her disillusionment head-on. | To enhance Langdon's character arc, consider introducing a specific goal or aspiration that she actively pursues throughout the pilot, such as landing a high-profile client or starting her own venture in the tech world. This would provide her with a tangible motivation and create opportunities for conflict and growth. Additionally, incorporating a mentor or rival character could challenge her perspective and push her to confront her cynicism. Finally, adding moments of vulnerability where she reveals her fears and insecurities could deepen her character and make her journey more relatable to the audience. |
tandy | Throughout the pilot, Tandy begins as a discontent character, feeling out of place and frustrated with her current situation. As the story progresses, she confronts her feelings of inadequacy and the superficiality of her environment, leading her to seek a more fulfilling path. By the end of the pilot, Tandy takes a bold step towards change, whether that be pursuing a new opportunity, standing up for her values, or redefining her aspirations, setting the stage for her growth in future episodes. | Tandy's character arc is compelling, as it captures the struggles of many individuals in a tech-driven society. However, her journey may feel somewhat predictable, as her frustrations and desires are common themes. The tension between her and Langdon is a strong element, but it could benefit from deeper exploration of their relationship dynamics and how they influence each other's growth. | To improve Tandy's character arc, consider introducing a pivotal moment that challenges her beliefs or forces her to confront her fears more directly. This could be a significant event or a relationship that pushes her to reevaluate her choices. Additionally, incorporating more interactions with other characters could provide a broader perspective on her struggles and aspirations, allowing for richer character development and more nuanced conflicts. Finally, hinting at her potential for growth in unexpected ways could add depth and intrigue to her journey. |
gavin belson | Throughout the pilot, Gavin Belson's character arc revolves around his relentless pursuit of power and success in the tech industry. Initially, he is depicted as a confident and assertive mogul willing to take risks to achieve his goals. However, as the narrative unfolds, Gavin's ruthless tactics and vindictive nature begin to alienate those around him, leading to moments of introspection. By the end of the pilot, he faces a critical decision that challenges his values and ambitions, setting the stage for potential growth or further moral decline in future episodes. | Gavin Belson's character arc, while compelling, risks becoming one-dimensional if he remains solely a caricature of corporate greed and ambition. The pilot effectively establishes his authority and ruthlessness, but it may benefit from deeper exploration of his vulnerabilities and motivations. Without a more nuanced portrayal, he could easily fall into the trope of the 'evil tech mogul' without any redeeming qualities or complexity. | To improve Gavin Belson's character arc, consider incorporating moments that reveal his backstory or personal stakes in the tech industry, allowing the audience to empathize with him. Introducing a subplot that challenges his worldview or forces him to confront the consequences of his actions could add depth. Additionally, showcasing interactions with characters who challenge his authority or present alternative perspectives may create opportunities for growth and transformation, making him a more relatable and multi-dimensional character. |
jared | Throughout the pilot, Jared begins as a devoted supporter of Gavin Belson, fully immersed in the corporate culture and its demands. As he witnesses Gavin's ruthless behavior and the impact it has on those around him, Jared's admiration starts to wane. He grapples with his loyalty to Gavin versus his growing respect for Thomas's ideals. By the end of the pilot, Jared takes a pivotal step towards self-discovery, deciding to align himself more with Thomas's vision, indicating a shift from blind loyalty to a more principled stance. This sets the stage for his character development in future episodes, as he navigates the complexities of ambition, ethics, and personal fulfillment. | Jared's character arc presents a compelling internal conflict, but it risks being overshadowed by the more dominant personalities around him, particularly Gavin and Thomas. His transition from a loyal supporter to a more independent thinker could benefit from clearer motivations and more pronounced moments of realization. Additionally, the pilot may not fully explore the depth of his internal struggle, which could lead to a less impactful character journey. | To enhance Jared's character arc, consider incorporating more scenes that showcase his internal conflict, such as moments where he directly confronts Gavin's decisions or engages in deeper conversations with Thomas. Providing flashbacks or personal anecdotes could also help flesh out his backstory and motivations. Additionally, introducing a subplot that highlights the consequences of his choices could create a more dynamic and relatable character journey, allowing viewers to connect with his evolution more profoundly. |
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:
Pattern | Explanation |
---|---|
High Concept Scores, Low Emotional Impact | Scenes with high concept scores (8 or above) frequently show lower scores in Emotional Impact (especially scenes 10, 19, 24). This suggests that while the ideas are strong, the emotional connection with the audience may need strengthening. Consider exploring ways to deepen emotional resonance without sacrificing the conceptual strength. |
Sarcasm and Dialogue Effectiveness | Scenes employing 'Sarcastic' tones (multiple scenes) show a mixed relationship with Dialogue scores. While some scenes score highly, others show lower dialogue scores. This highlights that although sarcasm is frequently used, its effectiveness in these particular scenes is inconsistent. Examine scenes with low dialogue scores despite sarcasm to see if the sarcasm is landing well or obscuring the clarity of the dialogue. |
