TV FoxFamily, Fri Apr 21, 2000, "The Kids Stay in the Picture."
Written by Matthew Hastings, Directed By Michael Rohl.

That's all Clay's assembled so far. So, what do you think? All this new equipment ours? Yes. Part of the classroom upgrading. Peter, what did you think? Snowboard therapy? It's just capturing the... Spirit. It is? Yeah. He's not him, he's an actor. Oh.

We need a P.R. Video to effectively promote Horizon from coast to coast. You agreed on this. I'm trying to put Horizon Schools, Inc. back into the black. I agreed in my head. I didn't agree in my guts. I'm sensitive to your concerns. I really am. I attempted to address many of those concerns with Clay beforehand.

Job one is to sell the sports here. Why? Because all kids crave the extreme dream. That's the appeal, whether you like it or not. What about the appeal of healing? We're gonna work some of that in. Listen, we can adjust the dialogue, if that's what's bothering you.

I think your dialogue is what's bothering him.

[Scott has flashbacks to his stepmother's abuse]

Hey, Scott. You holding up okay? It won't be much longer. I just want to get this over with. Look, Scott, these people are not called child protective services for nothing. They're on your side, and they will protect you. Yeah, it's amazing how everybody just wants to protect me.

I'm Phillip Granville with child protective services. You're Scott, right? Yeah.

Peter, clay is good, and for what we could afford, he's delivering what we need. He's delivering what the corporation needs, not the school. Peter, I'm not the enemy. I'm trying to save this school, and this film is an important part of that. Please don't trip me on this. Chloe, I just want us to get back to our normal routine. Is that too much to ask? And without more funding, you can kiss your routine goodbye.

I'm sorry. No, no. I'm sorry. I'm just a little preoccupied today. CPS is coming to interview a student about some past abuse. Really? Yeah. We should tell Clay and have him film it. Umm, It might be a little too personal, right? Right. Right.

I'm sure you can talk to him for a few minutes.

Sorry for keeping you so long. I'm almost ready.

Shelby wanted to talk to you. Just a minute, please. Just a minute, guys, all right?

So, uh...how you feeling? Just wanting it over, done with. I heard somewhere the truth will set you free... Probably in church. You were in church? Uh-huh. No one ever really knows what it makes you feel like, about what happened, how wrong it is. You told me, and that took guts. Tell them.

You sure you want me to stay? Well, do you got the time? All the time you need, man.

This is child protective services case number 7633647. State your name. Uh, Scott Barringer. Your mother and father are divorced? Yeah. And what is your relationship with your father and your stepmother? Um...

Those actors have been staring at us all week like we're some kind of delinquents. Really.

Action. Quickly! Quickly! Quickly! Cut!

So, you think that's funny? Yeah. Coordination counts, even at Horizon. Yeah, well, laugh it up, losers. What? What did you say? Auggie, sit down.

They don't even look like us, do they? Nah. I bet that guy don't even speak Spanish. And that skinny one's got to be worse than me. Oh, but film is fantasy, and that's why it fascinates us. I made a film for junior high social studies. It was called "Smoke Gets in My Eyes." It celebrated my youth lost to the drug culture. Mine was called "the up-side of death." I thought it was a comedy. You would. Film is so subjective. I believe it was Alfred Hitchcock who stated, "Movies are like real life with all the boring parts taken out."

You are the flag football extras, right? Nah, we don't play flag footbl. We play tackle, when no one's looking. okay, we're going to use flags today for the color accent, so what we need from you extras is to see you having fun, being high-spirited.. Okay? High-spirited. That's us. Ok. Follow Treva. Let's go, guys.

Excuse me. Can I be so bold as to offer a comment? Everyone has notes. What would yours be? Now that you mention it, I believe your film needs another layer, the real Horizon, the real us. The verite. The truth. The grit. Not just the gloss. Exactly, and we can get you inside. What do you have in mind? A candid guerrilla unit? A Blair Witch counterpoint to your blue sky home-away-from-home message. All we need is a camera. And some film. Super-8 be okay? Good.

Action! Hut. Are you trying to ruin my scene, or do you just want to touch me? You don't get out of my face, and I really will touch you. God, you're real trailer trash, aren't you? I kind of like that. Only pigs like trash. Well, fyi, each of us is making, like, 2k a week for portraying you pervs in this bogus movie, and the best part is, we get to walk away from here. And I, for one, have a guest spot on a tv sitcom next week. Have a nice life.

