Follow Me

Creator: Shannon Marshall
Genre: Comedy
Age rating: 13 and older
A frustrated secretary gets even with her elitist jerk boss by impersonating him on Twitter and hijacking his science journalism conference in an overnight race through the Las Vegas Strip.
Project collaboration: Open
Full synopsis
Synopsis: Allison Geiger wonders how she transformed from a promising astrophysics Ph.D. candidate into Professor Joseph Kelner’s personal slave. Her actual job title is ‘executive staff assistant,’ however, most of the time she feels like she’s wearing a sign exclaiming ‘Kelner’s Bitch.’ This week, Allison is coordinating Kelner’s conference in Las Vegas to bring together cutting edge scientists and journalists in an effort to promote science to the public. Allison is thrilled to offer support to the many scientists and science journalists she stalks on Twitter and Facebook (although none follow her in return).

Menial chores such as lugging Kelner’s luggage and tracking down gluten-free dining options for the hyper-allergenic panelist on nano-particles weigh down Allison’s soul. She fears that her dreams of pursuing a career in public science outreach are fading like the tired ink on each xerox. Her ex-boyfriend Luke (one of Kelner’s grad students) makes snide comments that secretly confirm her fears. Her good friend Ryan (another grad student--one who would like to be more than friends), sees Allison wasting away under Kelner’s demands. When an important speaker cancels, Allison sees her chance to break away from clerical-mode and voices her suggestion. Kelner shuts her down and publicly humiliates her.

Allison decides to take matters into her own hands by creating a Twitter account in Kelner’s name. By impersonating Kelner, Allison quickly gets many of the conference attendees to follow her. Though Ryan hides his secret love; he shows his unwavering support for getting even with Kelner. But Allison’s plans include more than revenge. She’s looking for professional validation.

Operating as ‘cyber-Kelner,’ Allison, begins an unannounced nighttime program for the conference by using her phone to stream video of a drunken impromptu science demo at a bar--thus beginning an eight hour marathon of wild, wacky and sexy science demonstrations along the Las Vegas strip. With each demo and video distributed by Twitter, Allison’s group of followers grows to include scientists, journalists, gamblers and showgirls. However, the secret identity theft is pushing Allison to her breaking point. Kelner’s absence is noticeable—Allison’s excuses are growing thin. Luke has decided that this is the night to rekindle lost romance with Allison--much to Ryan’s chagrin. When Luke’s proposals hit a dead-end, his curiosity peaks and he discovers Allison’s lie. He demands a piece of the credit (and a date as well).

Luke rats Allison out to Kelner, and she is forced into the background while they take credit for her work. A small push from Ryan makes Allison realize that it’s time to take charge of her life. Technology got her into this mess—it will get her out of it too. She uses her phone to secretly film Kelner as he threatens her with a future of clerical servitude while he takes her ideas for his own. Then she calls him out—YouTube style. Kelner loses his credibility, his followers and almost his job. Allison, on the other hand, wins her dream career, a supportive man, and legions of fans willing to “Follow” whatever she says or does.

Latest Work

  • Script 2 - Shannon's 2nd Draft
    02/28/11
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    Creative Notes:
    Post amazing notes from reviewer Joseph Braden, extensive revisions made to develop journeys of secondary characters. Before, the primary antagonist spent the majority of the night in bed (sleeping)--not really an obstacle for the main character. This version gets him out of bed and launches him on a midsummer night's romp down the Las Vegas strip, threatening to uncover our protagonist's plans.
    RTF

All Work

  • Script 1 - Shannon's Original Draft
    12/29/10
    Main1293678254._sx304_sy171_
    Creative Notes:
    Much of the science found within “Follow Me” was inspired by real research advances discovered at Cornell University, which I learned about while working in their Research Division. In addition, Experimental Eric was directly inspired by Cornell alumnus Bill Nye--a passionate advocate for rational thought, social media, and communicating science to the public. (Photo credit: Steve Patten.)
    RTF