I, DANIEL BLAKE

FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT

Director: KEN LOACH

Producer: REBECCA O'BRIEN
Writer: PAUL LAVERTY

SIXTEEN FILMS
187 WARDOUR STREET
LONDON
 1.

1. WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT 1

VOICES against black. Impatience and exasperation growing as an

assessor (female) goes through an assessment with a claimant
(male) for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Sense of this
having gone on for a long time.....for both sides.
ASSESSOR
Can you walk more than 50 metres
unassisted by another person?

DAN
Yes.

ASSESSOR
Can you raise either arm as if to put to
something in the top pocket of a coat?

DAN
Filled this out already on your 52 page
form!
ASSESSOR
I am having some difficulty with your
legibility... Can you raise either arm to
the top of the head as if to put on a
hat?

DAN
Told you....there is nothing wrong with
my arms or my legs......You have
medical records.....can we talk about
my heart?

ASSESSOR
Can you press a button, such as a
telephone key pad?

DAN
Nothing wrong with my fingers
either....listen you're getting further
and further away from my heart.....

ASSESSOR
Can you use a pencil to make a
meaningful mark?

DAN
Yes.

ASSESSOR
Have you significant difficulty
conveying a simple message to
strangers?
 2.

DAN
Yes......it's my fucking heart I keep
telling you.....but you won't listen.

ASSESSOR
Mr Blake, if you swear one more time
I will terminate this assessment.
[Pause, silence.] Do you ever
experience loss of control leading to
extensive evacuation of the bowel?

DAN
Do you mean shit myself?

ASSESSOR
Yes.

DAN
No, but I can't guarantee this won't be
a first unless we get to the point.....
ASSESSOR
Can you complete a simple task such
as setting an alarm clock?

DAN
Ah Jesus Christ.....Yes.

ASSESSOR
Do you ever have uncontrollable
episodes of aggressive behaviour
that would be unreasonable in any
workplace......

DAN
Only if the radio is on and I am
listening to the news.....

ASESSOR
Mr Blake!

DAN
......Never had any problems with my
work-mates......

ASSESSOR
Do you have any pets?

DAN
You mean like a hamster? Is that on
the form?

ASSESSOR
I am trying to build up a picture of
your capacity to mobilise.....
 3.

DAN
Is it on the form?

ASSESSOR
If you refuse to answer my question I
will terminate this assessment.

DAN
No, I don't have a pet! [Frustration
spilling over] Can I ask what medical
qualification you have?

ASSESSOR
I am a health care professional
appointed by the Department of Work
and Pensions to carry out
assessments for Employment and
Support Allowance and I will not
answer personal questions......

DAN
Someone in the waiting room just told
me you worked for an American
company......is that a personal
question too?

ASESSOR
Our company has been appointed by
the Government.....do you want to
proceed with the assessment?

DAN
I have a serious heart condition and I
just want to make sure you have the
medical qualifications to understand
what's wrong.......are you a nurse or a
doctor?

ASSESSOR
I am a heath care professional.....

DAN
Do you know what ACS stands for?

ASSESSOR
I do not have to answer your
questions......

DAN
Acute Coronary Syndrome......do you
know what "atheroma" means?

ASSESSOR
I am not obliged to answer your
questions....
 4.

DAN
Listen.....I've had a major heart attack
and nearly fell off a scaffolding.....I
want to get back to work too.....now,
will you please ask me about my
heart and forget about my arse which
works like a dream....

2. EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING, NORTHERN TOWN, ENGLAND 2

Daniel Blake, (59) a compact man with a weather beaten face

emerges through swing doors to the steps outside the building. He is
immaculately dressed for the occasion, coat, suit, shaved, and
polished shoes. His whole gait demonstrates that he is his own man,
and takes pride in how he presents himself in public.
Dan takes a deep breath of fresh air. He catches sight of a security
guard by the entrance too. They both look at a family some distance
away who are deeply distressed. An older man is in some distress
and is comforted by his wife.
GUARD
How did you get on?

DAN
Fucking battle axe.......

GUARD
The number of people that come in
here sick......and leave perfectly
cured.....

DAN
Should call it Lourdes.

3. OUTSIDE DAN'S FLAT. (SAME DAY) 3

Thirties maisonettes, one floor up, flats off an open walkway.

As Dan moves along the walkway he is not best pleased about a bag
of rubbish left outside the door of the flat next door. He gives it a
poke with his foot. He has his keys out to enter his flat when the door
by the rubbish bag crashes open and young lad in his early 20s
tumbles out. His nickname is China. He has his earphones on, but
still the pounding music can be heard; he is half singing to the music.
Dan indicates he should take his earphones off.
CHINA
[Too loud] Sorry Dan.....in a right
rush.....just got a text to go to
work.......

DAN
I'm not fucking deaf!
 5.

Dan still indicates he should take off the earphones. China does so.
DAN
Tell me......how was the chicken tikka
massala?

CHINA
[Confusion on his face]
Amazing.....how did you know that?

DAN
Because I can bloody well smell
it.....what did I tell you about leaving
the rubbish there, stinking the place
out?

CHINA
That lazy bastard, Piper....my flat
mate....don't know how many times
I've told him....thick as a plank. Can I
dump it later? Running late.....
DAN
No! Pick it up now!

China picks it up.

CHINA
Dan....got a big favour to
ask......expecting a package.....really
important.....they've just changed my
hours and I won't be in, will you keep
an eye out for the postman?

DAN
If you swear, no more rubbish......

CHINA
My whole future could turn on it
Dan......that's how important.....
He sticks the earphones back on as the music pounds. He starts
messing with the rubbish bag, half dancing with it to the terrible
racket to entertain Dan.
Dan can't help but smile.
DAN
Bloody scamp.

4. HOSPITAL. (2 DAYS LATER) 4

EXAMINATION ROOM: Dan lies on a bed bare-chested as a

cardiology technician uses an ultrasound to check his heart. An
image of his heart (although indecipherable to the layperson) appears
on a computer screen which the technician glances at.
 6.

Sense of professional competence from the technician and Dan's

vulnerability in the silence.
ANOTHER ROOM - OP Department
Dan is halfway through a conversation with a specialist cardiac nurse
who has Dan's papers out in front of her on the desk between them.
SPECIALIST CARDIAC NURSE
You are making progress.....but it was
a nasty one Dan.......we'll continue
with the same dosage and rehab
exercises......we'll see if the pumping
capacity can improve, and it
might......if not, we might have to
consider giving you a defibrillator...
The doctor makes a small pocket
under the skin for it to sit in - it's just a
local anesthetic...

DAN
Sounds fun.....what's that do?

SPECIALIST CARDIAC NURSE

Detects and treats dangerous fast
rhythms.....

DAN
When can I go back to work?

SPECIALIST CARDIAC NURSE

Not yet, that's for certain, depends on
the rehab....keep up the exercise,
keep moving....that builds you
up.....but you have to rest as well...

DAN
Bit of night bird....got into the habit
when looking after my Mrs before she
passed away...

SPECIALIST CARDIAC NURSE

Take a nap during the day
then......good nourishing food, fresh
fruit and veg, and avoid
stress........but you're doing great.......

DAN
Thanks....you're a gem.

5. SAWMILL. (3 DAYS LATER) 5

A local sawmill that services builders, joiners and furniture makers in

the area.
 7.

Dan enters the mill and passes by the noisy Stenner rip saws and
returns the waves of workers wearing ear protectors. It is obvious
that Dan is a well known face, and popular figure.
Good banter among the workers. Dan greets a mate who leads him
through the mill to a place round the back with piles of scrap wood.
They handle little hand size pieces that have been kept for him which
Dan puts in a small bag.
RONNIE
I kept you this Dan.....look at the grain
in that.......a fine piece......

DAN
[Savouring it with his thick hands] A
beauty.....can't wait to get started on
that.....thanks Ronnie.....

RONNIE
Will they take you back at
Ferguson's?

DAN
Depends on the work I suppose.....you
know how it is, comes and
goes....[wave from another worker] Hi
Pete....

PETE
[Passing] How's the ticker Dan?

DAN
Marathon days are over......but I'll be
fine in a month or two......

PETE
Better keep off the viagra for a bit!

DAN
I'll keep them for you!

An older worker, Joe, who is about the same age as Dan calls
beckons him over.
JOE
Dan.....got to see this......

Joe shows him several beautiful planks of a distinctive wood. Dan

eye's light up.
DAN
Haven't seen the likes of that for
years......
 8.

JOE
Left over from a huge board-room
table.......it was a lovely piece.....

DAN
Gorgeous.....

JOE
I'll have the boys drop it by....[Dan
taps his arm in thanks, pause]
Listen.....no more jokes.....are you
OK?

DAN
On the mend.....

JOE
Can bring your shopping round with
the heavy stuff?

DAN
Thanks Joe......but it's good to be out
and about....something to do....

JOE
Well give us a shout if you need
anything.....I mean that......you gave
us all a fright....

6. DAN'S FLAT - NIGHT. (SAME NIGHT) 6

The BBC shipping weather forecast theme, "Sailing By", plays on the
radio in the small hours, 12.45 am.
Dan's sits at table in his living room. He is in deep concentration with
a small piece of wood in his hand. He polishes a delicate and quite
beautiful fish carving, long and slender. He blows away the dust and
examines his work. He catches sight of the late hour. The music
comes to an end and the shipping forecast, with iconic names, and
distinctive voice, reels off the changeable weather conditions in
Viking, Forties, Cromarty, Forth, Tyne and Dogger......Sense of a
nightly ritual, another day at an end.
7. DAN'S FLAT - MORNING. (8 DAYS LATER.) 7

Dan picks up the morning post which he takes into the living room.
Perplexed, he stares at a letter in his hand. He mouths the words to
himself, once again, barely able to believe the contents. He crushes
up the distinctive Government brown envelope into a ball and hurls it
in the direction of the bin.
He looks at the letter again, and dials a number on the back of the
letter from his mobile. ( A simple old style mobile, not a smart
phone.)
 9.

His frustration mounts as he is given a number of automated

messages for the DWP and then finally he is put in a queue.
The sprightly first distinctive notes of Vivaldi's Four Seasons pings
from his mobile.........
DAN
Shit.....

He waits and waits. He has to stand up. He holds the phone to his
ear as he looks out the kitchen window.
Fragmented, sense of time passing:
Sitting room. Dan dialling again. The same automated message.
Once again Vivaldi assaults the ears as Dan is put in a queue.
It is an ordinary room, but tastefully furnished and very tidy. All
around him are skillful artistic carvings of different kinds of fish in all
sorts of different
coloured woods. There are some delicate "mobiles", (ornaments that
gently move with motion if touched) little fish carved as if in a shoal,
linked up with fine fishing line, and dangling and floating from the
ceiling.
On the walkway: Dan has the phone to his ear as he stares out at
people passing. A dog stops to relieve itself. The owner looks
around, coast seems clear, and doesn't pick it up. Dan can feel his
fury mount.
DAN
Pick it up ya bloody clown!