Humor and Conflict/High Stakes | Scenes with 'Humorous' tones frequently score well in Conflict and High Stakes (e.g., scenes 2, 12, 13, 20). This indicates a successful integration of humor that doesn't undermine the tension or stakes of the narrative. Maintain this balance for a consistently engaging experience. |
Character Changes and Plot Progression | There's a weak correlation between Character Changes and the 'Move Story Forward' score. While some scenes achieve both (like scene 12), others demonstrate that a significant character arc doesn't necessarily propel the plot. Ensure that character development directly contributes to plot progression for a tighter narrative. |
Reflective Tones and Lower Emotional Impact/Conflict | Scenes with 'Reflective' tones (multiple scenes) often score lower in Emotional Impact and Conflict. While reflection is vital, make sure these scenes don't become stagnant. Consider incorporating subtle conflict or emotional intensity within reflective moments to prevent the pacing from slowing down. |
Cult-like Admiration and High Overall Grades | Scenes incorporating the 'Cult-like Admiration' tone (scenes 14 and 16) generally receive high overall grades. Explore further opportunities to utilize this dynamic tone in your storyline, carefully balancing its unsettling potential with its narrative impact. |
Strong Concept/Plot and Character Development | A noticeable pattern shows that high scores in Concept and Plot often coincide with high scores in Character development (scenes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). This is a strength. Continue to develop compelling characters within strong plot structures. |
Late-Act Surge in Tension | Scenes 18, 20, and 25 display elevated scores across several categories (Conflict, High Stakes, Emotional Impact), suggesting a potential build-up of tension in the later acts that significantly contributes to the overall narrative arc. Maintain or heighten this toward the climax for maximum impact. |
Writer's Craft Overall Analysis
The screenplay demonstrates a strong foundation in creating engaging narratives with a blend of humor, satire, and compelling character interactions. The writer shows a talent for crafting sharp dialogue and exploring thematic depth within a specific setting (seemingly the tech industry). However, there's room for improvement in refining dialogue, pacing, and overall screenplay structure to maximize the impact of these strengths.
Key Improvement Areas
Suggestions
Type | Suggestion | Rationale |
---|---|---|
Book | 'Save the Cat!' by Blake Snyder | This book provides a practical, step-by-step approach to structuring screenplays, addressing pacing, and developing compelling characters. It directly addresses the need for improvement in screenplay structure and character arc development highlighted in multiple scene analyses. |
Book | 'Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting' by Syd Field | This classic text offers a more in-depth exploration of screenplay structure, focusing on the three-act structure and its application to various narrative styles. This complements 'Save the Cat!' by providing a more theoretical grounding for the practical advice within the latter book. |
Screenplay | Aaron Sorkin's 'The Social Network' | This screenplay is repeatedly suggested as inspiration for improving dialogue, character interactions, and pacing within a tech-focused setting. Studying Sorkin's mastery of witty, fast-paced dialogue is directly relevant to the writer's need to enhance their dialogue skills. |
Video | Interviews with successful screenwriters (e.g., Aaron Sorkin, Diablo Cody, Mike Judge) | Watching interviews will give insight into their creative process, techniques for writing sharp dialogue, and approaches to character development, strengthening the writer's understanding of crafting a compelling screenplay. |
Video | Analysis of 'Silicon Valley' and similar shows | Analyzing successful shows set in similar tech environments will provide valuable insights into the effective use of humor, satire, and character dynamics within this specific context. |
Stories Similar to this one
Story | Explanation |
---|---|
Silicon Valley (TV Series) | This HBO series closely mirrors the themes and setting of the screenplay, focusing on a group of software developers navigating the challenges of the tech industry in Silicon Valley. The humor, character dynamics, and the struggles of innovation and entrepreneurship are central to both narratives. |
The Social Network (Movie) | This film chronicles the founding of Facebook and the complexities of friendship, ambition, and betrayal in the tech world. Similar to the screenplay, it explores the tension between personal relationships and professional aspirations within a fast-paced tech environment. |
Halt and Catch Fire (TV Series) | Set during the personal computing boom of the 1980s and 1990s, this series delves into the lives of engineers and entrepreneurs striving to innovate. The focus on the struggles of tech visionaries and the competitive atmosphere resonates with the screenplay's portrayal of Thomas and his peers. |
Jobs (Movie) | This biographical film about Steve Jobs highlights the rise of Apple and the challenges faced by its founders. The themes of innovation, ambition, and the eccentricities of tech figures align with the portrayal of characters like Thomas and the tech culture depicted in the screenplay. |
The Big Bang Theory (TV Series) | While primarily a sitcom, this show features a group of socially awkward scientists and engineers navigating their personal and professional lives. The humor derived from tech culture and the dynamics between characters reflect similar themes found in the screenplay. |
Ready Player One (Book/Movie) | This story explores a future dominated by technology and virtual reality, focusing on innovation and the impact of tech on society. The protagonist's journey to create something meaningful in a competitive landscape parallels Thomas's struggles with Pied Piper. |
The Imitation Game (Movie) | This film tells the story of Alan Turing and his efforts to break the Enigma code during World War II. It shares themes of innovation, the pressure of societal expectations, and the personal sacrifices made for technological advancement, similar to Thomas's journey. |
