2. Scene 1: Walking into office
ZU hallway + office
Upbeat/happy
Fatima: walks confidently into office, sits into chair, marks first day in calendar, sips her
coffee.
Scene 2: Assignment
Office
Calm
Janis: Enthusiastic. Good morning, did you hear Zayed University has a new president?
I need you to write an article on his profile by 5 pm.
Fatima: Sure boss, I’ll have it in no time.
Janis: Here is his contact information, get started!
Scene 3A: Booking the interview
Office
Buzzer
Fatima: I love my job. I’ve got his email, so I can simply interview him via email.
Fatima: Dear President Duffy, I am writing an article… (fades out)
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 3B: Booking the interview
Office
Buzzer
Fatima: On second thought, I better interview him in person for him to understand my
questions better.
Fatima: Pick up and dial number. Hello, this is Fatima from ZU Mirror, I’m writing an
article on President Duffy. I need to book an appointment. Pause. In an hour would be
great; at 10! Pause. OK that’s perfect, let him swing by my office. I’ll be waiting.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 3C: Booking the interview
Office
3. Fatima: Actually, it may be better for me to go over there. He’ll feel more comfortable
and I can take notes on his background.
Fatima: Pick up phone, call president’s office again. Hello, this is Fatima again, from the
ZU Mirror, I just wanted to let you know that I will come by to meet the president
myself. Thank you, bye.
Scene 4A: Hour to kill
Office
Buzzer
Fatima: Excited. Oh my god! I’ve got an hour to kill, I can go shoe shopping.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 4B:
Fatima: Since I’ve got an hour, I should do some research on his background and
prepare my questions.
Scene 5A: Late > 10:05 am
Office
Buzzer
Fatima: Finally done preparing, time to freshen up and leave.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 5B: Early > 9:45 am
Fatima: Perfect! I have 15 minutes to get there, reporters should never be late.
Scene 6A: On the go
Campus outdoors
Upbeat/happy
Buzzer
Fatima: Look at mirror (too much makeup)
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 6B: On the go
Fatima: Ok I look gorgeous and I’m ready to go.
4. Scene 7A: Reception
Reception desk
Buzzer
Fatima: Hey, I’m here from the ZU mirror. I have an appointment to see President
Duffy.
Amal: Ok, just a second I’ll check the schedule.
Fatima: Rush. Oh by the way, I need a paper and a few pencils and a sharpener and an
eraser.
Amal: Disbelief
Fatima: Blink eyes. Please
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene7B:
Fatima: I’m sorry, I actually have everything I need in my bag. I’m always prepared.
Scene 8A: Recording
Outside president office
Buzzer
Fatima: Oh my god! I almost forgot (pull out recorder from bag). I will secretly record
the whole interview so I won’t have to take notes.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 8B:
Fatima: Actually, maybe I should ask him for permission first.
Scene 9A: Interview
President office
Buzzer
Fatima: Hey, I’m Fatima from the ZU mirror.
Duffy: Hello I’m Matt Duffy, have a seat please.
Fatima: Thank you.
Scene 9B:
Fatima: Ok I’m going to write a very important article. The interview will take
approximately 2 hours and I will ask you personal and slightly maybe just a little
awkward questions.
5. Duffy: Confused, shocked, uncomfortable
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 9C:
Fatima: Thank you for taking time to sit with me. We’ll just have a nice chat about your
background and your first day so far.
Duffy: Smile, relaxed
Fatima: So, to begin with, can you tell me how you spell your name?
Duffy: M A T T D U F F Y, and I prefer President Duffy.
Scene 10A: Off the record
President desk
Buzzer
Duffy: Before we start, I want everything to be off the record.
Fatima: Sure, whatever you like.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 10B:
Fatima: I’m sorry, I can’t promise you it will be off the record without discussing it with
my editor. And since the story is about you, it’s important it have your name in it.
Duffy: I understand, it’s not a problem.
Scene 11A: Ambush question
President desk
Buzzer
Fatima: Ok, why did you leave your previous job? You failed at it didn’t you?
Duffy: Shocked
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 11B:
Fatima: Maybe I should start with simpler questions. Do you like your job so far?
Duffy: Yes.
Fatima: Are you comfortable here?
Duffy: Yes.
Fatima: Do you like my shoes?
Duffy: Dumbfounded. Um, yeah.
6. Fatima: Laughs shyly. Aww you’re so sweet.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 12A: Open ended questions
President desk
Buzzer
Fatima: I should ask you about the university. What do you think of it so far?
Duffy: I think it’s great.
Fatima: Don’t you think the students at Zayed University are a hopeless case?
Duffy: No, I wouldn’t say that…
Fatima: Yeah but haven’t you realized that many of the girls here just don’t bother
studying and are all about looking good instead of worrying about academics?
Duffy: Pause. I don’t know how to respond to that.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 12B:
Fatima: Oh wait, I shouldn’t be putting words in your mouth or ask you biased
questions.
Scene 13 A: Background information
President desk
Buzzer
Fatima: So, tell me, where did you get your degree?
Show degree certificate on wall
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 13 B: Background information
President desk
Fatima: I’ve already done some research and I can take notes on things around your
office. Let’s move on. What changes do you wish to make in ZU?
Duffy: Well there are a few things I’d like to change.
Scene 14A: Doodling!
President desk
Buzzer
Fatima: Doodling on notepad
7. Duffy: Shouldn’t you be taking notes?
Fatima: Nooo are you serious? I have a pretty good memory. Laugh
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 14B:
Fatima: You know what, I should be taking down notes to make sure I have the right
information.
Scene 15A: Interruption
President desk
Buzzer
Fatima: So, how do you like your first day here in Zayed University?
Duffy: Oh, well it has been a bit stressful …
Fatima: Oh my god, I know!! I totally remember my first day!
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 15B:
Fatima: Sorry for interrupting you, please go on.
Duffy: Well, it’s been good so far, but I’m having a few problems with some of the staff
members.
Fatima: Bored. Aha
Duffy: They don’t seem to be putting much effort in their work.
Fatima: Aha.
Duffy: Actually, it’s the most difficult and stressfull job I have ever had.
Fatima: Really, why?
Duffy: Well, counting the expenditures as well as the residual of what is left of the past
decade and outsourcing essential services for the university is difficult.
Fatima: Confused. Okay, I totally get what you’re saying.
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 15C: Confusion
Fatima: Excuse me, but can you explain that in a simpler way, so that I can
communicate with a general audience.
Duffy: Oh, yeah sure. Basically we are having problems with the budget.
Scene 16A: End of interview
President desk
Buzzer
8. Fatima: Get up. We’re pretty much done. I’ve asked you everything I need to know.
See you (Heads to door).
----------------------(WRONG) ---------------------
Scene 16B:
Fatima: Oh, I almost forgot. Can I give you a call if I need to follow up on something?
Duffy: Of course, my number is 555 774
Fatima: Thanks. Is there anything else I should know before leaving?
Duffy: Umm, yes actually you helped my realize how much I hate my job!
Fatima: Confused. Ok, anything else?
Duffy: (raging, red face)
Scene 17: Paper out
ZU Office
Hallelujah Tune
Janice: Holding paper: President of Zayed University Quits on First Day. Great job
Fatima, you were born to do this job.
Fatima: Thanks boss, I loved it. Big smile, wink.