Two grand a week for playing troubled teens? And to think we do it all day for free. They don't look troubled to me. 'Course not. Who'd want to send their screwed-up kids to a school full of screwups? This, dearly beloved, is why we're not in the movie. They're afraid we'd play ourselves.

We'll be needing you at the lodge. You know, I do have other duties. Well, I understood that you were at our disposal. Your disposal? Well, call it what you will, but I'd like you in the shot. No, thank you. Camera shy, are we? We do have a hair and makeup person that could...

[singing] MIlion-dollar houses. We'd just tell them that we live high among the chocolate stores and the banks... [end of singing]

Just for the record... Yeah? You look way better than any of them. Thanks, Augusto.

What are you doing? Capturing the real you. The real me doesn't appreciate having her picture taken without her permission. Then show us that rage. That boiling anger, heaving and churning inside. You mean like this?

Elayne... You're referring to your stepmother? Yeah. What was she like when you first met her? She was, uh... Trying to get on my good side. She knew how important I was to my dad back then. So she was friendly at first? How did she show that? She was all smiles and stuff. What kind of stuff? Like touching me. Touching you where? Like, uh... Like, on my -- my hand. She'd just find a way to touch me. And you told her to stop? Uh... No. No, not really.

It's okay, Scott. Take your time.

She was my stepmother, but she didn't like it. It? It. Being a mother. See, she was only, like, 10 years older than me, and now she's got to play at being a mom. She wasn't into it. Fine. Whatever. You know, she wasn't going to be my mom anyways.

And you made this known to her? She -- she, uh... She got the message. Yeah. How'd she respond? She started hitting on me. Hitting? Yeah, hitting. You know, like, for sex. When was the first time? I don't know, about six, maybe eight months ago. She looked at me by the pool as I walked by, but, different, you know, like looking me over. So she was trying to seduce you? Yeah, I guess you could say that. How'd you feel about it? I was upset. At her? At both of them. My dad left my -- my mom for her, and now he was gonna leave me alone with her? So you were angry at both of them? Yeah. She broke up my family, you know? It was like if she never showed up, then we'd all still be together. I hated that. I wanted some payback.

Then there was actual sexual contact between you? Yeah. How many times? I don't know. A lot. How many times is a lot? I didn't count, okay? It was a lot. Did she ever write to you? Write to me? She lived in the same house. Did you record any of your sexual encounters? What do you mean, did I record? Photos, videotapes. Why would... No. Did you tell anyone else what was happening? No. Why are you asking me these kinds of questions? Documented proof. It -- it would help your case. No. The answer is no. She just went after me.

I wanted to tell my dad. I did. I -- I couldn't, though. I, uh... Uh...What's the word? I...I betrayed him. And that -- that was the worst of it, what I did to him in my heart, and she just kept after me.

You're a teenager, Scott, a minor. She had no right to seduce you. Yeah, but I'm a guy, and I should have stopped her.

Scott, women are not the only victims of sexual abuse. It can happen to boys and men as well. So what happens now? The wheels are already in motion. Good job.

Mrs. Barringer? Child protective services. Come on in. Thank you.

So, uh... Was it really awful? You know, you don't have to tell me. It was just like... This guy asked me about everything. He wanted to know when, why, how. He wanted to know how, just to make me feel like... It's over, Scott. He made me feel like-- it's over. It's not over until I get back at her. It's not over until she pays. She's gonna be sorry.

So, what's up with him? I don't know, and I don't care. How about you? Are you okay? Totally. Why? Well, Scott being your ex and all, and he's speaking to Shelby and not you. The operative word being "ex."

Are we having fun yet? Hey, guys! Can we hurry it up a bit? We're losing our light. Just for the record, if we fall, I'm going to kill that jerk. If we fall, he's going to kill us for ruining his little movie.

Look at those two. Visually, they are a great pair. Yeah. I mean really, the skin, the hair, the eyes. These two should be on the cover of -- got it, Clay. I'm there. Move it faster, guys, faster. Let's go. Okay, that's it. I'm going to get up there and kick his -- Stay focused, Soph. I'm going to focus the toe of my boot on his -- stay calm, Soph. Get a foothold. Are you okay? Yeah, I'm okay. I'm okay.

This one's my favorite. I want you to use this one right here, this one.

Nice work, man. That stunt was spectacular. Fora minute there, I actually thought you were falling. And then Whoo! But it was good.

[Sophie socks Clay] You happy now? Yeah. I think I am.

Don't look at the camera. Come on. Let me see some feelings, people. You're eating gruel at a lock-down facility for societal rejects.

