Simba

(First 30 pages)
By

Hakim Hill

Hakim Hill
617-320-5973
hakim.hill@gmail.com
Over BLACK we hear...
A GLASS break and a stone stumble across a floor...
Then there is slow TAPPING from TAP SHOES. Building.
Building. BUILDING...
FADE IN

INT/EXT. JALEN RIOT’S POOL - NIGHT - PAST

Between a dimly lit pool area and a pitch black Hollywood

Hill’s house, an African-American BOY dances the steps of
Buster Brown’s "LAURA" on a large piece of wood. This is
SIMBA; he’s slim with dirty clothing.

A title card:
2007
He dances calculated but sloppy without technique.

In the shadows, a MAN approaches, stepping through the

shattered glass on the floor, holding a bat, but too dark to
make out. He’s watches but doesn’t say anything.
Simba’s feet growl - a machine. He nervously picks up the
pace, tapping off beat.

He finishes without looking up. The MAN loosens his grip on

the bat and walks out of the kitchen into the light. This is
JALEN RIOT (African-American, muscular, well-groomed, late
30s).

INT. JALEN RIOT’S DINING ROOM - NIGHT - PAST

Simba sits in a well-lit, well-decorated, and modern dining
room with his head down.

JALEN RIOT (O.S.)

Okay, thank you officer. I promise,
we won’t trip the alarm again. We
appreciate you checking in on us.

The door closes. Jalen walks into the dining room. Behind
him, waiting in the doorway, is his wife DIANE (late 30s) in
a robe. She’s visually sick, pale, but still pretty able.
They silently lip words but not audibly to each other.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 2.

DIANE
Who is this?
JALEN RIOT
I’ll find out.

She nods and turns away.

JALEN RIOT
(to Simba)
What’s your name?

Silence.
JALEN RIOT
The officer is still right outside.

Simba doesn’t look up.

SIMBA
S-simba.
JALEN RIOT
Simba, huh? Your parents Lion King
fans?
Silence.
JALEN RIOT
No parents?
Simba shakes his head. Jalen takes a seat.
JALEN RIOT
So where do you live?

SIMBA
At The Home. In Inglewood.
JALEN RIOT
Wait, how old are you?

SIMBA
10.
JALEN RIOT
How does a ten year old get up to
the Hills from Inglewood? How’d you
find me?
SIMBA
Google. And I took the train. And
then I walked.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 3.

Jalen smiles.
JALEN RIOT
Where’d you learn those Buster
Brown moves?

SIMBA
Youtube. Youtube has everything.
JALEN RIOT
Does it now? Can’t teach technique
though. You were actually pretty
spot on, even if sloppy. Need to
lose that control. I just started a
new academy...
Simba tries to hide a smirk.

JALEN RIOT (CONT’D)

...though, I think you knew that
already. Is that why you broke my
door?

Simba hesitantly nods.

JALEN RIOT
It’s alright. Listen, we don’t eat
free around here. Most of the kids’
parents are paying good money to
attend my classes. But if you’re
hungry enough, and willing, I’ll
let you clean up for the first few
weeks, and if you stick with it,
you’ll have a spot.

Simba smiles.
SIMBA
Thank you!

JALEN RIOT
I’ll call you a cab back home.
First class is this week.

INT/EXT. JALEN’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - PAST

Jalen walks Simba to the door to get into his cab. Simba
marvels at the portraits hung up. Famous dancers. Posters of
Jalen’s previous shows. Expensive paintings.
When he exits, Jalen stops him in the doorway...

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 4.

JALEN RIOT
Hey...
Simba turns around.
JALEN RIOT
You don’t always have to break the
door down. Just knock next time.
Simba thinks about it and then runs off into the cab.

INT. SIMBA’S BEDROOM - DAY - PRESENT

A 21 year-old Simba, slim but muscular, shirtless, complete
with a scar on his face, wakes up like he’s gasping for air.

Drowning in his sleep...

