BACK PROMO 5'?m6f Generalized promo to advertise church event (editors enter one or two at a time, sit at conference table) CHIEF -- (enters with armful of file folders, pen, stands at head of table) Alright, people, this newspaper goes to press in less than two hours and we still don't have a headline for the front page. City Desk, what do you have that will sell newspapers? CITY EDITOR - Well, chief, as you know, mayor _________ (local mayor) was accused of embezzling two million dollars from the city treasury. CHIEF - Well, that looks like a promising lead story. CITY EDITOR - Actually, Chief, I'd rather see ________________________ (event) in the headlines. CHIEF - I didn't know about the ________________________ (event) . Sports desk, I suppose you want to go with the big surprise about ______________________. (local sports hero) SPORTS EDITOR - Well, yes, _______________________ (local sports hero) did announce his retirement unexpectedly today. But if I were you, I'd go with the story about _________________________ (event). CHIEF - Business Desk, big news from Wall Street, huh? BUSINESS EDITOR - Yes, it looks like all the economists are predicting a big, big recession this year. But, I think the big story is _________________________ (event). CHIEF - National Desk, is it true what they say about the scandal in the White House? NATIONAL EDITOR - Yes, Chief, it looks like six of the top White House aides are going to be indicted. But I think the voters would rather hear about __________________________ (event). CHIEF - International desk, what do you hear about the Russians? INTERNATIONAL EDITOR - Well, the CIA has confirmed it. The Russians have definitely reaimed their nukes at the United States. World War Three is imminent. But I recommend we go with __________________________ (event) for the front page. Did you know that ______________________? (selling point of event) CHIEF - Well, I guess that makes it unanimous. The headline will read "____________________________" (event headline) I want a sidebar about the impact on the sports world, the business world, and from the White House. ALL -- Yes, sir. NATIONAL EDITOR - Oh, Chief, the telegrams and letters have already come pouring in. CHIEF - They have? NATIONAL EDITOR - (hands telegrams and letters to Chief) Read for yourself. CHIEF - (scans pile) Look, here's one from the President of the United States. (reads) My Dear __________: (pastor or event chairman) I was looking forward to attending _______________________, (event) but I was reminded by my protocol officer that if I attended YOUR church event, the non-establishment clause of the U.S. constitution, as currently interpreted by the Supreme Court, would require that I attend all ______________ (event type). And while everyone knows that yours is the best of its kind, I regret I must put off my visit until congress can pass a law allowing me to attend. Signed, ____________________ (president or first lady). Well, I'll be! This _________________ (event type) is big! (scans next letter) I can't read this one. It's written in some foreign language. NATIONAL EDITOR - It's from the Pope. He's German, you know. CHIEF - The Pope knows about ___________________________?! (event) Well, I'll be! (pages through other letters) Are they all like this? NATIONAL EDITOR - Mostly from politicians who want to kick off their campaign at the church. They want to be associated with success. CHIEF - Then, we'd better hop on the band wagon. City Desk, you have a half hour to dig up some man-on-the-street comments about ________________________. (event) CITY EDITOR - Way ahead of you, Chief. I've got three reporters doing interviews as we speak. CHIEF - International desk, I want you to contact the United Nations Secretary General to see if he has any comments on the impact of ________________________ (event). INTERNATIONAL EDITOR - Already did that, Chief. Both the United Nations Secretary General and the NATO chief are confident that _________________________ (event) will promote world peace. CHIEF - Well I'll be! This ____________________ (event type) might have wider implications than we think! Is it possible that we could make a connection to our sports page? SPORTS EDITOR - Well, the Pittsburg Pirates and the Miami Dolphins are currently in negotiations with __________________ (pastor or event chairmen) to ride this wave of popularity by changing the nicknames of their teams. And the New York Yankees are negotiating to have exclusive rights to a mascot in honor of ___________________________ (event). BUSINESS EDITOR - While we're on the subject, Chief, I just got confirmation that Disney Studios is doing a documentary on ___________________________ (event). Not sure yet whether it will be aimed at television or movie theaters. But Disney stock jumped ten points already. CHIEF - Well, I'll be! (claps hands) Alright, everybody, let's get started. We have a deadline to meet. Let's get busy! (all exit) ©2013 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances. You may reproduce and distribute this script freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. http://www.bobsnook.org email: [email protected] BACK |