Whoa. Beautiful. A spontaneous demonstration of teen angst.

This could be one of the greatest moments captured on film since Tyson bit off Holyfield's ear. The coffee here is so good. And the Titanic floats.

What really twists me is that they have coffee... Hot, fresh, liquid caffeine. You know, that trashy blond one kind of reminds me of someone. Why don't you go take a-- Would anyone like my bacon? Me. Yeah, I would. Thanks. There's plenty more where that came from. Thank you.

So what'd that guy want with you? Man, put that camera out of my face or you're gonna have a movie of your lower intestine. So what? Are you in some kind of trouble or somethin'? His butt's on the burner. Ripped off some computers from his high school. Shut up, okay? Fine. You stole? Just leave it.

You don't believe me, do you? I didn't say that, Mrs. Barringer. This is only a preliminary investigation of the allegations. I'm not making any judgment here. Another CPS officer is also interviewing Scott. We'll compare our findings and make a determination. Just so you understand, our primary job is to protect the child involved. I'm sorry. I -- I have to do this.

I thought we had the support of CPS. I know, but apparently the letters he sent to his stepmother were love letters. Couple that with the report of him making a pass at you -- oh, but that was just a harmless little crush. It's still documented. Meaning his stepmother is gonna get away with it. CPS called...The agency's gonna drop the case. I've still got to tell Scott. Oh, that poor kid.

Peter, I need -- Oh. What are you two so serious about? School business. Well, we're running behind. Clay's decided to shoot your interview first. Fine. And you promised to act civil, remember? Clay's still a little squeamish, is he? Please? Yes, commandant. Hey? Civil, remember. Good luck.

'Kay, now invert the bacon. Ah, the comic-tragic masks. Cool.

Oh, yeah. Buenos dias, Kirby. Como estas hoy dia, idiota? Huh? Todo bien? What'd he say? Nothing. I don't get it. I thought you were supposed to be like Spanish or whatever. Some.

Huero.

Cholo. Oh... Yeah, he's Spanish or somethin'.

So where's Scott? Was he still in bed? Nah, he had to talk to Peter about something. What for? Exactly. What for?

She figured out a way. I mean, I've got to give the skank some credit. She figured out a way. You sent her those letters, scott. So what if I did, huh? It's like I said. She came after me. She said there was absolutely no sexual contact between the two of you. No, nothing. Nothing. Not a thing. Then what was it? Scott, I know that cases like this are difficult to prove. Then why didn't you tell me that to begin with? Because I was legally bound to report it. Why did you make me do this? It's my job, Scott. It's your job? She won. No, she didn't. Yes, she d --

What's wrong? I got my day in court, and I'm the one who's guilty. I...I don't understand. She had letters I sent her. Letters? What letters? What does it matter? What did you say in them? Why didn't you ever tell me? You wrote... You wrote her letters after everything she did to you? Just what's wrong with you? I don't care about your opinion anymore. I don't care about nothin', 'cause I've got nothing... Nothing at home, nothing here. Empty.

Hi. Uh...Is there something that you want? One word. Football. What about it? We challenged those actor jerks to a football game. I'm not up for it. Let me put it to you this way. Are you up for kicking some actor butts while adoring fans scream your name? Okay.

[singing] We were kids on a break riding on a merry-go-round, watching as the clouds rolled by in the pale blue sky.

He wants to be my, be my enemy -- [end of singing]

come on.

[singing] Be my, be my enemy, be my enemy, my enemy, oh, yeah. [end of singing]

How do you like that? Not now, man.

[singing] Line it up here one by one blinded by the velvet sun that reconnects with the night for just one day. And I knew that she would never come. [end of singing]

[crowd screaming]

[singing] This is where I shed my skin This is where if you want to be my enemy, I'll be your enemy, turn. yeah!

Be my, be my enemy be my, my own enemy. Be my enemy, my own enemy now.... [end of singing]

Now what? Yeah! Okay, fourth down. We've still got a chance here., all right? What are you guys doing there? All right, if we score this, we could win this.

All right, Scott, run down, fake a left, cut to the right, okay? The ball will be there. All right, you guys ready? Let's do this. One, two, three, break! Hey, you can do it.

Did you know about this? Hun-uh. It's all right. Let's just let them play.

Why don't you just step aside this time? Know why I'm here? Does third-degree manslaughter mean anything to you?

[singing] Be my, be my enemy. Be my, my own enemy. Be my enemy, be my enemy now, yeah, be my, be my enemy... [end of singing]

Just like I said, bunch of losers. You guys are such a joke. Yo, man. I'm not liking your attitude. Auggie! Cool it.