The Internship (Movie) | This comedy follows two middle-aged men who secure internships at Google, highlighting the generational clash in the tech industry. The humorous take on tech culture and the challenges of fitting into a fast-paced environment resonate with the screenplay's tone and themes. |
The Circle (Book/Movie) | This story critiques the tech industry's impact on privacy and personal freedom, focusing on a young woman's experience at a powerful tech company. The exploration of ethical dilemmas in the tech world parallels the challenges faced by Thomas and his peers. |
Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay
Trope | Trope Details | Trope Explanation |
---|---|---|
The Underdog | Thomas, an aspiring entrepreneur, faces skepticism and challenges from established figures like Erlich and Gavin Belson. | The Underdog trope involves a character who is at a disadvantage but strives to overcome obstacles. An example is Rocky Balboa in 'Rocky,' where an underprivileged boxer fights against a champion. |
Tech Bro Culture | The screenplay showcases the culture of Silicon Valley, including brogrammers and tech enthusiasts who embody the stereotypical tech bro persona. | Tech Bro Culture refers to the male-dominated environment in tech industries, often characterized by arrogance and a lack of empathy. This is seen in shows like 'Silicon Valley,' where characters often prioritize tech over personal relationships. |
The Mentor | Erlich serves as a mentor figure to Thomas, offering both criticism and unexpected support. | The Mentor trope involves a character who guides the protagonist, often providing wisdom or tough love. An example is Mr. Miyagi in 'The Karate Kid,' who teaches Daniel both martial arts and life lessons. |
The Big Pitch | Thomas pitches his idea for Pied Piper to Peter Gregory and Gavin Belson, highlighting the high-stakes nature of tech entrepreneurship. | The Big Pitch trope involves a character presenting their idea to potential investors, often leading to tension and drama. This is commonly seen in films like 'The Social Network,' where Mark Zuckerberg pitches his vision. |
The Eccentric Genius | Characters like Peter Gregory and Gavin Belson embody the eccentric genius trope, showcasing their unique personalities and unconventional approaches. | The Eccentric Genius trope features highly intelligent characters who often behave in unusual or unpredictable ways. An example is Tony Stark in 'Iron Man,' who is brilliant yet socially awkward. |
The Love Interest | Monica serves as a potential love interest for Thomas, adding a romantic subplot to the narrative. | The Love Interest trope involves a character who serves as a romantic counterpart to the protagonist, often influencing their decisions. An example is Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride and Prejudice,' who challenges Mr. Darcy's views. |
The Corporate Villain | Gavin Belson represents the corporate villain, embodying the ruthless nature of big tech companies. | The Corporate Villain trope features a character who represents the negative aspects of corporate culture, often prioritizing profit over ethics. An example is Gordon Gekko in 'Wall Street,' who famously declares that 'greed is good.' |
The Misunderstood Artist | Thomas's struggles with his project, Pied Piper, reflect the challenges faced by creative individuals in a commercial environment. | The Misunderstood Artist trope involves a character whose creative vision is not appreciated or understood by others. An example is Vincent van Gogh in 'Loving Vincent,' who struggles for recognition during his lifetime. |
The Competitive Environment | The Hacker House and Boodle campus illustrate a highly competitive atmosphere among tech entrepreneurs. | The Competitive Environment trope highlights the rivalry and pressure within a specific setting, often leading to conflict. An example is the cutthroat world of fashion in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' |
Theme | Theme Details | Themee Explanation | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Meaningful Innovation vs. Financial Success | Thomas's struggle to balance his passion for creating Pied Piper with the immense pressure to achieve financial success is central. The contrasting philosophies of Peter Gregory (who values innovation over traditional education) and Gavin Belson (who prioritizes profit and image) highlight this conflict. | This theme explores the tension between creating something genuinely valuable and succumbing to the pressures of the capitalist system in Silicon Valley. It questions whether true innovation can thrive in an environment obsessed with quick profits and superficial achievements. | ||||||||||||
Strengthening Meaningful Innovation vs. Financial Success:
| ||||||||||||||
The Illusion of Silicon Valley | The montage of Silicon Valley, alongside the portrayals of Boodle's superficial culture and the brogrammers' mockery, exposes the gap between the idealized image of the tech industry and its often-cynical reality. Langdon and Tandy's outsider perspective reinforces this. | This theme critiques the idealized and often unrealistic portrayal of Silicon Valley, revealing the underlying anxieties and superficiality beneath the surface of technological advancement. | ||||||||||||
Friendship and Community | The relationships between Thomas and his Hacker House roommates, particularly Erlich, show the importance of support and camaraderie in overcoming obstacles. The dynamic between Thomas and Big Head also highlights the value of friendship in navigating the challenges of the industry. | This theme underscores the human element within the competitive tech world, showcasing the power of supportive relationships in the face of adversity. | ||||||||||||
The Value of Authenticity | Thomas's unwavering commitment to his project, despite setbacks and mockery, underscores the importance of staying true to one's vision and resisting the temptation to compromise integrity for financial gain. | This theme emphasizes the importance of perseverance and maintaining authenticity in a world that often rewards conformity and superficiality. | ||||||||||||
