Young teen Rose longs to make good as a reporter on the school paper, but if her editor, Clarissa, has her way, it will mean destroying her good friend Herby.

(Warning: Using this scene without permission is illegal, as is reproducing it on a website or in print in any way.)

CLARISSA: You two used to be friends, didn't you?

ROSE: No! Well, when we were little kids.

CLARISSA: Weren't you friends, like, last year?

ROSE: Um...uh...

CLARISSA: This is perfect. JUST the angle I need.

ROSE: What? What do you mean?

CLARISSA: He respects you. Likes you, even. I can tell these things. I'm a scholar of human behavior.

ROSE: I don't understand.

CLARISSA: YOU can get me the interview I need.

ROSE: I don't think so, Clarissa—

CLARISSA: Alright. Fine. (This is painful:) I'll let you give the interview.

ROSE: You mean—you'll let me try again? On camera?

CLARISSA: But not live. And if you mess up, I'll edit you out. (Beat.) This is your chance.

ROSE: (Takes a deep breath:) Ok.

CLARISSA: You'll do it?

ROSE: Yes.

CLARISSA: Let's shake on it.

(They shake hands.)

But Rose, one thing?

ROSE: Yes?

CLARISSA: (To Camera Guy:) Get this on camera, please. I want a witness.

(Camera Guy rolls.)

I'm not going to have the Times Daily look like a bunch of yahoos.

ROSE: Um...okay?

CLARISSA: The media makes the story, Rose. Just like the historian writes the history. (Beat.) And let me be frank with you: the viewers make the ratings.

ROSE: Ratings? I thought only students and teachers watched our program.

CLARISSA: Today the school, tomorrow the world. (Beat.) Besides, we have to please The higher-ups. I promised. And I don't break my promises. (Beat.) Do you?

ROSE: No!

CLARISSA: Good. Now about the interview. Have you been reading the blogs?

ROSE: Of course! I've been editing them.

CLARISSA: Right. And you've been counting the votes?

ROSE: Yes.

CLARISSA: So you know that our viewers have certain expectations.

ROSE: They expect Herby to fail. Boy, are they going to be surprised when—

CLARISSA: Rose. Disappointing our viewers equals bad. Happy viewers equals good. Laughing at others makes the viewers feel better about themselves, and gives them a united purpose...thus bringing the community together and equaling happy viewers. Happy viewers equal happy executives. Happy executives mean happy Clarissa. Which means Rose gets to be somebody. And isn't that what you want? What you've been working toward?

ROSE: Yes...

CLARISSA: Then what am I asking from you?

ROSE: (Beat.) You want me to make Herby look like an idiot.

CLARISSA: Those are not my words, sweetie. The Times Daily would never say such a thing. It is our goal to deliver the news in the most impartial manner possible. (To Camera Guy:) Cut!

(She hands Rose the microphone.)

Go get me that interview. And it better be splashy.

ROSE: But—what if he doesn't fail? What if he succeeds?

CLARISSA: (Beat.) Well, we just need to make sure that doesn't happen, don't we? I'll leave that to you.

(Clarissa exits. Rose walks to mirror. She considers her outfit, her image. Unbeknownst to her, Camera Guy is still present. He starts rolling.)

ROSE: So tired of being invisible...(To self:) This could be your only chance, Rose. (Notices Camera Guy:) Hey! Stop the tape! Please – you have to edit that out.