You're right. No, you know what? You're both right. That's it. We're the losers. Again, we're the losers.

All right, Cliffhangers. I want you showered and in the lodge in 15 minutes. Let's go. Go. Now.

All right, this has to end. Understand? These kids are actors. They're thespians. They're not real. There's no reason to compare yourselves to them.

Man, they kicked our butts. Felt pretty real to me. Yo, by the way, Scott, thanks for watching my back out there, man. Ain't my job to watch your back. No, your job was to catch the ball, and you didn't do that either, did you?

Hey! Can you can it? All right? Could someone give me some insight into what we learned here today? Anything? We blow. Great. Anyone else? The answer is nothing. When you compare yourself to others you lose... Always, guys. When you go outside of yourself, you are diminished. It's better than being inside yourself. Then you don't exist. Let's get back to the basics, here, guys. The big picture... It's within you. Just think about that, all right?

Hey. Look, I'm sorry, okay? I just...I don't understand it, writing her letters after what she did. You don't understand. Fine. What, do you want me to explain it to you? You're not gonna get it. I might. I've gotten a lot so far.

Scott! What? I can help you. If you'd just tell me what's going on, I really could. If you just tell me -- Why are you... Never mind.

Jules... He's right, Jules. You don't want to help him. You just can't stand to see someone else help him. You think you know? I know you've got to make a choice. Between you and him? Whatever. Not whatever. Why don't you just say it instead of acting so hurt all the time? Why don't you make a choice?

[film narration} ...Horizon, not just for school, but for life. [end of narration]

So, comments?

[laughter]

Thanks for brightening our day, Clay.

Understand, this is what we call a sales tool. Something to get the buyer in the door, like a department store. If you don't get them in the door, you can't sell your product.

What's our product? Our product is helping deeply troubled teens, like each of you. Sir? Yes. Do you know what my troubles are? You, personally... Or what my troubles are? Or mine? Or mine? Or mine? You don't know anything about us.

This is a creative mess. My mise-en-scene, all screwed up, my motifs, foggy, and, thematically, we're totally out to sea. We'll never tell the true tale of Horizon. But what is the true tale of Horizon? That is a complicated question which we are trying to explore filmically. I don't think it's so complicated. Do you mind if I have a try? Be my guest.

You okay? Fine. Kids, you know? Yeah. They were right, you know? About what? This movie isn't about them at all. Kids have a way of cutting right to the basics, huh? Yes, they do.

Hey. When my parents divorced,

to live with my dad. I was in a new town. My mom was messed up, far away, and I never talked to her. My dad was travelling all the time, and all I had was my stepmother, and for a while, um... For -- for a while I thought Iwas in love with her. Even though she was abusing you. Yeah. It was like, if I loved her, then it made what was going on okay. Well, when did you know you didn't love her? The first time I said no and she didn't stop. Oh...

Now you know everything about my life. No one in the world knows what you do. You wanted to understand. That's it. I can't explain it any better. I once thought I loved someone who did nothing but hurt me. I understand. You do? Sure. Hey, it's basic.

Now or never. Ladies and germs, tonight we present to you a filmic tale of life on the edge, of trapped souls yearning to walk through the -- boo! It is entitled, simply, "un film de la vie du horizon."

So does anybody play the piano? Scott? [applause]

Lights?

Oh, the hurt in your eyes, like a shadow on your soul, another dream dies I was right where you are, only one step away but the journey home is far.

Please don't turn me away. In my arms you'll hear me say you know, I'm always there for you no matter what you do, I'm here to pull you through. So if you feel the rage inside, don't stand alone, come talk to me. what've you got to hide?

In the secret pain you feel, you'll find me there, I'll pull you through. You know my love is real.

please don't turn me away. Take me in your arms, I need to hear you say you know I'm always there for you.... [end of singing]

Well, it's thematic, I suppose.

[singing] I'm here to pull you through [end of singing]

Yes, it is.

[singing] No matter what you do, I am always on your side. I share the tears you've cried. There's nothing left to hide. Ohhhhh.......

You know I'm always there for you, I'm here to pull you through, no matter what you do. I am always on your side. I share the tears you've cried and there's nothing left to hide. Woe, ohhhhh.... [end of singing]

[applause]

Scott, I want to tell you something. I believe what you say happened happened, and that, uh, woman, she thinks she can hide behind her lies, but she can't, because we won't let her. Will we?

[fade to black]

Home