Disillusionment and Self-Discovery | Thomas's journey is one of self-discovery, marked by moments of doubt, frustration, and ultimate clarity regarding his values and aspirations. His experiences challenge his initial perceptions of success and force him to re-evaluate his priorities. | This theme explores the emotional toll of pursuing ambitious goals, highlighting the process of self-reflection and personal growth that often accompanies significant life decisions. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
Site | Description |
---|---|
Studio Binder | Movie Themes: Examples of Common Themes for Screenwriters |
Coverfly | Improving your Screenplay's theme |
John August | Writing from Theme |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
---|---|
Story, Plot, Genre, Theme - Screenwriting Basics | Screenwriting basics - beginner video |
What is theme | Discussion on ways to layer theme into a screenplay. |
Thematic Mistakes You're Making in Your Script | Common Theme mistakes and Philosophical Conflicts |
Voice Analysis | |
---|---|
Summary: | The writer's voice is sharply witty, satirical, and character-driven. It blends fast-paced, often cynical humor with insightful commentary on the tech industry, its culture, and the human ambitions within it. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, capturing the casual banter of tech professionals while also conveying complex power dynamics and internal conflicts. |
Voice Contribution | The writer's voice contributes to the script by establishing a distinct and engaging tone. The satire keeps the narrative from being overly sentimental or preachy, while the witty dialogue and character interactions maintain audience interest and provide depth to the themes of ambition, innovation, and the ethical complexities of the tech world. The fast-paced narrative mirrors the frenetic energy of Silicon Valley itself, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. |
Best Representation Scene | 2 - Tensions in Hacker House |
Best Scene Explanation | Scene 2, set in the Hacker House, best encapsulates the writer's voice. It introduces the core characters and their dynamic relationships, showcasing the fast-paced, witty dialogue and satirical portrayal of the tech world. The tension between Thomas's ambition and Erlich's skepticism, combined with the humorous interruptions from Big Head and Dinesh, perfectly balances comedy and conflict, establishing the show's central themes and tone from the outset. The scene's sharp dialogue, fast-paced narrative, and satirical take on the tech industry are hallmarks of the writer's unique style throughout the entire screenplay. |
- Overall originality score: 8.5
- Overall originality explanation: The screenplay presents a fresh and humorous take on the tech industry, effectively blending authentic character interactions with sharp, witty dialogue. It explores themes of entrepreneurship, education, and the absurdities of Silicon Valley culture through unique character dynamics and situations. The incorporation of diverse perspectives, such as the clash between traditional values and modern innovation, adds depth and originality to the narrative.
- Most unique situations: The most unique situations in the screenplay are the satirical portrayal of tech industry stereotypes, such as the 'brogrammer' culture, the humorous exploration of the struggles faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, and the unexpected moments of camaraderie and support among characters in a competitive environment. Additionally, the use of unconventional elements like the sacbut instrument and the humorous critique of corporate culture further enhance the screenplay's originality.
- Overall unpredictability score: 7
- Overall unpredictability explanation: While the screenplay follows a familiar structure of tech startup narratives, it introduces unexpected twists and character developments that keep the audience engaged. The unpredictability arises from the characters' interactions, the varying responses to challenges, and the surprising offers made to Thomas, which create tension and intrigue. However, certain plot points, such as the eventual success of Pied Piper, align with typical genre expectations, slightly reducing the overall unpredictability.
Goals and Philosophical Conflict | |
---|---|
internal Goals | Throughout the script, Thomas's internal goals evolve from seeking validation in the tech industry to desiring autonomy and a sense of purpose. Initially focused on impressing peers and securing a position in Silicon Valley, he gradually becomes more introspective about his potential impact and what defines success beyond financial gains. |
External Goals | Thomas's external goals shift from merely securing a place in the industry to establishing his startup, Pied Piper. As the narrative progresses, his focus expands to include making impactful decisions about partnerships and the company’s vision while navigating external pressures from investors and peers. |
Philosophical Conflict | The screenplay presents the conflict between Innovation vs. Tradition, as Thomas grapples with the expectations of the established tech industry while pursuing unconventional ideas and challenging the norms regarding education and entrepreneurship. |
Character Development Contribution: The evolution of Thomas's goals reflects his growth from a naive, validation-seeking individual to a more self-aware entrepreneur who understands the importance of aligning his work with personal values. His journey showcases the internal struggles and transformations that define him.
Narrative Structure Contribution: The interplay between internal and external goals creates a dynamic narrative structure that advances Thomas’s character arc while introducing escalating external pressures from the tech industry. This tension drives the plot forward and provides pivotal moments for character revelations.
Thematic Depth Contribution: The exploration of conflicting goals and philosophical dilemmas enriches the thematic depth of the screenplay, focusing on the contemporary dilemmas faced in the tech industry, such as the conflict between authenticity and commercialism, the pursuit of personal passion versus societal expectations, and the reality of achieving success.