The owner gives Dan the middle finger. Dan takes a breath to calm
himself.
Sitting room, still Vivaldi. Dan now has the phone set up in front of
him on a speaker mode, and he tries to keep his patience as he
carves on another little bit of wood.
The door bell goes. The phone continues to peel out the music.
POSTMAN
Package for Max Million.......

Dan is confused.
DAN
Max Million?

POSTMAN
[Checking] It's this address.....no
doubt.
 10.

DAN
My address! Where's it from?

POSTMAN
China....[Dan's face changes in
recognition]...are you going to sign for
it or not?

Later: Back with his phone. Trying to control his fury (conversation
has already started after giving name and reference number) as he
at last gets through for the first time.
DAN
Do you know how long I have been on
the phone!? One hour and 48
minutes!
Jesus Christ, longer than a football
match! Cost me a fortune!

OFFICIAL
I am sorry Sir but it has been very
busy.....

DAN
.....There must be some kind of
mistake.....I have a serious heart
condition, still in rehab and I have
been ordered by my doctor not to go
back to work...I was receiving the
benefit fine till the assessment......

OFFICIAL
....You have only scored 12 points and
you need 15 points to obtain the
benefit......
DAN
Points? Is this a game?

OFFICIAL
I am sorry sir, but according to our
health care professional you have
been deemed fit for work.....

DAN
So she knows better than my doctor, a
consultant surgeon and the physio
team......I want to appeal.

OFFICIAL
That's fine.....but you must first
request a "mandatory
reconsideration"

DAN
What the hell does that mean?
 11.

OFFICIAL
It means the decision maker will
reconsider it.....if he comes to the
same decision, you can then
appeal.....

DAN
Ok.....put me down for that......

OFFICIAL
Ok sir, but you must wait till you get a
call from the decision maker......

DAN
What for?

OFFICIAL
To tell you what his decision is.....

DAN
I thought it was made already.....
OFFICAL
It is.....but you are supposed to get the
call, before the letter.....

DAN
Is he going to change his mind?

OFFICIAL
No, the call is just to discuss the
decision.

DAN
But I know what it is! I've got the
letter in my hand.....do you want me to
read it?

OFFICIAL
But he should have called you first.....

DAN
But he didn't.....

OFFICIAL
But he should have.....

DAN
Unless we have a time
machine.....we're kind of stuck with
that, do you not agree?

OFFICAL
He has to call you first sir......
 12.

DAN
Ok, can you put him on the phone so
I don't waste more time......

OFFICIAL
I can't do that sir?

DAN
Where is he?

OFFICAL
He will give you a call back when he
can sir.

DAN
When?

OFFICIAL
I don't know sir.....

DAN
Are you trying to give me another
heart attack?

OFFICAL
No sir.

DAN
Listen....I have no savings, no
income, and no pension.......Is there a
number I can phone for some
advice.....

OFFICIAL
0345 608 8545......
Dan notes it down with his pencil.
DAN
Thanks......Shit!! That's the number I
am on now! Going in bloody circles!
Have you another number?

OFFICAL
All the information is online sir....

DAN
I can't do computers......can you just
give me a helpline and I'll jot it
down......

OFFICAL
I'm sorry sir.....we are digital by
default. You have to go online.
 13.

DAN
Just between the two of us...man to
man...do you have the number there
in front of you?.......

OFFICAL
All the information is online sir.....

DAN
Am I speaking to a human being or a
machine?

8. JOB CENTRE (NEXT DAY.) 8

Dan approaches the job centre.

INSIDE: Dan enters. It is intimidating. A security guard approaches,
while the floor manager, standing close by, deals with another
claimant in no nonsense terms; a sense of tension pervades the
place.
GUARD
[To Dan] You shouldn't be here
without an appointment sir....

DAN
Spent a fortune on the phone....just 30
seconds with someone please for a
bit of advice....

The Guard reluctantly lets Dan pass then turns to deal with someone
else.
The floor manager fires off some information quickly to Dan after his
questions which we don't hear. Cold and sharp.
FLOOR MANAGER
.....One last time, quite simple.....on
the one hand.....[holding up his right
hand] ..."Job Seekers
Allowance".....only for those able and
ready to work......but if you are ill you
have to apply for [holding up left]
"Employment and Support" and get an
assessment carried out.....

DAN
I have, but they knocked me back......

A very harassed mother, Katie, (28) with two children, a girl aged 11,
and a young boy, aged 9, rush past them in the back-ground, with the
mother dragging the reluctant boy along behind her.
 14.

FLOOR MANAGER
If you have been deemed fit for work
your only option is Job Seekers
Allowance, or proceed with the
appeal on Employment and
Support.....your choice.....

DAN
Ok, can you give me a form to apply
for Job Seekers, and an appeal form
for Employment and Support.....

FLOOR MANAGER
You have to apply online Sir.....

DAN
Sorry I can't do that....

FLOOR MANAGER
That's how it is sir, or phone the
helpline....
DAN
Listen.....I can build you a house, but
I've never ever touched a
computer......

FLOOR MANAGER
We are digital by default....

DAN
Well, I'm pencil by default......what
happens if you can't do it?

FLOOR MANAGER
There is special number if you have
been diagnosed as dyslexic.....

DAN
Can you give me it.....I'm dyslexic with
computers.....

Voices are raised at the far corner of the office. The floor manager's
attention is now elsewhere.
FLOOR MANAGER
You will find it on line sir.....I must ask
you to leave now if you have no
appointment.....

Dan flounders.
The floor manager nods at the Security guard to go and check the
situation at the far end of the office.
 15.

DAN
Excuse me.....just feeling a bit
dizzy......can you give me a second....

Ann, an older job coach is concerned for him and approaches.

ANN
Why don't you take a seat?

The floor manager is annoyed at her intervention.

Dan sits down. Ann moves to a water container for staff and pours a
little water into a paper cup and she offers it to Dan. She gets a filthy
look from the floor manager for her gesture.
ANN
Are you Ok? You look a bit pale.......

DAN
I'll just need a minute.....all this jargon
a bit confusing.....somebody must
have made a mistake.....going round
in circles....

The floor manager indicates that Ann should get back to her desk.
ANN
Back to the grindstone.....

As Ann walks back to her desk to serve someone Dan can hear
raised voices further down the office.
Sheila, a job coach in her mid twenties, stands at her desk. She
confronts Katie, the mother, who stands beside her daughter Daisy,
and son Dylan. The tension rises, but the details cannot yet be
heard.
Dylan has a little ball and keeps bouncing and dropping it to add to
the chaos.
The tension attracts everyone's attention, including Floor manager,
Security Guard, Dan and Ann at a nearby desk.
The security guard comes up to Katie and leads her away despite
her protests. Sheila follows so she can join the floor manager to
support him. The action now plays out in front of Dan and other
members of the public waiting to sign on.
KATIE
I demand to speak to a manager!.....
I can explain.....please......[to boy]
Dylan! Stop it! [He doesn't, grabbing
his arm but he shakes her off] Stop it
now!! Dylan! I can't think!
 16.

SHEILA
....You were 30 minutes late for your
appointment and I must ask you to
leave...

The security guard tries to lead her away but she resists. Katie spots
the floor manager and appeals to him.
KATIE
How can you let her do this?! My first
time in the city.....the bus driver gave
me the wrong stop......I ran the whole
way here dragging my kids behind
me......please, it is just a mistake!

FLOOR MANAGER
You have a duty to be here on
time......

KATIE
It's over the top!.......[ Pointing at
Sheila] She's referred me for a
sanction! No money for a month! If it
was just me......but I've got two kids!
Dylan, stop it!!...... We've just arrived
from London......please, you can't do
that......I've got nothing......[totally
distraught, looking around] Jesus.....I
can't believe this......[to manager] I'm
not lying! I don't know the
routes....got lost!...... Please sir.....I
don't mind waiting.....I'll wait all
day.....

DAISY
We ran the whole way!

FLOOR MANAGER
You have to leave the building
please.....the decision maker will send
you a letter.....

KATIE
A four week sanction, for a few
minutes late?! I can't believe it.....

FLOOR MANAGER
You can apply for hardship allowance
with children.....

KATIE
[Desperation mounting] My kids start
school tomorrow!.... This can't be
happening......I can't believe it.....I'm
begging you.......please.....[looking
around] I don't know anybody
here.......Ah God, what's going on?
 17.

Dan can't bear it. He jumps up.

DAN
Jesus Christ! [To those waiting]
Who's next in the queue? [Two
indicate] Do you mind if this girl signs
on before you?

VOICES
On you go......not at all......Give her a
break!

DAN
[To officials] There you go.......problem
sorted....[to Sheila] Why don't you go
back to your desk, let her sign, and do
your job which our taxes paid for!
Bloody disgrace!

FLOOR MANAGER
Why don't you just shut your mouth
and mind your own business? Get
out of here!

DAN
Did you listen to her?..... She made a
mistake, a few minutes late......she's
got two young kids.......what's wrong
with you people?

SECURITY GUARD
[Grabbing Dan's arm] You, out!

DAN
Get your hands off me!

Ann watches the whole show with disgust but can't say anything. The
manager of the whole centre comes out to watch but doesn't
intervene.
KATIE
[To floor manager] Please sir.....I
don't want any problems.......I swear it
was a mistake and I'll never be late
again.......I've just moved here.......I've
only 12 quid left....[opening her
purse].....and two kids to feed!

Some change bounces on the floor adding her to her humiliation.

Dylan bounces the ball even harder so that it bounces from floor so
hard it ricochets up to the ceiling.
KATIE
Dylan! For Christ sake!
 18.

FLOOR MANAGER
Get them out of here......

DAN
I'm going nowhere!

FLOOR MANAGER
Call the police.......

DAN
Just tell me this.......what good is this
doing anybody? Just let the girl sign
on and we can all go
home......[catching sight of the senior
manager at the door] Heh, are you in
charge here? A little common sense
please.....

Katie sinks to a seat in desperation as someone gives her back her

dropped change. Dylan bounces the ball even harder. He seems
oblivious to the chaos. Katie puts her head in hands as Dan and
Security Guard are still face to face. Daisy sits down beside her and
puts on her earphones.
The guard grabs Dan's arm.
DAN
Get off me!!! [To senior manager
again] Can you move your arse and
sort this out.....[pulled] or have you
been stuffed?!