A title card:
2018

He grabs his head, which is pounding, and notices he has a

cloth wrapped around his hand - which hurts like Hell. The
fuck happened last night?
There’s a NAKED GIRL lying next to him with just underwear
on. He looks around his bedroom, which is scattered, for
clues but finds an unopened beer instead: The ghetto cure
for a hangover. He cracks it open and drowns himself in it.
He pushes the girl next to him.
SIMBA
Wake up. You gotta go.
She doesn’t budge.
SIMBA
Yo! Wake up!
She readjusts in the bed. He sucks his teeth, gets up, and
walks around the...

INT. SIMBA’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT

...which is junkie from the previous night still. There’s
trash and empty bottles, bowls where food was, and chips on
the floor. He moves to the...
 5.

INT. SIMBA’S BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT

...and examines his face in the mirror. It’s a little
bruised. He runs cold water over his face but the hangover
sparks RINGING in his head.

The ringing quickly translates to...

EXT. EMPTY ALLEY - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT

He’s tap dancing on a wooden board outside. He’s hoofing but

it’s sloppy, each stroke of his heel sliding against the
board as if he’s still ten years old.
He stops and drinks some more beer and tosses the can. He
starts to dance some more until...

Everything he drank and ate from the night before pours out
of him.
He goes back to dancing, hoofing a little better now that
the inner demons are gone, but still sloppy.

EXT. EMPTY ALLEY - LATER - PRESENT

Simba stops dancing for a moment to check out a slit in his
shoes and then looks at his phone on the ground: 9:00am.

SIMBA
Shit!
He grabs his board and runs back inside.

INT. SIMBA’S BATHROOM - MOMENTS LATER - PRESENT

He runs the water over himself while taking the cloth off
his hand. He’s not cut but his hand is bruised.

INT. SIMBA’S LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER - PRESENT

Simba comes out of his room with a fast food uniform
(In-and-Out) and a fifth of whiskey. He sees his roommate,
DANTE (23, professional, 3rd degree burn marks on his hands)
cleaning up.
SIMBA
Yo you see that girl leave this
morning? Think she took my
charger...

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 6.

Off Dante’s disappointed look.

SIMBA
What?
DANTE
We need to talk about last night,
man.
SIMBA
What’s up?

DANTE
I don’t know if you can stay here
no more...
Simba waves him down.

SIMBA
Here you go...I’ll help you clean
up when I get back. I’m running
late.

DANTE
Yo Darius is...
Simba puts his bottle down and exits before Dante can finish
his thought.

EXT. CITY STREET - DAY - PRESENT

Simba runs down the street just in time to make it before
the bus. He pulls out his change and counts. Damn...Not
enough. He looks around and the first person he notices is a
WHITE WOMAN. He looks at her for a second and decides not to
ask her. He sees an AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN walking up and goes
over to him.
SIMBA
Hey, what’s good bro? I’m runnin’ a
lil late for work and don’t have
enough for the bus. You got 50 cent
I can borrow?
The African American Man nods his head, reaching into his
pocket.
 7.

EXT. IN-AND-OUT/BACK - DAY - PRESENT

Simba runs into the back of In-And-Out by the garbage but
just before entering, he throws up on the side of them.
There’s an OLDER WORKER (60s) out back smoking a cigarette
sitting on a nearby box, watching him.

Simba catches his eye while still slumped over.

SIMBA
What man?

The Older Worker just shrugs his shoulders while continuing

to smoke.
SIMBA
Always got somethin’ to say.

He gets himself together and then goes into

INT. IN-AND-OUT - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT

Before Simba can make it passed the backroom into the

assembly line of workers, he runs into ANGELO (40s), the
manager.
SIMBA
Hey Angelo, what’s up man? Yo, my
bad for being late.
ANGELO
Again. Your bad for being late
again.

SIMBA
Yeah, traffic was...
He’s still clearly intoxicated, burping.
SIMBA
Wild.
ANGELO
You must think I’m a fool, huh? I
can smell the liquor spilling out
of your pores.
SIMBA
What? I wasn’t drinkin’.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 8.

ANGELO
Right. This is the fifth time
you’ve come in late within two
weeks, Simba. Looking like you’ve
been out all night. When you’re
late, the others have to pick up
your slack. Is that fair?
SIMBA
No. And I promise it won’t happen
again.

ANGELO
I know it won’t. We’re going to
have to let you go.
SIMBA
C’mon with this shit, man. I was
five minutes late.
ANGELO
Multiple times. That’s not the kind
of ethic we need around here.