Screenwriting Resources on Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Articles
Site | Description |
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Creative Screenwriting | How Important Is A Character’s Goal? |
Studio Binder | What is Conflict in a Story? A Quick Reminder of the Purpose of Conflict |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
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How I Build a Story's Philosophical Conflict | How do you build philosophical conflict into your story? Where do you start? And how do you develop it into your characters and their external actions. Today I’m going to break this all down and make it fully clear in this episode. |
Endings: The Good, the Bad, and the Insanely Great | By Michael Arndt: I put this lecture together in 2006, when I started work at Pixar on Toy Story 3. It looks at how to write an "insanely great" ending, using Star Wars, The Graduate, and Little Miss Sunshine as examples. 90 minutes |
Tips for Writing Effective Character Goals | By Jessica Brody (Save the Cat!): Writing character goals is one of the most important jobs of any novelist. But are your character's goals...mushy? |
- Physical environment: The screenplay is set primarily in Silicon Valley, California, encompassing a range of locations from opulent settings like the Four Seasons Palo Alto and luxury shuttle vans to more humble environments such as a dilapidated hacker house in East Palo Alto and a bustling Brew Pub. The physical spaces reflect a stark contrast between wealth and relative poverty, highlighting the inequalities within the tech industry. The visual landscape includes modern tech offices, sprawling corporate campuses with recreational facilities, and the mundane streets of Palo Alto. Specific locations like Google and Facebook are mentioned, grounding the story in the real-world tech landscape.
- Culture: The dominant culture is that of Silicon Valley's tech industry: a fast-paced, highly competitive, and often cutthroat environment characterized by innovation, ambition, and a strong emphasis on disruption. There is a counter-culture present in the hacker house, representing a more independent and less conformist approach to technology and entrepreneurship. A significant cultural element is the clash between the values of traditional academia (represented by the heckler at Peter Gregory's speech) and the self-taught, entrepreneurial spirit celebrated in Silicon Valley. The culture is also marked by a degree of superficiality and the pursuit of wealth and status, as seen in the scenes featuring the yoga studio and the social interactions at the Four Seasons.
- Society: The societal structure is largely hierarchical, with a clear power dynamic between established tech giants and aspiring entrepreneurs. The wealth disparity between those at the top of the industry and those struggling to make a living is a recurring theme. Competition is fierce, and success is often measured in terms of financial gain and market dominance. The societal expectations placed upon individuals, particularly the pressure to conform to the prevailing culture of ambition and innovation, are also explored. The hacker house serves as an alternative societal structure, valuing independence and collaboration over corporate hierarchy.
- Technology: Technology is omnipresent and central to the narrative. The screenplay showcases a range of technologies, from cutting-edge compression algorithms and futuristic personal mobility transporters to simple laptops and coding environments. The advancements in technology drive the plot, with the Pied Piper software serving as the central technological innovation that shapes the characters’ experiences and actions. The film demonstrates both the potential of technology for groundbreaking innovation and its capacity for misuse and manipulation.
- Characters influence: The world elements significantly shape the characters' experiences and actions. The intense competition and pressure to succeed in Silicon Valley fuel the characters' ambition and drive but also lead to stress, anxiety, and ethical dilemmas. The characters' backgrounds and personalities are shaped by the prevailing culture, with some embracing the entrepreneurial spirit wholeheartedly while others grapple with the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing landscape. The contrast between the hacker house's independent culture and the corporate world impacts characters' decisions and interactions.
- Narrative contribution: The world-building contributes to the narrative by establishing a compelling setting that both grounds the story and creates a sense of heightened drama. The contrast between different environments (opulent offices versus a rundown hacker house) and cultures (corporate ambition versus independent creativity) drives the conflict and shapes the characters' journeys. The setting also provides a backdrop for comedic moments and character interactions, enriching the narrative.
- Thematic depth contribution: The world-building contributes to the thematic depth of the screenplay by exploring the complexities of the tech industry, examining themes of innovation, ambition, wealth inequality, ethical dilemmas, and the human cost of pursuing success. The contrasting environments and cultures allow the screenplay to explore different perspectives on these themes, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving tech world. The clash between the idealistic notion of 'changing the world' and the harsh realities of the business world adds further thematic depth.
central conflict
Thomas struggles to balance his passion for innovation with the pressures of the tech industry and the expectations of those around him.
primary motivations
- Thomas's desire to create a meaningful product with Pied Piper.
- Erlich's ambition to profit from tech innovations.
- Big Head's fear of being replaced and desire for validation.
- Dinesh and Jin Yang's aspirations for success in the tech world.
catalysts
- The interest from Gavin Belson in Pied Piper.
- Peter Gregory's speech advocating for innovation and dropouts.
- The competitive atmosphere in Silicon Valley that pressures Thomas.
barriers
- High rental prices and the threat of eviction from Hacker House.
- Skepticism from Erlich and others about the viability of Pied Piper.
- Thomas's self-doubt and fear of failure in the tech industry.
themes
- The tension between creativity and commercialism in the tech industry.
- The impact of peer pressure and competition on individual aspirations.
- The search for identity and purpose in a rapidly changing environment.
stakes
The potential success or failure of Pied Piper could determine Thomas's future in the tech industry and his personal sense of fulfillment.
uniqueness factor
The blend of humor and drama in portraying the eccentricities of Silicon Valley culture and the tech startup environment.
audience hook
The relatable struggles of young entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of innovation, competition, and self-doubt.
paradoxical engine or bisociation
The juxtaposition of high-stakes business decisions with the absurdity of tech culture, highlighting the contrast between serious ambitions and the often ridiculous nature of the industry.
paradoxical engine or bisociation 2
The tension between the desire for meaningful innovation and the superficiality of tech trends, illustrating how personal values clash with industry norms.