FLOOR MANAGER
Get out or we call the police.

DAN
Call the police. What's wrong with you
clowns?

Ann [the older job coach] moves up beside Sheila [younger job
coach] as she confronts the misery.
ANN
Terrific......another sanction....top of
the league.

9. CITY CENTRE AND STREET TO KATIE'S FLAT. (SAME DAY.) 9

Dan, Katie and the kids walk along various streets.

Dan helps her carry a few plastic bags. It is obvious they have been
talking. Katie has to keep stopping to wait for Dylan.
He is hyper active and turns everything into a game. He swings
round a pole, pounds the sides of a bus shelter, and now climbs up a
four foot wall and skips along that.
 19.

They walk down a path towards the flat. He has an old stick in his
hand and he runs it along the wooden slats of the fence making a
racket.
Later: outside Katie's flat. A 50s maisonette. (It has seen better
days, but it is not a dump. It is on the first floor above a shop. It has
a shared space below covered in small granite chippings; not as good
as a garden, but still a luxury after London.)
Katie stares up at the flat for a moment as Dylan, for no good reason,
starts filling his trousers and jacket pockets with chippings. It makes
Dan smile, wondering what is going through the child's head.
KATIE
[Exasperated] Dylan! Please stop.
[To Dan] This is it... [as if geeing
herself up, determined]....if it's the
last thing I do, I swear I'm going to
turn this place into a
home...[pause]....you can't fix a cistern
can you? Driving me insane......

She half laughs at her predicament.

DAN
I can fix anything......apart from a
shagging computer.....

10. INSIDE THE FLAT. (SAME DAY) 10

Dan finishes off fixing the cistern. Katie is on her mobile to her
mother. As Dan finishes the job the running water cuts off to deeply
satisfying silence. Katie's face light up and she gives a grateful
thumbs up to Dan which makes him smile.
She walks back to the sitting room. Dan follows, but she is still on the
phone. [Her description is the exact opposite of the truth.]
KATIE
It's lovely mum....freshly
painted.....long thick curtains [none,
bare windows].....all furnished.....clean
as a whistle....new carpet......and warm
and cozy.....

Dan flicks the light switch and there is no light. He examines loose
handles on shaky doors, then the windows. Even a wobbly table with
a lose leg. Dan and Katie catch each others' eye as the her
commentary contradicts his inquiry.
KATIE
Once we get settled and you're feeling
better.....we'll get you up here with
Auntie May......Ok
Mum......Ok.....speak soon and don't
(MORE)
 20.

KATIE (CONT'D)
worry......honestly we're doing
great.......got to go.....got a friend in
who's helping me unpack......yes
Mum.....much more friendly than
London.......Ok sweetheart.......I'll
phone tomorrow......bye
sweetheart.....

She turns off the phone. A few moments silence. She looks at Dan.
KATIE
She's not well......what's the point of
worrying her....Don't know how I'll
cope without her.

DAN
What are you doing up here Katie?

It is almost a blow.
KATIE
[Exasperation, as if to herself] Still
can't believe it.....all I did was
complain about a leak in my child's
room.....it was making him sick.....I did
nothing wrong.....the landlord kicked
us out.....

DAN
They can do that?

KATIE
"Revenge eviction"....that's what they
call it...greedy bastards can do what
they want.....we ended up in a
homeless hostel waiting for a flat....2
bloody years.....but I stuck with it
because the kids loved their
school......just couldn't take it
anymore, one room for
everything.....really bad for
Dylan......even needed permission for
visitors......good news was they
offered me a flat with a bedroom
each.....bad news.....miles
away.....here....

DAN
They couldn't give you anything
beside your family?

She laughs at the thought.

KATIE
London?! They're clearing out the
likes of me....too expensive.....
 21.

DAN
How are the kids taking it?

KATIE
Broken hearted to leave their school,
especially Daisy....her friends.....her
Gran,.....she's furious with
me......don't blame her....but I just had
to get out for Dylan.....boxed in like
that.....

DAN
She'll soon make friends......

KATIE
Had my plan....a little garden....a
bedroom each, get a part time job....a
fresh start...[tapping a big solid
distinctive cardboard box covered in
tape on the table] back to my precious
books to keep me sane......
DAN
Were you at college?

KATIE
Open University....screwed up at
school, a second chance it was.....till
it all fell apart in the hostel...[looking
round] now look at me.....

She dumps the books in the corner.

KATIE
[As if pushing herself on, quietly] But I
won't give up.....I can't.

Dan is touched by her fragility, and determination. He tries the

electric switch again.
DAN
Short circuit. Bloody freezing in
here......where's the fuse box?

Katie shakes her head. She is humiliated. She can't say.

DAN
What's wrong Katie?

She picks up a candle.

KATIE
Nothing on the meter.....I bought the
kids some nice clothes for their first
day at school.......wiped me
(MORE)
 22.

KATIE (CONT'D)
out......thought I'd get paid
tomorrow....

Dan feels for her. He checks the shaky door on its hinge.
DAN
I'll bring my tools round.....give this
place the once over......

A moment between them. Katie nods gratefully.

OUTSIDE: Dan walks off.
INSIDE: Katie carries a bucket of dirty water from cleaning the
windows into the kitchen She finds a 20 pound note on the table,
with a rough hand written note. "For the electric. Here's my number.
Dan."
She sits down and stares at the big clumsy letters, written in pencil.
11. SCENE OMITTED 11

12. SCENE OMITTED 12

13. CHINA'S FLAT (NEXT DAY) 13

Dan, holding the package that came by post, pounds on the door of
neighbouring flat. Another bag of rubbish is sitting there too.
A dopey looking China answers the door.
DAN
Max Million! My address! China!
What the fuck is in the box?!
CHINA
Dan.....don't jump to conclusions......

DAN
And how were the kebabs?

CHINA
Kebabs.....how do you do that?

DAN
Nostradamus! [Kicking the
rubbish]Fucking rubbish, pick it up!
[China does so quickly]......and get
out of my way so I can dump this
too.....I want to see what's inside this
box.

Dan marches past him into the flat. China sneakily lays the rubbish
back outside again before closing the door.
 23.

INSIDE: Dan, China, and his flat-mate Piper [a side-kick to China,

with instinct to repeat he tries to control but can't quite suppress] sup
a cup of tea as China carefully opens, then triumphantly pulls the first
spectacular pair of trainers from the box which contains about a
dozen pairs. China examines them briefly and then is beside
himself, dancing around with a pair on his hands. He's so hyper with
delight he does fake Kung Fu on Piper with the trainers still on his
hands as he shouts in delight.
CHINA
Top notch!

PIPER
Fuck off....I've got brittle bone
disease....

CHINA
My arse! [To Dan] Got a test for you
Dan......

China gets a single pristine shoe box from a cupboard, and places it
in front of Dan.
CHINA
Go on....open it.

PIPER
On you go, open it.

China gives him a filthy look on his near repetition.

Dan takes out an identical pair of trainers to the ones that arrived in
the post from China.
CHINA
What's the difference?

Dan examines them.

DAN
Look the same to me.....

CHINA
Bang on brother....

PIPER
Spot on....

CHINA
The difference is this one cost me 150
quid on the high street...

PIPER
Cost me a hundred and fifty quid! You
still owe me!
 24.

CHINA
...And I'm going to sell these for 80
quid........

DAN
Cheap counterfeits.....to my fucking
address.....have the Chinese Mafia or
Customs at my door......what a brass
neck......

CHINA
Dan....Dan.....not counterfeit.....from
the same factory as these.....exactly
the same quality...continuation of the
same run....you don't believe
me.......I'm going to bring back these
[counterfeit] to the shop where I
bought these [original] put them in the
same box, do a swap......say they are
too big.....get me money back.....and I
promise they won't know the
difference......I'll use these [holding up
originals] as the show pair, and sell
these on the street.....a service to the
public.

PIPER
It's genius man.....

DAN
How did you manage this?

CHINA
I know a wee guy in Guanjo who
works in the factory......[looking at
Dan's incredulous face] you don't
believe me.....Piper?

PIPER
It's true Dan, Guanjo,......yapping
every night.....

CHINA
Come in tonight for some grub.....I'm
going to speak to him on
skype......[Dan's confusion] On the
net.....costs me nothing....

DAN
He speaks English?

CHINA
Can't understand a fucking word he
says......

PIPER
Not a word....
 25.

CHINA
But he's keen......

PIPER
So keen......

CHINA
Fucks sake, like living with a parrot!
[To Dan] He's football mad....I just
shout out the name of the football
clubs and he nearly comes in his
pants......Then we do the deal by
emails and I send him money by pay-
pall....and he sends me the packages
by post......

DAN
Me you mean......

CHINA
Honestly meant to ask you Dan.....I
get them sent to different
mates......small packages, not to
attract attention, usually get
through.....

PIPER
Think about it.....is the Chinese State
going to do someone for ten pairs of
trainers? Waste of resources.

DAN
Is this your legal representative on
international finance? [But intrigued]
China....how did you get to know him?
CHINA
If there's a will.....

PIPER
[Interjecting] there's a way.....

CHINA
[Pointing to his package].....from this
little package Dan.....to my own
container on a ship.....how many pairs
of trainers in that eh? I'm going to
manage my own consortium Dan.....

PIPER
He's serious....and I'm right behind
him.
 26.

DAN
Amazing.....I'll be able to tell my mates
I knew you both before you were
arrested.

China puts his hands inside the trainers as if they were gloves.
CHINA
China.....[smelling the leather] the
future!
I'm sick of it Dan.....No more shit from
that warehouse....know what the
bastards did this morning?...... Called
me at 5 30 in the morning, we
unpacked one truck, took 45
minutes.....and sent me home......paid
me three pounds ninety seven
shagging pence! Worse than fucking
China.......at least they get a 16 hour
shift.......

PIPER
And end up suicidal, jumping out
windows....

CHINA
But they have nets to catch 'em! The
Red Army marches on!.....[ Martial
art blows on Piper with the trainers as
gloves] Kung Fu!!! Fuck you!! How
do you do!!

PIPER
My bones!.... Not joking man!

CHINA
[Still on the attack] Not joking Piper
man! [Stopping, to Dan] I'm going to
make it big......I'm serious. [After
thought] Do you want to be my driver?

Dan nearly chokes on his tea.

DAN
Be your driver....can't even dump the
rubbish.

14. CITY CENTRE (SAME DAY) 14

LIBRARY: Dan walks into a modern library which is very busy. Big
glass windows and an impressive lift rising up through the centre of
the building. Upstairs by the computer banks; each of the 60 seats
are taken. Dan is next in the queue and feels intimidated by the
competence of so many typing away. He gets a chance to speak to a
busy librarian.
 27.