SIMBA
So you just gonna fire me?
ANGELO
I’m sorry.

SIMBA
Whatever!

EXT. IN-AND-OUT/BACK - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT

He walks passed the Old Worker, kicking some nearby trash.

EXT. CITY STREET - MOMENTS LATER - PRESENT

Simba walks down a busy street. He’s frustrated but unsure

of what to do. He walks for a little bit, people watching on
his way back home, before coming across a liquor store. He
pauses and stares at it. It’s like it’s calling his name.

He literally hears his name being called.

VOICE (O.S.)
Simba...SIMBA!
 9.

INT. THE HOME BEDROOM - DAY - PAST

The room is riddled in things for multiple generations.
Simba wakes up in a gasp, confused and groggy, with JULISSA
(10, Latina, Aaliyah t-shirt, pajamas) staring at him.

SIMBA
Mmmm...Why you waking me up?
Julissa, impatient, returns with a barrage of questions.

JULISSA
Entonces, ¿lo conociste? ¿Era
amable? ¿Él llamó a la policía?
Simba rolls around and covers his whole body with his
blanket.
SIMBA
Ahhh!
Julissa pulls the covers away.

JULISSA
¡Aló! ¡Negrito! Did you meet him?
Simba rises out of bed and immediately makes it. He takes
off his previous day clothes, putting them away into their
proper place.
After a suspenseful pause...
SIMBA
Yup.

He puts on his pajamas and a tank top.

JULISSA
And?

He smiles, but before he can respond...

WOMAN (O.S.)
(yelling)
Food!!

Their faces switch to urgency and they race out the door.
 10.

INT. THE HOME DINING ROOM - DAY - PAST

Several kids from all angles of the home race into a neat,
yet crowded dining room riddled with Christian ornaments.
There’s microwave pancakes, eggs, grits, bologna and red
drink on the table.
They start to file in line, Simba in front. They all get one
of each and then sit at the table eating and talking.
Loudly. MISS LYNCH (60s, heavy set), is standing over them,
guiding them, making sure they don’t take extra.
MISS LYNCH
Just ONE pancake James. That’s why
you’re fat now!

In the corner of the room, sitting down on her phone is

RENEE (early 30s, withdrawn), one of the Residential
Counselors.
MISS LYNCH
And make sure you drink water. Lord
knows you don’t need any more sugar
in those big ass veins.
JAMES (12, heavy set) sucks his teeth. The other kids laugh.

Simba grabs food on his plate and places them neatly next to
each other. Julissa, on the other hand, just throws
everything on it, dropping syrup all over it.
Simba watches from the other side of the table in disgust.
She notices and smiles while she does it.
MISS LYNCH
Excuse me?
Nobody hears her.

MISS LYNCH
Excuse me!
The voice is a rocket through their ears.

MISS LYNCH
Are you all eating without saying
grace?
EVERYBODY
No Miss Lynch!

She gives them a "Go on..." look. Child DANTE (11, no hand
scars) quickly jumps in.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 11.

DANTE
Everybody bow your heads. Heavenly
Father, thank you for the food we
are about to eat. Thank you for
this lovely home Miss Lynch gave
us. Thank you for letting Simba get
in most of the trouble over the
last few weeks...
Simba kicks Dante underneath the table.

DANTE (CONT’D)
...and thank you for letting Renee
help out around the house. Amen.
EVERYBODY
Amen!

MISS LYNCH
Needs work. Hurry up so we can give
you these meds. Renee, watch these
little niggas for a little. I’m
gon’ spark me a square.

Renee, chewing gum unenthusiastically, nods. While they eat,

Miss Lynch leaves.
Julissa stares at Simba again, tapping his feet underneath
the table. He picks his head up from the plate.

SIMBA
What?
JULISSA
So what happened!?
Simba puts his head down.
SIMBA
Shhh!

Dante interjects.
DANTE
What happened when? What you do?

SIMBA
Nothin’ Dante! Mind ya business!
JULISSA
(sotto voce)
Sorry!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 12.

