Sample Rough Copy: Based on Prison Break (Episode 1)
Background Information:
Set up the scene – setting, time, place
- Fox River Penitentiary
- afternoon
- scene takes place at a picnic table in the prison yard
- prisoners are outside for daily activity
List of characters and descriptions of each
Michael Scofield: average-looking guy; calm; highly- intelligent and quick- witted; in prison for attempted robbery (really planning to escape with his brother who is also in prison)
John Abruzzi: intimidating mobster; Italian accent; long hair
Background information to the scene
As part of his plan to break out of the prison, Scofield needs to be on PI and the only way he can gain access is through John Abruzzi
He realizes that Abruzzi isn’t a welcoming or friendly guy so he has to make Abruzzi feel like he
Scofield to be part of the PI team needs
This scene is Scofield planting the seed in Abruzzi’s head that he (Scofield) has something (maybe information? We don’t find out what the something is yet) that Abruzzi needs
Synopsis
Introduction:
Michael approaches Abruzzi and simply tells him that he needs to be on PI. Abruzzi doesn’t accept his request and tells Michael to leave
Rising Action
Michael starts to manipulate Abruzzi by making it seem as though he is an asset somehow to Abruzzi
He then hands Abruzzi a folded paper crane
Abruzzi is caught off- guard for a brief moment but collects himself and makes a sarcastic remark about the crane
Climax
Michael now demands to be on PI
Abruzzi’s group of ‘goons’ stand up in an attempt to intimidate Scofield
Resolution
Michael suggests that Abruzzi think about his demand and simply walks – he doesn’t seem to have been at all intimidated
Abruzzi watches as he walks away
Scene Set-Up
Camera angles: medium shot; eye-level so viewer feels they are part of the scene
Close ups on Scofield, Abruzzi and the paper crane to add to tension of scene
Prison yard is busy
Schofield approaches as Abruzzi and his group are sitting and standing around picnic table

Sample Screenplay: Title Page
Student Name
ENG 3CI
Ms Clegg
March 6, 2013
Prison Break

Sample Page One
Cast: Michael Scofield
John Abruzzi
Aburzzi’s group
Setting:
- afternoon at Fox River Penitentiary
- scene takes place at a picnic table in the prison yard
- prisoners are outside for daily activity
Background:
-
As part of his plan to break out of the prison, Scofield needs to be on PI and the only way he can gain access is through John Abruzzi
-
He realizes that Abruzzi isn’t a welcoming or friendly guy so he has to make
Abruzzi feel like he needs Scofield to be part of the PI team
-
This scene is Scofield planting the seed in Abruzzi’s head that he (Scofield) has something (maybe information? We don’t find out what the something is yet) that Abruzzi needs

Sample Page Two
Dialogue
Scofield: Abruzzi, I need you to hire me at PI.
Abruzzi: [ calmly ] Beat it.
Scofield: [ with a smug smile ] Maybe you oughta hear what I got to say.
Abruzzi: You got nothing I need
Scofield: Wouldn't be too sure of that. [ places a origami crane in front of Abruzzi ]
Abruzzi: [ cynically ] My mistake, just what I need - a duck!
Scofield: PI, Abruzzi. You might find that I can be of more assistance than you think.
[ Abruzzi's goons get up and approach menacingly.
They stare at Schofield to intimidate him ]
Scofield: [ Scofield starts backing off, smiling ] Mull it over, come find me when you're ready to talk.
[ walks off ][ Abruzzi stares in a sense of curiosity ]