DAN
Sorry to bother you. I need to apply
for Job Seekers Allowance. Can
anyone help me do it with one of
these contraptions on the interweb?

LIBRARIAN
I have a cancellation in three
hours.....but we don't have the staff to
help.......

DAN
I'll be back, give it a go.

CITY CENTRE: Dan has time to kill. He wanders among the crowd.
If decent weather he might sit on a bench by the monument watching
the world pass by. If raining, he will take shelter under the arch of the
Central Arcade. He checks his watch and heads off.
LIBRARY: Dan now sits, and is facing a computer, and may as well
be confronted with Egyptian hieroglyphics. He asks a harassed
librarian a question as she whizzes by carrying books.
LIBRARIAN
Grab the mouse...

Dan's face is blank so she points to the mouse. He grabs the

mouse.
LIBRARIAN
Run it up the screen

Instead of running it up the screen he physically picks up the mouse

and runs that up the screen like a child might do with a toy car.
LIBRARIAN
Not quite...

She takes the mouse and runs the cursor up to the right spot.
LIBRARIAN
You're now on the Google Icon...type
in Job Seekers...I'll be back if I can...

And she's off, as Dan stares down at the keyboards, and then around
him, like a drowning man.
DAN
Grab the mouse......[to his reflection in
the screen] I could get arrested for
that.....

Later. A helpful girl in a school uniform stands over Dan. She helps
him place the curser in the appropriate box he now has to fill in. He
nods gratefully as she heads off.
 28.

Dan tries to type in his name, jabbing the keys slowly with his big
stubby fingers, struggling to find each letter.
DAN
[Embarrassed to another student]
Excuse me, How do you get that bit
[pointing to it on screen]

STUDENT
The curser.....

DAN
Good fucking name for it......[pointing
on screen again] to go down the
ways......

The student tries to move the curser down.

STUDENT
It's frozen....
DAN
Can you defrost it?

The student stares at Dan to see if he is taking the piss.

STUDENT
Timed out man.....

OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY: Dan looks defeated as he takes a some

fresh air at the top of the library steps. He checks his watch.
15. OUTSIDE AND INTO JOB CENTRE (SAME DAY) 15

Dan approaches the Job Centre and catches sight of the security
guard just outside the door giving directions to an older women. Dan
takes advantage to skip inside.
He spots Ann sitting at her desk without a client. She notes his
discomfort and beckons him over.
Later: Dan is at one of the computer terminals that clients can use.
Ann sits beside him, and for sake of speed leans across and types in
the information he gives her for Job Seekers Allowance.
ANN
National Insurance number?

Dan rattles through it as Ann types at speed.

ANN
You have to get this application in or
you'll never get the process
started......
 29.

Someone marches in behind them.

OFFICE MANAGER
[To Anne] I want to see you in my
office now!

ANN
Just give me 30 seconds.......last
question.

OFFICE MANAGER
Immediately!

Dan can see her swallow her fury as he marches off but turns to see
if Ann has obeyed.
DAN
Ah Christ....I've got you into trouble
now.....I'm really sorry.....

ANN
It's me that's sorry......

He watches her now disappear into the office. He stares at the form
in front almost done. So close, so far. He tries to continue but
presses the wrong button, and the form disappears.
He picks up the mouse in frustration.
DAN
[Holding the mouse to his mouth as if
a telephone] Come back here you
bastard!

Now back to square one.

16. CHINA'S FLAT. NIGHT (SAME DAY) 16

Piper, with a concentrated face, makes his way from the kitchen
carefully balancing three enormous mugs of tea and a snack on a
tray as he makes his way to Dan and China at China's computer
screen in the sitting room.
PIPER
Only one Wagonwheel [big chocolate
biscuit] left Dan......but I've cut into 4,
but you can
have two pieces seeing there's only 3
of us and you're the host....

Dan looks at him to see if he is taking the piss. He isn't. Dan nods
gratefully.
China speaks to his Chinese contact who does his best with his
decent but accented English to talk about the premier league. The
latter is a passionate lad.
 30.

The whole set up amazes Dan as he studies the image.

CHINA
Right....Barclays premier
league.....here's the big question
Stanley.....

DAN
[Incredulous] Did he just say Stanley?

PIPER
He did, Stanley from Guanjo.

DAN
Are you guys winding me up?

PIPER
[Serious] Not our style Dan, no way.

CHINA
Can you hear me Stanley?....
Favourite player in the premier?

STANLEY
Charlie Adams, Stoke City.

They burst out laughing.

PIPER
Stoke City! Charlie Adams?!

CHINA
Taking the piss!! How do you say
that in Chinese?!

PIPER
Aguero! A different class man....

STANLEY
No No Aguero, always injured....

CHINA
Hazard from Chelsea!

STANLEY
No No, fall over too much......Charlie
Charlie!! No big money. Sterling for
City, 57 million!! Lallana, Liverpool,
25 million! Stupid Gringos! Charlie
Adams! Charlie!! Only 4 million!!
[Thumbs up] ...No big ego, but big big
heart, team man.....fan man, and big
big left foot! Whacko!

CHINA
He's as slow as a donkey....
 31.

STANLEY
Quick brain.....Ball fly faster than
Gareth Bale......goal against Chelsea
from own half [demonstrating with
hand, huge long shot in parabola,
whistling] Goallllll!!!!!! [He breaks into
song adopted by Stoke fans] "Swing
low......sweet chariot......coming for to
carry me home.....

The lads are pissing themselves.

DAN
He's not in China.....he's down the
road at the take away!

CHINA
Ok Stanley, ok ok ok enough with the
talent show......I'll email you with my
best price...top price....I'll see how I
get on selling the ones I've got....ok,
I'll let you know.....

STANLEY
Best price! No bullshit! Remember
Charlie Charlie, value for money.....If
no best price......no more
trainers.....no more business, no more
talk.......no more [he's off again]
"Swing low sweet chariot...."

CHINA
He's fucking hilarious......

PIPER
Hilarious.
Later: frivolity has calmed, and now the clicking of the computer
keyboard. China has Dan by his side and he rattles through helping
him fill in his Job Seekers Application. It has all been done in a flash.
Piper is at the other side of the room.
PIPER
I was just thinking....[it stops them all
for a second] see earlier......think I got
mixed up Dan.....you're the guest.....I'm
the host.....

DAN
Doesn't matter Piper.....I got the extra
bit of Wagonwheel.....

CHINA
Right Dan.....Check your National
Insurance number.....[Dan peers in
(MORE)
 32.

CHINA (CONT'D)
and nods] .....press that button
there.....send!

Dan's outstretched index finger hovers, gently taking aim, action,

bingo.
DAN
[Amazed] Been days trying to do
that.....

CHINA
Hey.....Bill Gates! Job Seekers done,
but don't know why the hell you are
applying for that after a heart
attack.....those bastards will give you
another.....

China then prints off a form for him.

CHINA
And there's your appeal form for
Employment and Support......[handing
it to him] but you can't appeal till they
carry out a mandatory
reconsideration.....

Dan is stunned.
DAN
[Staring at the form] Is that it?.....
They could have just given me
one....[snapping his fingers] like that?

CHINA
They'll fuck you around Dan.....I'm
warning you.....make it as miserable
as possible...no accident.....that's the
plan.....I know dozens who have just
given up.....

17. STREETS TO KATIE'S FLAT (NEXT DAY) 17

More mind numbing Vivaldi over images of Newcastle.

Dan walks along the roads and shop fronts carrying a bag of tools.
He stops occasionally for a breather on the steeper streets, taking
advantage of low walls or railings. His progress is peppered with his
battle with bureaucracy below.....
Above the images we have more Vivaldi and dialling sounds.
Another street. Dan, toiling, walks along.
 33.

VOICE OF OFFICIAL
I have a note on screen Sir that you
are awaiting a call from the decision
maker......

DAN
Jesus! 55 minutes waiting to hear this
again!! [Exasperated] Am I stuck in a
time warp?

VOICE OF OFFICIAL
You can't proceed to the appeal or the
mandatory reconsideration till you
have the call from the decision
maker......

DAN
Will you tell him to phone me
now!....... I have no income....no
pension.....and I've still got the
bedroom tax!
VOICE OF OFFICIAL
I'll make a note on screen sir....

DAN
Can you not just pass him a note?
Stick it in his hand.....

VOICE OF OFFICIAL
This is a call centre Sir.......

DAN
Where is the decision maker?!

VOICE OF OFFICIAL
I have no idea sir......

DAN
What is his name?

VOICE OF OFFICIAL
I don't have that information.

DAN
Easier to find the Loch Ness fucking
monster......Does this lazy sod
actually exist?

VOICE OF OFFICIAL
May I warn you sir that this call is
being recorded. We will not tolerate
aggressive language and I am
terminating this call.
 34.

18. KATIE'S FLAT. (SAME DAY) 18

SITTING ROOM: it is obvious that Katie has made enormous efforts

to tidy the place up and turn it into a home. Dan works on the loose
door. From the corridor there is the monotonous repetitive sound of a
ball bouncing against the wall.
Daisy, at some distance, reading a book, wrapped up in a blanket on
the sofa, [still very cold] just watches Dan as he tightens up door
hinges, handles etc. They occasionally catch each others eye but
Dan doesn't force things. Katie is inside cooking, sounds of her
moving.
DAN
Smells good.....

Daisy just looks back to her book. Sound of a pump action screw
driver tightening up long screws. She is curious and looks up.
Dan moves to the door, curious about the sound. At the bottom of the
stairs Dylan is bouncing the ball first to the ground and then against
the wall in a continuous rhythm without changing.
DAN
Dylan......do you want a shot at the
screw driver?

He doesn't even look up. He continues to bounce maniacally. It

looks disturbing.
Dad needs a new tool. On the wall above his tool box Dan notices a
big sheet of white cardboard that has been stuck on the wall. It is a
going away message from all of Dylan's mates at school, and the
entire piece is covered with the memorable little hand prints of 7 year
olds with names of his class mates underneath each print, and a
"Good Luck Dylan" title at the top. Dylan's hand print is in the
middle, with the other prints circling round it. Dan studies it for a
moment.
DAN
I like that Dylan.....is that your hand in
the middle?

Still no answer as he continues with the ball.

DAN
Do you know what kills more
people......coconuts, or sharks?

Still no reaction. Dan returns to the living room.

Daisy is still with her book. Same rhythmic sound of the ball.
 35.

DAISY
He started doing it in the
hostel......drove us mad in one
room......

Dan continues to work away.

DAN
Why's he do it?