REGINALD
Hey everybody! Watch this!
REGINALD (10, dancer) starts to pop lock with a pancake on
his fork. He does a move and then launches it at James. They
all laugh.

JAMES
Ahhh!
RENEE
Don’t do it James!
James slowly lifts up food and throws it back at him. They
all join in on the food fight.
RENEE
Stop it! James! Reggy! Stop!
Miss Lynch runs back just in time to catch food on her
shirt. As it slowly drips, she starts to growl. They all
know what time it is...

INT. THE HOME DINING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER - PAST

All of the kids are cleaning different areas of the dining
room with toothbrushes. While on the floor, scrubbing a
tile, Julissa crawls her way over to Simba.

JULISSA
So?
SIMBA
So?

JULISSA
¡Oh Dios mío! You gonna tell me or
what?
Simba looks around like he’s going to tell a top secret.

SIMBA
He’s going to let me in his class.
Julissa’s face lights up. Best news she’s heard.

JULISSA
Are you SERI...
SIMBA
Shhhh!

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 13.

JULISSA
(sotto voce)
Are you serious?
SIMBA
Yup. Said all I have to do is help
clean and he’ll let me be in it.
JULISSA
That’s so awesome! See, told you we
could do it.

SIMBA
We?
JULISSA
Yeah, you’re going to be the best
tap dancer and I’m going to be a
rich and famous singer. Like
Beyonce. You just don’t forget
about me when we leave here.
Simba smiles.

MISS LYNCH (O.S.)

SIMBA!
His smile quickly fades.

EVERYBODY
Ooohhhhhhh!
JAMES
You’re in trouble!

Simba puts his head down, already knowing what it’s about.
MISS LYNCH (O.S.)
SIMBA! GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!

JULISSA
Be brave!
He gets up, bringing his toothbrush with him.

INT. THE HOME LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER - PAST

Simba walks in to find Jalen sitting on the couch drinking
juice with Renee and Miss Lynch close by. Shocked...what is
he doing here?? Renee is clearly in love.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 14.

MISS LYNCH
Mr. Riot was just telling us about
your little adventure last night.

SIMBA
Uh...uh...
MISS LYNCH
Uh...uh...nothing to say? You
sneaking out the house at night?
How long you been doing this?
SIMBA
First time Miss Lynch, I promise!

MISS LYNCH
First time?
SIMBA
First and LAST time!

She grills him but then changes subject.

MISS LYNCH
Mhmm...Mr. Riot was telling us
you’re talented.

Simba can’t hold in his smile.

MISS LYNCH
So all that noise you’ve been
making out back, every goddamn day
is a talent...Never would’ve
guessed. You’re lucky I’m a fan of
J.Riot. Cause you know what the
Bible says about breakin’ the
rules.

She fixes her pants, making sure Simba can see her belt.
JALEN RIOT
Are you ready?
Simba is confused. Ready for what?

JALEN RIOT
Forgot already? Work starts today.
MISS LYNCH
Oh, he’s ready. Already has his
toothbrush in hand.
Jalen laughs.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 15.

JALEN RIOT
We won’t be needing a toothbrush.
Simba smiles.
JALEN RIOT
We have mops.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO A - DAY - PAST

Jalen walks Simba into the academy and shows him around.
It’s an academy that is still being renovated so there is
still dust and trash in most of the studios. They make their
way into the only one that is clean where he’ll be teaching
a class.

Simba is in awe.
JALEN RIOT
This is where we create. Right
here. You ever been in a studio
before?

Simba shakes his head.

JALEN RIOT
I hadn’t either when I was your
age. C’mon.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO B - DAY - PAST

Jalen brings him into the next room, which is filthy with
trash.

JALEN RIOT
This is your office for the next
few weeks.
Jalen stands there proud of the place while Simba is
disappointed.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO B - LATER - PAST

Simba is in the studio sweeping the floor while he listens
to Jalen next door teaching a lesson. The tapping is LOUD,
distracting him from the cleaning. He’s noticeably annoyed.
JALEN RIOT (O.S.)
And toe. Heel. Toe. Heel.
Shuffle-stamp-shuffle-stamp-shuffle.
 16.