Engine: Gemini
Highly Recommend
Executive Summary
The Silicon Valley pilot screenplay is a highly promising project with a strong comedic voice, well-developed characters, and a compelling premise. The pilot effectively establishes its unique world and characters, leaving the audience eager for more. While some minor improvements in pacing and character depth could enhance the script, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a highly recommended pilot for production.
- The character development is exceptional. Each character is distinct, memorable, and possesses compelling quirks that contribute to the comedic tone. Their interactions are both humorous and reveal their inner complexities. The pilot successfully establishes their personalities and relationships, creating a strong ensemble cast. high ( Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 5 Scene 9 )
- The screenplay masterfully satirizes the Silicon Valley culture and its absurdities. The portrayal of the tech world is both hilarious and insightful, offering a critique of its excesses while capturing the energy and ambition that drives its inhabitants. high ( Scene 1 Scene 6 Scene 7 )
- The central conflict—Thomas's struggle to balance his idealistic vision with the harsh realities of the tech world—is compelling and consistently drives the narrative. The pilot successfully establishes the stakes and sets up a compelling premise for future episodes. high ( Scene 7 Scene 12 Scene 18 Scene 26 )
- The dialogue is witty, sharp, and often hilarious. It feels natural and authentic, mirroring real-life interactions within the tech world while maintaining a consistently comedic tone. medium ( Scene 19 )
- The pacing is generally well-managed, effectively balancing moments of humor with character development and plot progression. The pilot creates an engaging rhythm that keeps the audience invested in the story. medium ( Scene 1 Scene 23 )
- The female characters, while present, feel somewhat underdeveloped. Expanding their roles and motivations beyond their relationships with the male characters would add depth and complexity to the series. medium ( Scene 10 Scene 21 Scene 22 )
- The ending feels somewhat abrupt and could benefit from a more satisfying resolution to the central conflict. Showing Thomas's choice more conclusively and having an immediate consequence to his decision would make it more impactful. medium ( Scene 20 )
- Some scenes involving Gavin Belson could be tightened for pacing. The scenes are funny, but could benefit from being more concise to keep the plot moving forward. low ( Scene 14 Scene 15 Scene 16 Scene 17 )
- A more detailed backstory for some characters, particularly Thomas, would enhance their motivations and add emotional weight to their struggles. Flashbacks or earlier scenes hinting at his previous life and motivations would add depth. medium
- The opening montage sets the tone perfectly, establishing the vibrant, chaotic nature of Silicon Valley. high ( Scene 1 )
- The introduction of Peter Gregory is brilliantly executed, showcasing his eccentric yet perceptive nature. high ( Scene 7 )
- The final scene leaves the audience wanting more, setting up promising storylines for the series. high ( Scene 26 )
- Female Character Development The script's focus is heavily on the male characters, particularly Thomas. The women are present, but their stories and motivations are underdeveloped, mostly serving as reactive characters in relation to the male protagonists. This is particularly evident in scenes 10, 21, and 22, where the female characters' narratives are overshadowed by the male-dominated tech world. medium
Engine: GPT4
Highly Recommend
Executive Summary
The pilot episode of 'Silicon Valley' effectively captures the essence of the tech startup culture through sharp humor and relatable character arcs. The screenplay showcases a strong narrative structure, with well-defined character motivations and conflicts that resonate with the audience. The pacing is generally effective, though some scenes could benefit from tighter editing. Overall, the screenplay presents a compelling and engaging story that balances comedy with insightful commentary on the tech industry.