DAISY
He's missing his friends......that's
what I think....he does it when he's
angry.....people never listen to
him......so why should he listen to
them?

DAN
Can't blame him then eh? [Pause]
And how are you Daisy?
DAISY
I'm cold....that's what I am.

She goes back to her book.

Dan checks the door, and it feels firm to the touch.
DAN
Daisy......will you do me a favour?

He holds up a measuring tape. She stares at it.

DAN
Would you mind measuring up the
window panes in your room?

She studies him and puts down her book.

DAISY
What for?

DAN
You'll see......

She takes it, and disappears to her room. Katie glances with interest
from the kitchen.
BEDROOM:
Daisy and Dan are cutting a section of bubble wrap (as used for
packing). They then put the bubble wrap up against the window
panes.
 36.

DAN
No glue, nothing, just a bit of water
and it sticks....the sun heats up the air
in the bubbles and you can get light in
too.....it'll keep your room much
warmer.....you'll see the
difference......[demonstrating, lifting up
a corner, peering through] and you
can peel it off quick too if you need to
spy on the neighbours......

She almost smiles.

DAN
See that cloth in my tool
box.......unwrap it.......

She moves to the box and unwraps it carefully. She picks up a lovely
mobile, a shoal of wooden fish dangling from fishing line attached to a
delicate wooden frame. She holds them up, intrigued, as the fish
waver with the movement.
DAISY
Ah.....gorgeous......

DAN
Where will we hang them?

DAISY
For me?

DAN
A little present for your new room......

DAISY
Did you make these?

Dan nods and her face lights up in a huge smile.

Later. Dining area. Dylan's eyes are alive for once. His face is
about the same level as the table. He stares at the tea candles
placed on an old slate.
Dylan and Daisy are now seriously engaged as Katie watches from
the kitchen door. Dan has prepared an improvised heater using two
cheap terracotta plant pots, resting on two pieces of wood above four
little tea candles.
DAN
[To Dylan] Go on.....light the
candles......

He strikes the match and lights up the candles. Dan places first one
smaller terracotta pot above the candles and then hands the other
bigger one to Daisy.
 37.

DAN
Stick that one on top Daisy....The
candles last about 4 hours......it takes
a while, but the heat rises from the
hole on the top....feel the heat here
Dylan [he does so, his face
intrigued]...but it takes the chill of the
air......you'll feel the difference......

DYLAN
[Holding his hand over the hole]
Wao.....were you a soldier?

DAN
Much more dangerous than a
soldier.....a carpenter.

Katie watches too, intrigued.

KATIE
Right.....grub's ready.......
DAN
I'm ok......thanks anyway.....

KATIE
It's ready!

She brings through three plates of food [paper plates] and lays them
down on the table, plastic knife and fork, for Dan and the two kids.
DAN
Where's yours?

KATIE
Had mine earlier......just fancy a bit of
fruit.....

DAISY
You said that yesterday......and the
day before.

Katie starts to peel the apple, avoiding Dan's eye.

DAN
Looks delicious.....but a wee bit early
for me.....

KATIE
Please Dan......it's the least I could
do.....

He catches a look in her eye that rocks him to the core. Silence for a
moment.
 38.

DAN
Thank you Katie.

19. KATIE'S FLAT, BATHROOM AND STAIRS, SAME NIGHT. 19

Katie stands inside the bath and scrubs some crusty filth from in
between the tiles and corners that have not seen detergent in an
age. She is using a bit of rag and washing up liquid which doesn't
make it any easier.
Two old tiles, with grout badly worn, fall from the wall and crash into
the bath.
KATIE
Oh God......

It is the last straw.

Katie comes out of the bathroom which is at the foot of the stairs
carrying a bucket containing the rags, cleaning stuff and broken tiles.
She slumps onto the second last step and leans her head against the
wall.
She becomes aware of steps behind her. Daisy, in her nightdress on
the stairs.
DAISY
It's far too late Mum......time to sleep.

Daisy sits down beside her on the step and looks at her Mum. She
can see she is upset and notices her red eyes.
DAISY
Oh Mum.....
KATIE
I've just got a terrible headache
darling......don't worry......I'll be fine.

DAISY
Do you think I'm stupid?

Daisy holds her eye and there is no hiding place.

KATIE
I'm just so tired sweetheart.......in my
head.

Daisy wraps her arms around her and pulls her as tight as she can.
DAISY
You are a brilliant Mum.....I'm the
luckiest girl in the world.

It sparks Katie off again, as Daisy cradles her head down to hers.
 39.

20. KATIE LOOKS FOR WORK. (NEXT DAY) 20

CHARITY SHOP: From outside we see Katie and the shopkeeper

add her card for cleaning work to others in the shop window.
GEORGIAN TERRACE: Stunning and elegant Georgian terrace in a
memorable crescent.
Katie walks from door to door putting her cleaning advert through the
doors.
She looks worn out and takes a breather on a step while she counts
out how many cards she has left.
21. JOB CENTRE. (7 DAYS LATER) 21

Dan sits opposite a job coach, Sheila. She holds up a booklet and a
form.
SHEILA
This is the Claimant Commitment
Form..... you must commit yourself to
spending 35 hours a week looking for
work......newspapers, agencies, and
online via the Universal Job
Match....[indicating]....fill in the details
here and you must prove this too.....

DAN
I have been told by my doctor, not to
start work yet....

SHEILA
You should apply for Employment and
Support.......

DAN
[Trying to control exasperation] I
have, but been rejected by some
cowboy quack and I am now trying to
appeal........

SHEILA
Your choice Mr Blake.

DAN
No. It is not my choice......I have no
other income......

SHEILA
You should seek independent legal
advice.......

DAN
And starve in the meantime?
 40.

SHEILA
We always try respect the wishes of
the customer user. [Pushing over the
document] Do you want to sign or
not?

Dan has to swallow his pride. He takes the form and signs.
SHEILA
Can I see your CV?

DAN
My CV?

SHEILA
You still don't get this Mr Blake.
[Holding up the booklet] This is an
agreement between you and the
State. You can't find work without an
up to date CV.
DAN
No, you don't get it.....I am desperate
to go back to work, but only when the
doctor says I can.

She checks her diary.

SHEILA
There is a CV workshop here on
Saturday morning 9 am.

DAN
No thanks.....I'll manage on my own.

SHEILA
No Mr Blake.....this is a formal
direction. You will attend if you want
to proceed with Job Seekers
Allowance.
DAN
And if I don't?

SHEILA
You will be referred for a sanction.

DAN
When will I get my first payment?

SHEILA
In fifteen days......if you can prove to
our satisfaction you have been
genuinely looking for work......

Dan stares at her.

 41.

22. STREET AND INSIDE FOOD BANK \ CHURCH HALL, (NEXT DAY) 22

Dan, Katie, Daisy and Dylan lagging behind as usual head towards a
Church hall.
An enormous queue stretches round the block. Dan, Katie and the
kids walk along the side the queue, and then turn the corner. They
walk by many more people till they get to the tail end of the queue.
Katie is pale and looks a bit dizzy, and puts her hand up to the wall to
steady herself.
DAN
Are you OK?

KATIE
Just a tummy bug.....

INSIDE THE HALL: They enter. Dan stands to the side as Katie and
the kids enter and make their way inside.
Dan, by the door, studies the parade of worn faces. Some look
fragile and embarrassed, and others just make their way round the
stalls with different types of food. The woman by the door from the
foodbank is warm and welcoming as Katie hands her a voucher.
(Given by a referral agency for those in need.)
Dan can see Katie and the kids make their way round. The people
who run it are kind to Daisy and Dylan.
An older woman appears at the door. She looks nervous and
ashamed.
VOLUNTEER
Come in Helen.....

HELEN
[Embarrassed] Been before.....are you
sure there is enough?

VOLUNTEER
Doesn't matter.....it's ok.....good to see
you again......

Dan watches her pick up a modest amount of fresh veg with her
skinny hand.
VOLUNTEER
[To Dan] Have you come for a parcel?

DAN
[Crisp] No thank you.

Daisy and Dylan hover around the biscuits, and the volunteers are
generous to them.
 42.

Katie picks up some cereals and then moves to the section dealing
with soaps, toothbrushes, toothpastes, shampoos etc. She looks
humiliated, and very uncomfortable.
KATIE
[Whispered to volunteer] I'm
sorry.....but do you have any sanitary
towels....just a few?

VOLUNTEER
I'm sorry love, we are out.

KATIE
No problem....sorry to bother you......

By another stall: Katie looks anxious as she confronts a wall full of

different types of tins.
VOLUNTEER
Looking for a favourite?
KATIE
I'll take anything...

The volunteer puts several tins in her bag.

KATIE
Thank you.

As the volunteer moves on Katie spots a can with a ring pull in her
bag. In a sudden impulse she snaps at it and has it opened before
she realizes.
She turns into a corner by the shelves.
She can't resist the opened can. She starts scooping out the beans
with her hands, wolfing down the food, oblivious to everything.
DAISY
[Screaming] Mum! What are you
doing?!

Katie becomes aware of herself, hands covered in sauce, some has

dripped on to her trousers, and there is some sauce over her chin.
She is humiliated.
Dan runs over to her.
DAISY
Disgusting.....

Daisy runs off to the other side of the hall.

 43.

KATIE
[As if frozen, unable to move] I'm
sorry......I'm so sorry....didn't realize
Dan, I was so....so...felt
faint......[looking down at her hands]
like a rat......so glad my Mum can't see
me.......

Dan leads her over to a nearby table and chair. He takes an old
fashioned hanky from his pocket and helps clean her up.
DAN
It's ok Katie......you're ok. No harm
done......

She begins to sob uncontrollably. He takes her hand in support as

she totally collapses.
KATIE
Dan.....I'm going under.....I can't
cope.......

DAN
You'll get through this darling.....it's
not your fault.....you've been
amazing, dumped up here on your
own.....

Another volunteer come over to Katie with a mug.

VOLUNTEER
It's ok love....some hot soup.....you're
not the first, believe me.......

Dan catches sight of Daisy, upset too, being comforted by the

volunteer who was at the door.
Little Dylan, with an open packet of biscuits, comes over and just
stares at him Mum.
DAN
She'll be OK in a minute Dylan.

He just looks as he munches down a biscuit.

23. ROOM IN OFFICE BLOCK: CV WORKSHOP (6 DAYS LATER) 23

Dan, sitting at the back, studies a mixture of characters around him.

Some look competent and organized, while others look like they could
never hold down a job in their current state. Some are lost,
confused, withdrawn, and others look agitated with addiction
problems.
An energetic man in a suit presents a workshop on CVs. He has
worked his way through various headline points on a board and is
midflow.
 44.