Simba doesn’t know what the words mean, but he can tell by
the sound: beginners. As much as possible, Simba stands
close to the wall to listen in. He hears the words and tries
to sound them out with his foot.

MONTAGE
-Simba wipes dust away from mirrors with cleaner and a
towel.

-Simba sweeps dirt into a dust pan.

-Simba looks at himself in the mirror while doing some tap
moves.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO B - LATER - PAST

When the class is over, and a portion of Studio B is clean,
Simba overhears Jalen practicing himself. Every hit: smooth.
Every combination: clean. Simba can’t keep up. He throws
away the trash he has and tries to peak through the door.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO A - SAME TIME - PAST

Jalen is moving gracefully on the floor. Tapping. Sliding.
Hoofing. It’s unlike anything Simba’s seen.

When Jalen senses him looking, he turns but Simba disappears

back into Studio B.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO B - LATER - PAST

Jalen walks back in to check on Simba, who is quietly

working as if he was never checking in on the class. Jalen
swipes his finger across the mirror for dust. The room is
still halfway filthy, but it’s a good job.

JALEN RIOT
King Simba, my man, good stuff.
SIMBA
Thanks!

JALEN RIOT
It’s only a quarter of the room
but, few more days and this will
look just as good as the other
room.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 17.

SIMBA
And then I can be in your class?
Jalen puts his fist out for a pound.
JALEN RIOT
My wife cooked dinner, you hungry?
Off Simba’s hungry face...

INT. JALEN RIOT’S DINING ROOM - EVENING - PAST

Simba eats like a hungry person. The table is set with
orange juice in his cup and a bottle of expensive Whiskey in
front of Jalen.

Jalen and Diane are staring at him go.

DIANE
Simba...do they feed you over
there?

Simba realizes he’s licking the bowl. He slowly puts it back

down, embarrassingly.
SIMBA
Yeah, but it’s just so many of us
that it’s not a lot of food.

JALEN RIOT
I know how that goes...
DIANE
Oh really?

JALEN RIOT
Yeah, 4 siblings. We had to fight
over food.
DIANE
You had it so so hard growing up,
huh?
JALEN RIOT
Had to fight off wolves too.

Simba can sense the chemistry as they joke with each other.
DIANE
Tell me more...

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 18.

JALEN RIOT
And then I found you, the greatest
Wolfe to ever live. And cook. So I
changed your last name.

DIANE
Oh and I had nothing to do with it?
JALEN RIOT
Nope. All me.

He swallows his last gulp of Whiskey and pours another.

Jalen swings the bottle a bit, nice and slow. Professional
drinker.
Simba takes note and swings his glass of juice the same.
Diane signals to Jalen to slow down in front of Simba. He
takes the gulp and then covers the bottle back.
JALEN RIOT
You got a girlfriend, Simba?

Simba almost chokes on his drink.

JALEN RIOT
Sounds like a "yes."
SIMBA
No! We’re just friends.
Jalen and Diane laugh.
DIANE
That’s okay, you don’t have to
worry about girls right now.
Diane gets up and tries to grab some of the dishes. Jalen
puts his hand on hers to tell her to stop.
JALEN RIOT
Yeah. They’re a lot of trouble.
Diane kisses him and then hits him and walks off.
JALEN RIOT
See?

Simba finishes off his juice.

JALEN RIOT
Alright, good day at the school.
Good dinner. You ready to go back
home?

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (3) 19.

SIMBA
Yeah, I guess.
JALEN RIOT
Don’t worry, I got another class on
Wednesday. Twice a week, we clean
till you pay off the door...which
you can see has been fixed already.
But don’t get no bright ideas!
SIMBA
How much more till I can be in your
class?
JALEN RIOT
I think you already started.

Jalen smiles.
JALEN RIOT
...but just another few weeks and
you can have a physical place.

SIMBA
Okay.
JALEN RIOT
C’mon, let’s wash these dishes and
get you home.

INT. SIMBA’S APARTMENT - DAY - PRESENT

Simba stumbles in slightly drunk, but still fully coherent.
When he walks in, the place is already clean. Dante and
their other roommate, HECTOR (early 20s), are putting the
final touches on it, sweeping the floor. Simba’s belongings
are in the corner.
SIMBA
What ya’ll doing with my shit?
HECTOR
This guy here.
DANTE
I thought you had work.
SIMBA
Long story. Yo, I’m not in the mood
for ya’ll jokes.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 20.