- The opening montage effectively sets the tone and context of Silicon Valley, immersing the audience in the tech culture. high ( Scene Sequence number 1 (CREDIT SEQUENCE) Scene Sequence number 2 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - DAY) )
- Character introductions are strong, establishing distinct personalities and dynamics that drive the narrative. high ( Scene Sequence number 2 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - DAY) )
- Peter Gregory's speech serves as a powerful thematic anchor, highlighting the conflict between traditional education and innovation. high ( Scene Sequence number 6 (INT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - EVENING) )
- The character development of Thomas is well-executed, showcasing his internal conflict and growth throughout the episode. high ( Scene Sequence number 24 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - NIGHT) )
- The resolution of the pilot effectively sets up future conflicts and character arcs, leaving the audience eager for more. high ( Scene Sequence number 26 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- The pacing in the shuttle scene feels slightly rushed, which could detract from character development. medium ( Scene Sequence number 3 (EXT. LUXURY SHUTTLE VAN - MORNING) )
- The brogrammers' interaction could be more nuanced to avoid stereotypes and enhance character depth. medium ( Scene Sequence number 12 (INT. BOODLE - DAY) )
- The transition between Thomas's excitement and his subsequent decision could be smoother to maintain narrative flow. medium ( Scene Sequence number 18 (INT. BOODLE - MOMENTS LATER) )
- More exploration of Thomas's relationships with his housemates could enhance emotional stakes. medium ( Scene Sequence number 19 (EXT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- Gavin's character could benefit from more depth to avoid being a one-dimensional antagonist. medium ( Scene Sequence number 20 (INT. GAVIN BELSON’S OFFICE - DAY) )
- The female characters are introduced but lack significant development or integration into the main narrative. high ( Scene Sequence number 10 (INT. YOGA STUDIO - DAY) )
- There is a missed opportunity to connect the experiences of the women in the yoga studio with the tech world. medium ( Scene Sequence number 11 (INT. YOGA STUDIO - CAFE - MOMENTS LATER) )
- A deeper exploration of the tech environment's impact on personal relationships could enhance thematic depth. medium ( Scene Sequence number 4 (EXT. BOODLE - MOMENTS LATER) )
- The stakes of Thomas's decision could be more clearly articulated to heighten tension. medium ( Scene Sequence number 7 (EXT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - LATER) )
- The pilot could benefit from a clearer setup for future episodes, ensuring continuity in character arcs. medium ( Scene Sequence number 26 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- The depiction of the tech workplace culture is both humorous and critical, providing social commentary. high ( Scene Sequence number 5 (INT. BOODLE - DAY) )
- The dynamic between Erlich and Thomas adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, showcasing mentorship. high ( Scene Sequence number 8 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - NIGHT) )
- The anticipation built around Gavin Belson's character creates a compelling antagonist presence. high ( Scene Sequence number 14 (INT. BOODLE - LATER) )
- The celebratory tone at the end contrasts with earlier tension, providing a satisfying conclusion. high ( Scene Sequence number 26 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- The opening sequence effectively captures the essence of Silicon Valley, setting the stage for the series. high ( Scene Sequence number 1 (CREDIT SEQUENCE) )
- Character Depth Some characters, particularly the female ones, lack depth and development, making them feel like stereotypes rather than fully realized individuals. For example, the yoga studio scenes introduce female characters but do not integrate them into the main narrative effectively. high
- Stereotypical Characters Certain characters, like the brogrammers, lean heavily into stereotypes, which can detract from the overall authenticity of the narrative. This could be improved by adding more nuanced traits and motivations. medium
Engine: Claude
Recommend
Executive Summary
The "Silicon Valley" TV pilot screenplay is a well-crafted, character-driven comedy that offers a sharp, insightful exploration of the tech industry and the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs. The narrative is consistently engaging, with a strong ensemble cast, well-defined character arcs, and a solid balance of humor, drama, and thematic depth. The screenplay's strengths lie in its relatable characters, multi-layered conflicts, and its ability to both celebrate and satirize the Silicon Valley ecosystem. While there are a few areas that could be improved, such as pacing and development of secondary characters, the overall quality of the writing and the unique perspective it brings to the tech world make this a highly compelling and marketable pilot that could launch a successful TV series.
- The screenplay establishes a well-rounded and engaging ensemble of characters, each with their own distinct personalities, motivations, and relationships. This creates a rich and believable world that the audience can easily immerse themselves in. high ( Scene 2 (EXT. EAST PALO ALTO - HACKER HOUSE) Scene 4 (EXT. BOODLE - MOMENTS LATER) )
- The screenplay effectively balances humor and drama, seamlessly transitioning between moments of levity and more serious, thematic explorations. This creates a well-rounded and engaging narrative that keeps the audience invested. high ( Scene 6 (INT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - EVENING) Scene 7 (EXT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - LATER) )
- The character of Monica is a standout, serving as an intriguing foil to the protagonist Thomas. Her brief but impactful interactions with Thomas hint at a deeper, more complex relationship that could be further explored in the series. medium ( Scene 19 (EXT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- The screenplay effectively captures the unique culture, language, and challenges of the tech industry, providing a fresh and authentic perspective that sets it apart from other stories in the genre. high
- The character arc of Thomas, the protagonist, is well-developed, as he navigates the difficult decision of choosing between financial security and the pursuit of his passion project. This internal conflict is a driving force throughout the screenplay. high ( Scene 24 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - NIGHT) )
- The development of secondary characters, such as Erlich and the other housemates, could be expanded upon to provide more depth and nuance to their motivations and narrative arcs. medium ( Scene 8 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - NIGHT) )
- The pacing of the screenplay could be improved in certain sections, particularly during the transition between the more character-driven scenes and the more plot-driven ones. Some scenes feel slightly rushed or underdeveloped. medium ( Scene 21 (INT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - LATER) Scene 22 (EXT. DOWNTOWN PALO ALTO - EVENING) )
- While the screenplay effectively captures the essence of the tech industry, it could potentially benefit from a deeper exploration of the broader societal and economic implications of the industry's rapid growth and influence. medium
- The character of Gavin Belson, the antagonist, is a standout, with his larger-than-life personality and his unwavering ambition serving as a compelling foil to the protagonist's more grounded approach. His interactions with Thomas are particularly engaging. high ( Scene 15 (INT. BOODLE - GAVIN BELSON'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS) )
- The scene featuring the phone conversation between Thomas and Gavin Belson is a highlight, showcasing the sharp, witty dialogue and the high-stakes conflict at the heart of the narrative. high ( Scene 20 (INT. GAVIN BELSON'S OFFICE - DAY) )
- The finale of the pilot episode effectively sets up the potential for future storylines and character development, leaving the audience invested in the characters and their ongoing journey. high ( Scene 26 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- Lack of Diversity While the screenplay does feature a diverse ensemble of characters, the main protagonist and the key decision-makers in the story are primarily white men. The screenplay could potentially benefit from a more balanced representation of gender, race, and ethnic diversity, especially in the central roles. medium
- Underdeveloped Secondary Characters As noted in the areas of improvement, the secondary characters, such as Erlich and the other housemates, could be further developed to provide more depth and nuance to their motivations and narrative arcs. This would help create a more well-rounded and compelling ensemble. medium
Engine: DeepSeek
Recommend
Executive Summary
The screenplay for 'Silicon Valley' is a sharp, witty, and engaging pilot that effectively sets up the world of tech startups with a mix of humor and drama. It introduces a compelling protagonist, Thomas, and surrounds him with a colorful cast of characters. The narrative is well-paced, balancing technical jargon with accessible humor, and sets up multiple conflicts and opportunities for growth. The script's strengths lie in its character dynamics, humor, and thematic depth, though it could benefit from more nuanced female characters and clearer stakes in some scenes.
