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Logline

How do we set aside grief when our loved ones need us most? Up for an Oscar, aging actress Margaret Green dons her fur coat while her husband, Harold, dons his bravest face.

Synopsis

The doors to an armoire open, revealing a lavish bedroom with film posters and awards. Margaret Green (70s), the woman in the posters, puts finishing touches on her Oscar look. Harold (70s), Margaret’s loyal husband, asks which coat she’d like to wear. Margaret says he should pick one out for her. He’s her good luck charm, after all. Margaret mentions her agent, Laurie, said they must be at the carpet soon. She searches for her pearl necklace. It’s around her neck, Harold points out. She admits it’s just nerves. She consoles herself by counting her blessings–a devoted husband, a fruitful career, adoring fans. Harold chuckles. He knows she wants to win.

Harold picks out a tacky fur coat. Margaret teases him, then tells him to try again. They joke about her never-ending supply of furs. Harold picks another fur, and though Margaret claims it’s more “Lewinsky than Bellucci,” he convinces her. She embraces him and they sway.

In Harold’s arms, her armor cracks. She confesses she needs to win the Oscar. If she doesn’t, she fears she’ll be forgotten by those “wonderful people out there in the dark.” She asks Harold to hold her if she loses.

A knock at the door. Harold answers while Margaret touches up her makeup. Harold apologizes for the delay, admitting they lost track of time. Margaret thinks it’s Laurie. She criticizes the woman’s outfit. The woman steps into frame in scrubs, asking if Margaret’s ready for bed.

Margaret is shocked. Bed? What about the Oscars? Harold explains she’s Rosie, her nurse. Margaret panics. Harold plays along, reassuring her the Oscars are tomorrow. Believing him, Margaret removes the Lewinsky fur. Rosie leads her out as she mumbles.

Harold, alone now, stares at a poster of young Margaret, hangs the fur, and closes the armoire’s doors.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Sarah Showich — Director
Sarah Showich (they/them) is a Lebanese-Jewish director for the stage and screen. As a recent graduate of USC’s school of Dramatic and Cinematic Arts, their work centers around work with character as a predominant element, exploring the impact of society, how it shapes us, and what more we can ask of ourselves and those around us. They are currently assistant directing Tales of the Trancestors: The Divine with Celebration Theatre directed by Nico Pang. Other recent stage credits include being a directing observer with Center Theater Group and Deaf West’s production of American Idiot directed by Snehal Desai and directing a staged reading of Buck v. Bell with Eight Ball Theatre Company. For the Screen, they previously directed an indie short film called Me & You which premiered at Austin Micro Film Festival and won Best Relationship Drama.

Farah Hosseini — Writer
Farah Hosseini (she/her) is an Afghan-American actor and screenwriter based in Los Angeles. She is currently in her last year as a Theatre BA undergrad at the University of Southern California. Previously, she starred in USC’s main stage production of Ike Holter’s Hit the Wall and their production of Machinal by Sophie Treadwell. Whether on the stage or the page, she’s passionate about telling deeply personal stories. She writes knowing that stories heal. This is her debut project as a screenwriter.

Charlie McCollum — Producer
Charlie McCollum is a producer and director based in New York City. At the core of his filmmaking ethos is an emphasis on authentic storytelling executed in forms not seen before. His approach to producing revolves around hands-on collaboration and team building-– taking immense pride in overseeing a project from start to finish through strong partnerships. As a director and writer himself, he is a second set of eyes for creatives to bounce their boldest ideas off of. Recent credits include Idlewild, Sultana, Blue, and I Don’t Know What I’m Doing Here.

Scott Brian — Producer
Scott Brian is a producer and director based in New York City and Los Angeles. He is dedicated to innovating the way people engage with and create the arts, which is highlighted through his passion for collaborative storytelling. With a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Southern California in Theatre, Scott has gained a panoramic understanding of the creative and logistical facets of the entertainment industry. Most recently, he directed an original narrative short film, Playthings, and produced live events, House of Harmony, Artscape, and USC Sings: Voz Latina.

Ruben Plascencia — Director of Photography
Ruben Plascencia is a first generation Mexican-American cinematographer based in Los Angeles, CA. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Ruben was able to find his passion for filmmaking at a young age and pursued his education with a Bachelor’s degree in Film Production at the University of Southern California. Currently, he works as a freelance DoP in LA.

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Contact

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