HECTOR
Joke? Only joke here is you!
SIMBA
Wanna try that again?

DANTE
Relax Hec. Simba man, we need to
talk.
SIMBA
C’mon bro, I don’t need this shit
right now.
HECTOR
And we didn’t need your shit last
night!

SIMBA
Will one of you tell me what the
hell happened?
Hector laughs.

HECTOR
He doesn’t remember. This guy is
crazy. You seen Darius around
today?

MEMORY FLASH - INT. SIMBA’S APARTMENT

Simba gives DARIUS (early 20s) a right hook in a small crowd
of people.

BACK TO SCENE
SIMBA
Where he at?
DANTE
He’s at his girl’s. Said he wasn’t
coming back until you were out the
house.
SIMBA
Oh so you just gonna throw me out?
I’ve known you longer than both
these niggas. Remember The Home?
DANTE
We’re not kids no more, man. And
this isn’t the first time you’ve
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 21.

DANTE (cont’d)
gotten into a fight with us while
drunk. You need help.
Simba rushes over to him.

SIMBA
Bitch ass nigga. If it wasn’t for
me your face would look like your
hands. Or did you forget? I outta
knock your ass out.

Dante isn’t scared. Not angry either. His eyes sink in

disappointment.
DANTE
You gonna hit me too?

MEMORY FLASH - INT. SIMBA’S APARTMENT

Simba is on top of Darius, punching his face.

BACK TO SCENE
Simba’s eyes water with anger, but he doesn’t hit him. He
just goes back to his bag and starts to pack some things.
DANTE
Where you gonna go?
SIMBA
I don’t know, muthafucka.
He picks up his wooden board, a bag with some things, his
tap shoes, and leaves.

EXT. SIMBA’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT

Simba closes the door and pulls his cell phone out.
Dead. Of course...

EXT. CITY STREET - MOMENTS LATER - PRESENT

Simba is walking down the street, steaming, dragging his

board with him. At one point he drops it and starts to walk
without it.
Then a moment passes, he stops in his tracks, and goes back
for it.
 22.

INT. BANK - DAY - PRESENT

Simba is next to speak to the TELLER at the bank.
TELLER
Hi, how may I help you today?

SIMBA
Yeah, for some reason my card has
been getting declined. I know I got
some money in there, I just got
paid not too long ago.
TELLER
Okay, let me check on that for you.
Do you have your debit card?

Simba hands her his debit card. A few moments pass by. Simba
looks around awkwardly at how long it’s taking.
TELLER
Okay, so it seems here you had an
outstanding negative balance, which
resulted in additional fees being
taken out. We take out $12
maintenance fees for accounts that
don’t have at least $250 directly
deposited monthly.

SIMBA
How are ya’ll taking out fees when
I don’t got money in the first
place? That makes no damn sense.
TELLER
I understand the frustration, sir.
SIMBA
But I just got paid so where’s that
money?

TELLER
That money went towards paying off
your negative balance, sir.
SIMBA
So how much do I have?
The teller prints out a statement which reads -$50 for his
checking account. Simba nervously chuckles.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 23.

TELLER
Is there anything else I can help
you with?

Off Simba’s anger.

INT. LOS ANGELES MISSION HOMELESS SHELTER OFFICE - PRESENT

Simba walks into an office and knocks on the door. TIFFANY,

one of the Volunteer Coordinators, is handling paperwork.
TIFFANY
Hi there, did you have an
appointment?

SIMBA
Hi, um, no. I recently just lost my
home and was wondering if I could
stay here.

TIFFANY
Do you have a wife or child?
SIMBA
No, it’s just me.

TIFFANY
I’m sorry, right now all of our
beds are full and we’re only taking
in women and children.
SIMBA
You kidding me?
Tiffany reaches for a card to write on.
TIFFANY
This is James Hill’s number.
Contact him for the intake for
men’s services. They do it Monday
through Friday 9am to 10:30am.
SIMBA
Monday through Friday 9 to...it’s
about to be noon! They won’t be
taking people for another few days!
What am I supposed to do till then?
TIFFANY
Do you have any relatives or
friends you can stay with?
Simba’s taken aback by the question.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 24.