[Points include, Short and sharp, not a life story, bullet points, Digital
CV, Video CV, Keywords, Telling the Truth.]
MANAGER
[Holding up his hands, fingers
outstretched] Ten seconds.....ten
short seconds! That's how much the
typical employer spends flicking
through a CV....fact.
60 applications for every low skilled
job....fact. For a skilled job......it's 20
to 1. Fact. Costa Cafe advertised 8
jobs......do you how many applications
they got? Over 1,300! Fact! So
what does that mean?

DAN
We should all drink much more
fucking coffee.

Several burst out laughing, but Dan is not smiling.

MANAGER
This is serious sir.....and mind your
language.

DAN
Obviously, if you can count.....means
there are not enough jobs. Fact.

The manager is not impressed. Dan notices a man in his forties in a

suit catch his eye. The latter gives him the thumbs up for his
contribution which he clearly enjoyed.
MANAGER
For those who live in the real
world......it means......[pointing at his
presentation bullet point] you must
"STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD".
Get noticed, get smart! Not enough to
show you have the skills.....you have
to prove how keen you are.....how
determined ...if needs be, to smile
hour after hour to the customer.....if
not, back of the queue.....so I want
you now to start drafting your CVs
and remember.......these should all be
typed out in a clear font in hard copy,
with a digital version too for
online......some employers are now
demanding CV videos sent in by
smart phones......so remember, short
and sharp, all the positives without
exaggerating, be realistic, and tell the
truth......
 45.

Later. Dan drafts his CV in pencil while another younger woman

beside him flashes through it on an iPad. Some lost souls are really
struggling and can hardly write. One distracted lad makes a paper
aeroplane with his A4 sheet of paper.
Later: The manager is back in front of them.
MANAGER
I want everyone to read out their
summaries.....I want to see immediate
impact.....we'll go round the room,
starting from the back......

A shy middle aged woman gives a few lines from her CV as the
manager genuinely encourages her.
A few fragments from other contributors too until it is Dan's turn.
Dan has to hold his piece of paper at arms length.
DAN
Sparky personality. Honest, reliable,
hardly missed a days work in forty
years.

MANAGER
Very strong......good.

DAN
Fit as a butcher's dog, apart from a
recent heart attack which nearly killed
me that might prelude me from
working with dangerous machinery,
working with small children, [looking
up at the manager] or involves any
stressful interaction with clowns.....

Some of the group are pissing themselves, but not the manager
while others are shocked at his defiance.
OUTSIDE: Dan and the man in the suit who gave him the thumbs up,
Michael, are halfway through a conversation. Maybe Michael is
smoking.
MICHAEL
Don't take them on Dan.....you can't
beat them.....show a little spirit and
it'll whet their appetite.....trust me, I've
seen it.....keep the head down....only
way......do the CV, get the job search
done or you'll end up in Poundland
stacking shelves on workfare......I was
sanctioned for 6 months.....lost my
flat, on the streets.......don't think it
can't happen.....it can, and they don't
(MORE)
 46.

MICHAEL (CONT'D)
give a toss if you drop dead. Comes
from the top. No mistake.

DAN
What's your work?

MICHAEL
I'm an accountant.

DAN
What are you doing here?

He hesitates for a second.

MICHAEL
Had a breakdown......but I'm getting
there.....good luck Dan, I mean that.

DAN
You too Michael.
MICHAEL
Be careful.....

His intensity shocks Dan.

24. SUPERMARKET. (2 DAYS LATER.) 24

A security guard monitors a screen. He is interested in someone. He

moves in closer and studies the body language of a young woman.
Aisle. Katie looks very uncomfortable and stressed. She has a few
items in her shopping trolley. She moves along the aisle examining
the prices of various items. She looks up and down the aisle. She
moves to the sanitary towels and examines the prices of various
brands, and then puts them back again.
A woman leaves the aisle and disappears. Another one at the other
end turns her back. Katie looks both ways and takes a breath to calm
herself. She moves along a little and then grasps another pack of
sanitary towels and stuffs it quickly inside her coat.
CHECKOUT: Katie's eyes glance round her nervously as she studies
the face of the bored teller scanning the half dozen items. She hands
in the last item, hesitates, then catches her eye. The teller gives her
the receipt and she pays.
As she walks to the door the Security Guard stands in her way.
SECURITY GUARD
Madam.....we have reason to believe
you have been shop-lifting. Can you
come with me to the office?
 47.

KATIE
[More to herself] Oh God.....Oh
god......I'm sorry....[biting her lip] Can
I put it back?

OFFICE: Katie sits on a simple seat, her head bowed in shame. On

the desk in front of her are two bags of rice and a box of sanitary
towels.
At her feet are the other items in plastic bags she bought.
The security guard stands at the door. Neither say anything. But his
eyes linger over her.
Silence for a few moments. The store manager comes in and nods
at the security guard.
STORE MANAGER
Thanks Ivan.....I'll take it from here.

The security guard hesitates for a second, and then leaves. An

awkward silence. Katie looks up at the manager.
KATIE
I've never done this before......what
will happen to my kids?

She is confused as the manager takes the stolen items from the table
and places them in her shopping bags. Silence between them for a
moment.
KATIE
I don't understand......

MANAGER
Neither do I......[hesitation] this is
between me and you, and nothing to
do with the store......these items have
now been paid for.....

The unexpected kindness is a bigger blow than any scolding. She

holds her hands to her face, overwhelmed.
Katie walks to the exit. The security guard stands by the door and the
panic rises in her face again. But he is smiling.
SECURITY GUARD
Relax......it's ok.....[she is still
frightened] You could be earning a
small fortune......[a moments
confusion] a pretty girl like
you.....here's my number, give me a
call anytime......
 48.

He holds out a yellow sticky note but she refuses to take it, her face
blank. He slips it into one of the shopping bags.
SECURITY GUARD
My name's Ivan. I know
yours.......Katie.

25. DAN'S FLAT. (2 DAYS LATER.) 25

Little Dylan sits in a corner of the sitting room, and he polishes a

rough carved wooden fish with sandpaper; a fierce energy, his entire
attention focused.
Inside the kitchen Dan and Katie prepare a meal and chop up some
food. Katie, by the kitchen door, is stunned as she watches Dylan
work away on the carving.
KATIE
First time he has ever sat still on his
backside....over 15 minutes!

Dan chuckles.
DAN
It helps me too......

Daisy, curious, noses around the living room and looks at a few old
photographs. A younger Dan with a pretty woman beside him. Then
she notices something.
DAISY
What's this Dan?

She holds up a cassette and examines it. She sticks her finger in one
of the round holes and turns it gently.
DAN
Are you serious? [She nods] It's a
cassette.....[she is still blank] tape
inside....[no reaction]...music on it......

DAISY
[Holding it up, peering through one of
the holes] Are you joking Dan?

He chuckles and grabs an old clunky cassette player, flicks open the
lid and sticks the cassette in.
DAN
Press there......

DAISY
Look at the size of the button Mum!

Dan laughs. She presses it down but it is too stiff.

 49.

DAN
Harder!

He helps her press, and it clicks down. "Sailing By" comes on. Daisy
listens, swaying gently.
DAN
....It was Molly's......she recorded it off
the radio.....shipping forecast...on late
every night....Sailing By...

The music continues as Dan joins Katie in the kitchen.

DAN
Good to be cooking for someone
again......

Katie just smiles.

DAN
How did the interviews go?
KATIE
Nothing works with the school
times......put my name down with
agencies, on waiting lists.....could
clean in the mornings......lets
see.....went round the hotels
too...cafes...walked for miles....feet
killing me....

DAN
I can give you a hand pick up the kids
till I get back to work......What about
the guest house advert?

KATIE
Man was a creep.....eyes all over me.

DAN
Bastard.

Dan drops all the cut up ingredients into a pot.

KATIE
Good to be cooked for.

A moment between them.

LATER. At the table. Dylan wolfs down the food and soaks up the
sauce with a piece of bread. He suddenly looks up at Dan.
DYLAN
Coconuts.
 50.

It takes Dan a moment to twig what he's on about and then

remembers.
DAN
Correct!

Katie smiles.
LATER: Dylan is curled up in a armchair polishing the same piece of
wood. Daisy looks at a photo on the shelves.
KATIE
Is that Molly?

Dan nods. Daisy takes it down from the shelf and examines her.
DAISY
[As if to herself] Molly...like that
name....what was she like?

Dan hesitates for a second.

DAN
She was special Daisy.....but not
easy......she was up, she was
down......very smart, funny, kind......a
big big heart.....but....[pause, but their
attention spurns him on] she said her
head was like the Ocean.......dead
still, then wild...never knew what was
coming next......the music helped
her......but sometimes she hit the
rocks.......we used to play it at night
before going to bed, help her calm
down, stop her mind racing......find
sleep if she could....."Where will we
sail tonight Dan?" That was her little
joke....[pause] Her last words to me
were......."I want to sail along with the
wind at my back......that's all I need
Dan..."

They listen in silence as Dan examines the photo for a second and
stares at her.
DAISY
Did you have any children?

DAN
[Shaking his head] I would have loved
that Daisy.....

DAISY
Do you miss her?
 51.

KATIE
Daisy....

DAN
It's ok.....She was crazy....hard
work.....but I loved her to pieces.....

DAISY
Manic depressive......[Dan is amazed]
We had a few of them at the hostel.

Daisy puts the picture back on the shelf.

In the kitchen: Katie and Dan have cleared up and Dan puts the last
items away in a cupboard, quietly and methodically.
KATIE
Must have been hard for you Dan....
Did you look after her till the end?

Dan is quiet for a moment, then nods.

DAN
I thought it would be a relief when she
passed....I stopped and started work
depending how she was....but after
you've cared for someone so
long.....it fills up your whole life.....

KATIE
And forget about your own?

Dan shrugs.
DAN
Well.....it was hard to invite people
back.....you get kind of used to
[struggling for the words] becoming
private, very private, ....without
realising......

KATIE
She was lucky to have you.....I ended
up with someone......[pause].....he
wasn't a good person Dan......my Mam
warned me....but you can't be told at
18. And I did it again with Dylan's
Dad.....a control freak.

DAN
You're young....whole life ahead of
you.....once you get back to those
books you'll feel better.....
 52.

KATIE
Can't bear to look at them...really
upsets me....

DAN
It'll work out.....just you wait......

KATIE
We'll see.

She looks overwhelmed with it all.

DAN
We all need the wind at our back now
again....it'll change.