- The dialogue is sharp and humorous, effectively establishing character personalities and relationships. high ( Scene 2 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - DAY) Scene 7 (EXT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - LATER) )
- The conflict between Thomas and Gavin Belson is well-set-up, creating immediate stakes and tension. high ( Scene 12 (INT. BOODLE - DAY) )
- The emotional depth in Thomas's decision-making process adds layers to his character. medium ( Scene 19 (EXT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- Erlich's unexpected moment of sincerity adds complexity to his character and the group dynamic. medium ( Scene 24 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - NIGHT) )
- The resolution is satisfying, setting up future storylines while providing closure to the pilot's main conflict. high ( Scene 26 (INT. HACKER HOUSE - EVENING) )
- The female characters, Langdon and Tandy, are underdeveloped and stereotypical, lacking depth and agency. medium ( Scene 10 (INT. YOGA STUDIO - DAY) Scene 11 (INT. YOGA STUDIO - CAFE - MOMENTS LATER) )
- The brogrammer characters feel one-dimensional and could benefit from more nuanced portrayals. low ( Scene 5 (INT. BOODLE - DAY) )
- Gavin Belson's villainy is somewhat over-the-top, which may detract from the realism of the story. low ( Scene 16 (INT. BOODLE - GAVIN BELSON’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS) )
- The scene with the drunk nerd feels forced and could be more integrated into the main narrative. low ( Scene 21 (INT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - EVENING) )
- The transition to the Brew Pub feels abrupt and could be smoother. low ( Scene 22 (EXT. DOWNTOWN PALO ALTO - EVENING) )
- A clearer explanation of Pied Piper's technology and its potential impact would help ground the story. medium
- More backstory on Thomas and his journey to Silicon Valley would deepen his character. medium
- The stakes of Thomas's decision between Boodle and Peter Gregory could be more clearly defined. high
- A stronger antagonist or external conflict could elevate the narrative tension. medium
- More diverse and developed female characters would balance the predominantly male cast. high
- The opening montage effectively sets the tone and world of Silicon Valley with humor and satire. high ( Scene 1 (CREDIT SEQUENCE) )
- Peter Gregory's speech provides a thematic anchor for the story, critiquing the education system and celebrating innovation. medium ( Scene 6 (INT. FOUR SEASONS PALO ALTO - EVENING) )
- The cult-like admiration for Gavin Belson among his employees adds a layer of satire to the corporate culture. medium ( Scene 14 (INT. BOODLE - DAY) )
- The introduction of Langdon and Tandy to the tech world highlights the cultural clash between Silicon Valley and other industries. low ( Scene 23 (INT. BREW PUB - MOMENTS LATER) )
- Gavin's threat to destroy Thomas sets up a compelling ongoing conflict for future episodes. high ( Scene 25 (INT. BOODLE - DAY) )
- Gender Representation The female characters are largely stereotypical and lack depth, focusing more on their looks and romantic prospects than their own ambitions or skills. high
- Technical Detail The script sometimes glosses over the technical aspects of Pied Piper, which could alienate tech-savvy viewers or make the stakes less clear. medium
- Over-the-Top Antagonist Gavin Belson's villainy is exaggerated to the point of caricature, which can undermine the realism of the story. low
- Stereotypical Characters Some secondary characters, like the brogrammers, rely on clichés rather than nuanced portrayals. medium
Memorable lines in the script:
Scene Number | Line |
---|---|
20 | GAVIN BELSON: I'm willing to give this dickhead thirty million dollars if I never have to talk to him again! |
3 | THOMAS: Changing the world, one crappy app at a time. |
6 | PETER GREGORY: The true value of snake-oil is intangible as well. |
25 | Gavin Belson: Well, look at it this way -- I have 30 million dollars that I’m going to use to destroy that sad, pathetic, stupid prick. |
8 | Erlich: I KNOW WHAT BINARY IS!!! Jesus! I’ve memorized the hexadecimal times tables! Ask me what 9 times F is!! I don’t need you to tell me what’s binary and I don’t NEED you thinking about soup. |