SIMBA
If I had relatives or friends, I
wouldn’t be here right now, would
I?

TIFFANY
Is there anybody you can call?
SIMBA
My phone’s dead.

TIFFANY
Hmm...you can definitely try back
with us in a few days. It’s a first
come, first serve basis. Until
then, you should try LA Family
Housing over in North Hollywood.

SIMBA
NORTH HOLLYWOOD!?
TIFFANY
I’m sorry, I wish there was more I
could do.
SIMBA
Can’t ever get help for shit man.
Simba walks out the door.

EXT. CITY STREET - MOMENTS LATER - PRESENT

Simba walks back outside and begins to make his way down the
street. He comes across a daycare and sees kids outside
playing games. He stops to watch for a moment, seeing how
much fun they’re having and how simple their lives look.
He gets lost in them.

EXT. THE HOME BACK YARD - DAY - PAST

The kids are all in a circle with their feet in the middle.
The precursor to Hide-N-Seek: Picking who’s "it." James is
leading the way with an exaggerated speech.

JAMES
In this game of Hide-N-Seek, we
shall curse the bandit who is "it"
to blindness for 10 seconds. And
what’s more? We will hide in all
parts of The Home’s yard away from
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 25.

JAMES (cont’d)
the bastard we call "it" and when
he finds us, we shall continue to
parry and evade until their fingers
come across our garments. Brothers
do you hear me?
JULISSA
And sisters...
Another GIRL nods in agreement. James lets out a groan.

JAMES
Brothers...and sisters...DO YOU
HEAR ME!?
They all cheer.

JAMES
ARE YOU READY!?
They cheer again.

JAMES
Then so be it...
James starts on the foot next to him.

JAMES
Eenie, meenie, minie, moe, catch a
tiger, by the toe, if he hollas,
let him go, eenie, meenie, minie...
MOE!

He lands on Dante.
DANTE
Darnit! One-Two-Three...
Everybody starts to hide in all parts of the junkie yard.
Simba and Julissa go into a...

INT. THE HOME TENT - CONTINUOUS - PAST

Where Dante can still be heard counting loudly. Julissa is
very much into the game while Simba is a bit distracted,
pacing back and forth.
JULISSA
What’s wrong? You think he’s gonna
find us here? I knew we shoulda hid
under the house.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 26.

SIMBA
No. No.
He hesitates.
JULISSA
What?
SIMBA
Do you wanna be my girlfriend?

JULISSA
Your what?
SIMBA
My girlfriend. Jalen asked me if I
had a girlfriend and the only
person I thought about was you.
Julissa blushes.
JULISSA
Do you want me to be your
girlfriend?
SIMBA
Yeah...I think so.
He’s not so sure, but he’s going with it.

JULISSA
Okay.
SIMBA
Okay? Okay. So, um...

JULISSA
We should kiss, right?
Simba, wide-eyed and nervous, agrees.

SIMBA
Um...yeah. Let’s do it quick before
anybody sees.
Simba approaches Julissa and they try to do a very kiddy
kiss but don’t finish before Dante comes in and...
DANTE
Ewwwwwwwww! They’re kissing!
Off Simba and Julissa’s shocked faces..
 27.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO B - DAY - PAST

Simba and Jalen are cleaning the studio before Jalen’s
class.
JALEN RIOT
My boy got his first kiss, huh? How
you like it?
SIMBA
Ehh...

JALEN RIOT
Don’t worry. That’s normal for a
first kiss. Don’t know exactly what
to do with your lips just yet.
You’ll learn though.

Simba doesn’t respond. He just keeps cleaning.

JALEN RIOT
Listen, we’re going to have to slow
down with you coming over for
dinner.
This immediately strikes a nerve with Simba.
SIMBA
Did I do something wrong?

JALEN RIOT
Oh! No-no-no...I haven’t told you
this but...Diane, she...she’s sick,
ya’know? Do you...do you know what
Leukemia is?

Simba shakes his head.