26. DAN TRYING TO FIND WORK. (NEXT DAY) 26

Time passing. Dan looks tired and worn out by the process.
GARDEN CENTRE: Dan hands over a handwritten photocopy of his
CV to a manager.
SUPERMARKET: He hands over another.
WAREHOUSE: An energetic manager studies Dan's CV. He actually
looks interested.
OWNER
Sick of some of those bloody young
ones not turning up, or screwing
up......[flicking over it] I'll give you a
phone......that's a lot of
experience....thanks for popping
by......Harry Edwards....that's my
name.....

Dan sheepishly nods his head, embarrassed by the interest.

MAIN STREET. Dan is in an out of a few shops, and then enters a
clothes shop.
INSIDE: Dan hands over his photocopied CV to a young woman and
young man in ultra trendy clothes. They take it politely, but are
bursting inside, catching each others eyes and feeling like kids in
church trying to contain themselves.
DAN
Just in case you ever need a handy
man for the building......I can do
anything......

It releases the tension and the two youngsters burst into giggles.
 53.

GIRL
I'm sorry...really sorry...at first I
thought you wanted to work as an
assistant......

DAN
[Not unkindly] Yeah.....that would be
funny.....

As he leaves he can see the two of them in stitches. He feels

humiliated.
BACK LANE. Something to lift his spirits. He catches sight of China
and Piper working from a fold up table covered in trainers. A half
dozen youngsters swarm round as others are attracted by the show.
He is really giving them the patter.....
CHINA
Quality trainers! Straight from the
factorrrrry!

PIPER
Straight from the factorrrrrry!

CHINA
No middlemen!

PIPER
None at all!

China catches sight of Dan, and the latter gives him the thumbs up.
China breaks out in an easy smile. Dan enjoys his vitality.
DAN
[Fist in the air] The future! Good old
Stanley!

CHINA
Next time you see me.....I'll need a
driver!

DAN
I'm your man.....

Dan waves at him and walks off.

A man shouts at him from across the road. It is Joe from the sawmill.
JOE
Dan...Dan.....going down the pub
tonight, a few beers.....come on
down.....some good music too.....
 54.

DAN
Thanks Joe.....got to keep off the
sauce.....but I'll pop by the mill.....

Joe waves at him and walks on.

Dan's phone begins to ring and he starts fumbling in his pockets. He
manages to get the phone out of the right pocket but it just stops
ringing.
DAN
Shit!

Dan turns into a shop doorway. He listens to the message as he tries

to block out the sound of the traffic with a finger to his ear.
ANSWERING MACHINE
Message for Daniel Blake.
This is a call from the DWP decision
maker. You should soon receive a
letter which states that you have been
deemed fit for work and not entitled to
Employment and Support Allowance.
Further information is available
online. Thank you.

27. DAN'S FLAT. (NEXT DAY) 27

Dan has been opening his mail. He stares at a hefty electric and gas
bill. It has red letters along the top, Final Demand. The landline
phone rings. He answers.
VOICE
Harry Edwards here.....manager of the
warehouse......I got a chance to go
through all the CVs and wonder if you
can manage to come in for an
interview tomorrow?

DAN
[Hesitant] I'm sorry Mr Edwards.....but
I have been told by my doctor not to
go back to work yet......it's hard to
explain.....

VOICE
So why did you hand in the CV?

DAN
It's the only way I can get any
benefits.....

VOICE
I studied your CV with respect!
(MORE)
 55.

VOICE (CONT'D)
Red tape and bloody scroungers
driving me insane......I do a 12 hour
day and I get shit like this.......stop
wasting our fucking time and money!

He cuts off the phone. Dan feels profound shame.

28. JOB CENTRE. (2 DAYS LATER) 28

Sheila the young job coach examines Dan's booklet detailing his job
search as Dan sits opposite her like a naughty child.
SHEILA
Not good enough Mr Blake......how do
I know you have been in contact with
all these employers? Did you keep a
copy letter?

DAN
I walked round the town, handed in
my CVs by hand.

SHEILA
Prove it.

DAN
How?

SHEILA
Did you ask for a receipt? Take a
photo on your mobile?

DAN
[Showing his mobile] With that? I give
you my word.....that's what I did.

SHEILA
Not good enough Mr Blake......what
about the Universal Job Match on
line?

Dan fiddles in his pocket and takes out a slip with his computer
appointment.
DAN
I went down the library.....here's my
slot......tried my best......drove me
mad....

SHEILA
Not good enough.....let me see your
CV.

Dan hands her a copy of his photocopied CV. [Copied from original
in pencil.]
 56.

SHEILA
Did you not learn anything in the CV
workshop?

DAN
You'd be surprised.

She examines the CV with contempt.

DAN
[Holding her eye, slowly] Not good
enough.....

It raises her hackles.

SHEILA
I'm afraid I will have to refer you to a
decision maker for a possible sanction
for four weeks......your payment will
now be frozen.....You may be entitled
to hardship allowance if you apply.
Do you understand?

Dan just stares at her.

SHEILA
If you are sanctioned you must
continue to look for work and sign on
or you maybe sanctioned again which
is likely to be for 13 weeks on the
second occasion and thereafter up to
a maximum of 3 years.

She hands him back his booklet.

SHEILA
Would you like me to write out a
referral to a foodbank?

Dan stares at her for several seconds, then walks out.

Fade.
29. STREET OUTSIDE AND INTO DAN'S FLAT. (6 WEEKS LATER) 29

A second hand furniture dealer van is outside Dan's house. Two

strong lads carry out various pieces of furniture, including the
armchair and a hefty sideboard.
China, on his way out, stops in his tracks for a moment in shock. He
spots Dan by the van.
CHINA
Dan....you're not leaving are you?
 57.

DAN
Heading for the
Bahamas......[momentary surprise,
then as the rolled up carpet goes by]
sick of this stuff, need a freshen
up.......

China senses something. Dan looks knackered.

CHINA
Are you Ok Dan?

DAN
Fine son.....

CHINA
You haven't even given us a row...for
leaving out the rubbish.....

DAN
I'm ok China.....thanks anyway......
CHINA
If you need anything......give me a
shout.....

A warm moment between them.

Inside flat: The dealer notices Dan's tool box which has the lid up
revealing his kit.
DEALER
What about these?

DAN
[Shaking his head] No chance....I'll be
back to work soon.

The dealer eyes up the mobiles still dangling down from what is now
a very empty sitting room made all the more Spartan by the bare
floorboards.
DEALER
[Touching one] Quality.......how much
do you want?

DAN
Not for sale.

The dealer hands Dan some cash which Dan checks. He is not
impressed by the amount and sticks the money in his pocket.
DEALER
Call me if you change your
mind......see you now.
 58.

He leaves and closes the door.

Dan leans up against the wall staring at his bare room apart from the
mobiles and another picture of Molly. Sense of loss and emptiness
strike deep.
30. KATIE'S FLAT. NIGHT. (2 DAYS LATER.) 30

Daisy walks through to her Mum's room and jumps into bed with
Katie.
Katie cuddles into her back and can feel her child shiver despite all
the blankets piled up.
KATIE
You're freezing darling......did it keep
you awake? [No answer] What's
wrong love?

DAISY
One of the girls was making fun of my
clothes......

KATIE
You look gorgeous.....

DAISY
[Hesitant] Said I was sweaty and
smelly......

KATIE
Don't you listen to her......

DAISY
It's true....

KATIE
Why didn't you say darling?

DAISY
You're doing your best Mum......

Katie feels ashamed.

KATIE
I'll take everything to the laundry
tomorrow.....that's a promise.....

Katie cuddles her tight, as her face hardens.

Later, SITTING ROOM. Katie, walks through to the sitting room,
wrapped up in a blanket. She has her phone in her hand.
She sits on the sofa and takes her purse from her bag which has
been left on the sofa.
 59.

She opens it, extracts the sticky yellow post it, and sees the name,
"Ivan", and number.
She stares down at it, one last hesitation. She gathers up her
courage and dials.
VOICE
Who's this?

KATIE
Do you remember me......the girl from
the supermarket?

SECURITY GUARD
Katie......glad you phoned.

31. STREET AND BAR, NIGHT. (NEXT DAY) 31

Katie, looking her smartest, and very attractive, walks down a busy
street.
She hesitates outside a cafe. She spots the people she is looking for
inside. She builds up her courage and enters.
Through the glass front we see her approach two people. One is
Ivan, the security guard. The other is a smartly dressed woman in
her forties who stands up politely to greet Katie and shakes her
hand.
They sit down to talk.
32. KATIE'S FLAT. SAME NIGHT 32

Dan sits in Katie's sitting room, in his overcoat. He is working away

again on a carving. There is an improvised terracotta heater with tea
candles on beside him.
He hears the front door open and Katie comes in.
KATIE
Thanks Dan......did they go down ok?

DAN
No problem.....fast asleep. How did it
go?

KATIE
A good talk.....a single parent's
group...had a friendly chat with one of
the Mums after.....

DAN
Great....some good people round
here....
 60.

KATIE
I'll just check them......

In the hallway, Katie sees Dan out. He can sense her tension.
DAN
Are you ok?

KATIE
Just tired Dan.....thanks a
million....see you soon.

DAN
Anytime.....sleep well.

Dan heads down the one flight of stairs to the main door out to the
street.
By the bottom door Dan notices an envelope lying on the ground. He
bends down to pick it up. On one side he reads Katie's full name,
Katie Morgan and current address. He turn it over and reads in
handwriting the website address [Link] followed
by a telephone number.
Dan is stunned, and hesitates. He doesn't know what to do with the
envelope. He looks up the stairs towards Katie's flat.
He puts the envelope in his pocket and leaves.
33. DAN'S FLAT. SAME NIGHT. 33

Dan uses the space of the living room, now virtually empty. He works
with energy and precision as he cuts up the last of the mahogany
planks over two trestles and the saw dust drops to the bare
floorboards.
He finishes off making the top shelf to a simple but elegant book
case.
His phone rings but he ignores it. It goes on to speakers and
answering machine. He stops working for a second as Katie's voice
comes on. (There is something gentle and vulnerable about her tone
which Dan picks up on.)
KATIE'S VOICE
Dan....[moments hesitation] thanks
for coming round tonight...[a
sigh]....Daisy woke up....she forgot to
ask you something....she has to
interview someone about their work
for a school project....she wants to ask
you. Is that ok?
(MORE)
 61.

KATIE'S VOICE (CONT'D)

They loved your made up stories
tonight....she said Dylan was laughing
and laughing...[emotional]...it almost
me made me cry....Sleep well
Dan......byeeee.