JALEN RIOT
Well, it’s a type of cancer. She’s
been having some bad days and needs
to rest up so we’re cutting back on
the company. It has nothing to do
with you though.
SIMBA
Is she going to be alright?
Jalen doesn’t answer. Instead, he slowly steps onto a clear
area of the floor and starts a slow combination. He doesn’t
have on tap shoes so there’s no tap sound, just the bass
from his sneakers.

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 28.

Simba watches for a second and then joins in. He learns by

sound and sight. And quick.
JALEN RIOT
Let go..

Simba tries to move faster.

JALEN RIOT
I didn’t say move faster, I said
let go. Make the 1 your best
friend.
Simba slows it down, looking down at his feet as he moves.
JALEN RIOT
Don’t look at your feet. You need
to feel it. Stay in the pocket.
Remember to watch your timing.
Simba looks up.
JALEN RIOT
That’s it. Hit the 1. It’s just you
and the beat. Let it breathe.
Whenever you feel frustrated,
you’ll always have the beat. It’s
consistent. Doesn’t flake or waver.
The beat is certain. 1. That’s it.

INT. THE HOME BEDROOM - DAY - PAST

Simba and Julissa are watching Youtube videos of SAVION
GLOVER dancing. Simba is INTO it. Locked in.

JULISSA
He’s so good! That’s going to be
you!
SIMBA
Watch this! Oooooh!
But before they can turn on another video...
MISS LYNCH (O.S.)
Kids!
The look on their faces quickly turn from entertained to
afraid. They all rush down to
 29.

INT. THE HOME LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS - PAST

To where Miss Lynch and Renee are standing there with a box
of empty cereal. She’s holding it like it’s a bag full of
stolen money from the bank.
MISS LYNCH
So I’m going to make this easy for
all of you...

She’s sizing all of them up.

MISS LYNCH
Whichever one of you has been
eating up all the cereal without
permission, please come forward and
we won’t have any issues.
Silence. Nobody budges.
MISS LYNCH
Look like we got some sneaky
bastards, huh Renee?
RENEE
Sure do.

MISS LYNCH
I’m going to ask you one more
time...which one of you has been
eating all of the food without
permission?

Silence.
MISS LYNCH
Okay. Renee, hand me the belt.

Renee gives it to her.

MISS LYNCH
All of you, put your hands out.
They all hesitantly put their hands out.

DANTE
C’mon guys! Just admit!
RENEE
Shut up Dante! Put your hands out.

He angrily puts his hands out. Miss Lynch walks over to the
front of the line of kids. She lifts her belt up real high
until...

(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: (2) 30.

JAMES
It was me!
Miss Lynch goes to his level, smiling.
MISS LYNCH
I knew it was you. Philippians
Chapter 3 verse 19.
JAMES
I...I don’t know!

MISS LYNCH
"Their end is destruction, their
god is their belly, and they glory
in their shame, with minds set on
earthly things." You’re a slave to
the god in your belly, boy. There
is only one God, our Lord and
Savior: Jesus Christ. But don’t
worry. We’ll whip that right out of
you.

She grabs him by the ear and drags him to the BATHROOM.
Seconds later, they hear screaming from James and the sounds
of the belt pelting him over and over.
RENEE
See. And let that be a lesson to
you. That could’ve been you the
other day Simba, but I convinced
Miss Lynch not to cause I love
J.Riot.

Simba doesn’t pay her any mind. They’re all deep into the
sound of the belt hitting James. Simba especially, listening
to the rhythm of the hits. Over, and over, and over.
Off Simba’s face.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO B - DAY - PAST

Simba is making the same noise as the belt slapping James.
He only has on sneakers but it can be heard in the next
room. Jalen comes in and quickly scans the studio, nodding.

JALEN RIOT
King...come in here.
Simba quickly goes into...
 31.

INT. JALEN’S DANCE ACADEMY STUDIO A - CONTINUOUS - PAST

There’s FOUR other KIDS (diverse) already in line.
JALEN RIOT
Fall in at the end.

Simba gets to the end of the line and they start back with
the STEVE CONDOS warm up. Simba is off at first, stumbling,
but he catches the rhythm.

Jalen shows them different combinations through call and

response. Simba is not only learning quickly, but is better
than his classmates.