It gets Dan. He lays down his tool and slumps forward in his chair.
He looks done in and exhausted. He takes the envelope from his
pocket and reads the words again.
He knows the truth in his heart. He pinches the brow of his nose as
he tries to think clearly despite the blow.
Fade.
34. DAN'S FLAT (A FEW DAYS LATER) 34

Dan has his phone to his ear as he gets through to someone.

DAN
Is this the number for the escort
agency?

VOICE
I'll give you another number mate.

DAN
I hear you had a new girl starting last
week.

VOICE
That's right......phone this number now
and you'll get all the info.....have you
got a pen?

35. SUBURBAN ROAD AND FLAT. (SAME DAY) 35

Dan walks down a street, phoning to get the house number which he
repeats.
He spots the house he is looking for and walks down the short path.
He rings a bell and the door lock buzzes. Dan enters and he is soon
into a hallway.
He meets an ordinary looking woman in her late forties.
WOMAN
You're ten minutes early.....but it's ok
to go in.....

Dan looks embarrassed and pulls out his wallet to pay.

 62.

WOMAN
No......you pay her
inside...[indicating]...first door on the
right......she's waiting.....excuse
me.....

She disappears into the kitchen and Dan can hear the distant sound
of a radio and cooking utensils on the go.
Dan moves towards the door. He looks very uncomfortable and
hesitates.
At last he knocks.
KATIE'S VOICE
Come in.....

INSIDE: The room has been tarted up for purpose.

Dan, in an instant, takes in Katie's skimpy lingerie under a semi
transparent gown. Katie is stunned for a second, like a body blow.
She suddenly crosses her arms across her chest, as if confronting
her father.
DAN
[Gently] Katie.....this is not for you.....I
want to help.....

KATIE
[Whispered] You shouldn't see me like
this.....this is
something.....separate.....cut
off.....Please get out.....

DAN
Katie......listen......I just couldn't talk to
you in your house.....

She can't bear it. Katie swirls round, grabs her coat from a hook and
barges past him. He follows her out.
DAN
Katie! I've got to speak to you.....I
was so confused.....didn't know what
to do.......Please......

But she's off, scurrying out the door, along the corridor, then out into
the street.
DAN
Katie!

Dan follows at speed.

 63.

DAN
Katie! Please listen to me!

But she is away, with Dan trying to catch up. A few yards along she
turns first right down the lane, and with Dan still following she turns
again, just to get away, but it brings her behind the building into a cul
de sac, full of bins and rubbish, and she's trapped in a filthy corner.
She turns to face Dan who is now opposite her. Lit rooms from the
back of the houses shed a little light. She is raw, exposed, resigned,
and now holds his eye.
They are both devastated as they look at each other. Dan struggles
to control himself.
DAN
I came to tell you...[almost
cracking]....I made you a book
case.....

She starts to shake her head.

KATIE
Don't...don't say anymore....

DAN
For your books Katie.....

KATIE
I can't bear it.....I beg you....

He doesn't know what to say, what to do, where to look. He looks

above him and he lets out a groan.
DAN
Jesus Christ.....this is breaking my
heart!

He suddenly grabs her in a clasp as he might do to a daughter. She

puts her arms around him too.
After a few long moments they calm a little. She speaks quietly into
his ear as she still holds him tight.
KATIE
You know Dan......no words....

He shakes his head, and tries to swallow a sob.

DAN
Fuck.....

Another long moment.

 64.

KATIE
[Slowly, quietly] I've got three hundred
quid in my pocket.......I'm going to buy
the kids fresh fruit....not past the sell-
by date.....if you can't deal with this, I
can't see you anymore, because I'm
going back in there....back in
now....[struggling to get the words
out, almost cracking again] if you
speak to me.....if you show me any
more love.....I'm going to
break......don't break me Dan...it's
hard enough.

She grips him tighter and he responds.

At last she releases him and they separate. She drifts past him like a
ghost.
Dan leans up against the wall, and sinks to his hunkers as he tries to
control profound grief that overwhelms him.
Fade.
36. CITY STREETS 36

A sense of time having passed. ( 7 days later.)

Dan trudges along a street with a bunch of the same photocopied CV
s in his hand. He folds them up and pops them into the letter box of a
few businesses or pubs.
In another street, he goes from shop to shop, barely pausing as he
hands over his CV.
He stands on a corner, dispirited, not certain which direction to take.
He waits and waits. Traffic passes in front of him.
37. JOB CENTRE (NEXT DAY) 37

Dan looks much worse for the wear, and he has not shaved in a
week. His shirt is crumpled and his shoes are scruffy too.
He now has to sign on again but this time he sits opposite the
friendlier older job coach Ann.
She examines his claimant commitment form and her confusion
grows as she flicks through a few more pages.
ANN
I'm a bit confused......what jobs have
you applied for?

DAN
It's a grand farce isn't?
(MORE)
 65.

DAN (CONT'D)
[Noticing] Your friendly name tag on
your chest....."Ann" ....opposite a sick
man, looking for non existent jobs
which I couldn't do anyway......wasting
my time, employers time, your
time......all it does is humiliate
me......grind me down....is that the
point....get my name off those
computers?

He leans in closer as Ann suffers.

DAN
I'm not doing it anymore.....that's it. I
just want my appeal date for
Employment and Support....

ANN
[Whispered] Please listen to me
Dan......this is a huge decision.....it
could be weeks till your appeal comes
through....there is no time limit for a
mandatory reconsideration......

DAN
I have a time limit.

ANN
And you might not win......[glancing
around her again] keep signing on,
get someone to help with the online
job searches......if not you might lose
everything...[looking round her,
quietly]...I've seen it before.....good
people, honest people, on the
street.....

Dan holds her eye for a few moments.

DAN
[Quietly] Thank you Ann. If you lose
your self respect.....you're done for.

He gets up and leaves her still holding his claimant commitment

form.
Dan walks out and winks at the security guard.
DAN
See you sooner than you think......

It leaves him confused.

 66.

38. OUTSIDE THE JOB CENTRE. (SAME DAY) 38

Dan turns left to a huge expanse of wall, part of the job centre, and it
is clearly visible from the busy street. He stops and takes out
something from his pocket. He shakes it, and then starts writing in
big black letters from a spray can.
Several passers by stop in amazement, stunned to see an older man
with a spray can.
He writes....."I Daniel Blake.......N. I. No. WL 75 11 67D....
Inside, the security guard runs towards the office of the manager.
Dan continues spraying outside.
....Demand my appeal date before I starve......"
The manager and guard rush to Dan.
SECURITY GUARD
What the fuck are you playing at?

Dan shakes the can while he holds their eye.

MANAGER
Call the police.

Dan turns to the wall again. The two officials stare at the words being
spelled out as the Security guard tries to get through to the police.
More people gather around and some take photos on their mobiles.
"And....change...shite...music...on...your...phones."
He hesitates for a second before adding a big exclamation mark.
Laughter and a cheer from some youngsters.
D AN
[To the manager] New hobby....Do
you think I should put this on my CV?
He moves closer to the security guard who is now talking to the
police.
DAN
And tell them I'm going to do this
every single day till I get my appeal
date.

Dan walks back to the wall, and sits on the ground under the writing.
A small gathering has crowded round. Several shout
encouragement, others laugh and insult the officials. A really crazy
looking man appears, a bit over the equator on some cocktail,
stumbles over and starts mouthing the words on the wall to himself.
 67.

On finishing, (some time) he pulls off his jumper and shirt to reveal a
chest heavily tattooed.
CRAZY MAN
[still looking at the wall, fist in air]
Yes!!!!! Words of wisdom! [To Dan]
You are "the man", wee man.

Another youngster comes over to Dan with a mobile and a selfie

stick.
YOUTH
Can I have a selfie bud?

A police car pulls up and the officers run over to the action. The two
policemen arrest Dan and attempt to bring him over to the vehicle.
But they are being harassed by the bare chested crazy man much to
everyone's amusement.
CRAZY MAN
Brothers.....you're arresting an
innocent man!

POLICEMAN 1
Clear off, or you'll be coming too.....

CRAZY MAN
A miscarriage of injustice!

POLICEMAN 2
Shut it you if you know what's good
for you!

CRAZY MAN
Should be arresting the wankers who
thought up sanctions! That preachy
baldy cunt...Ian Duncan what's his
face! Him with the piles.....

POLICEMAN 2
Beat it, clear off!

CRAZY MAN
And the posh Dicks in mansions who
came up with the bedroom tax for
disabled, including my fucking one
legged Granny.......

He starts hopping around on one leg just out of range.

POLICEMAN 1
Your last warning!
 68.

CRAZY MAN
Not much fun......[still hopping like
crazy]...a pensioner on one
leg.......how many spare bedrooms
does that Chancellor of the Fucking
Extractor got?....Georgie
Chops....school boy fart.....

POLICEMAN 2
I want you out of here now!

CRAZY MAN
Him and his Bullingdon Club Toss
Pots! Sun shining out their arse! Posh
Eton twats trashing lives! [Pounding
the wind-screen to the police van]
Fucking windbags! Keep your greasy
hands off The People's Bedrooms,
outlaw sanctions......justice for one
legged Grannies!

POLICEMAN 2
I said clear off!

CRAZY MAN
This man is a hero....[pointing at
graffiti] Sir Daniel Blake!....Should be
a statue made....a fucking scholar!
[doing so] I salute you! A martyr, a
prophet in your own lifetime!

Dan salutes him back from the van, as the crazy lad stands to
attention, bare chested, on one leg, (left leg held up by his left hand)
as he salutes with his right as the van moves off.
39. POLICE STATION. (SAME DAY) 39

Dan looks spent as he faces a senior officer at the bar who finishes
off paperwork.
OFFICER
Ok Mr Blake.....we're nearly
there.....checked out your address.....

DAN
What happens now?

OFFICER
...You are likely to get a summons for
Criminal Damage and possibly one
for a Public Order offence too.....all
depends...[looking up at
him].....graffiti......at your age, on a
public building......think you would be
ashamed of yourself......
 69.

OUTSIDE: As Dan walks down the steps he passes a police car.

Two officers stand by it, one on the phone. The other recognises
Dan.
POLICEMAN
Dan! You remember me?..... You
worked with my old man......

DAN
Robbie's son......say hello to him for
me......

POLICEMAN
Will do....[checking around
him]...what are you doing here?

DAN
It's a long story.......[remembering]
Jimmy, that's your name.....

40. STREET OUTSIDE DAN'S FLAT. (SAME DAY) 40

China and Piper are walking to their building when a police car pulls
to a halt swiftly beside them. Their faces turn pale.
They can't believe their eyes when Dan steps out and the police car
pulls off again.
They are gobsmacked. Dan looks drained too and moves towards
them.
DAN
Post office tipped them off.....they are
closing in......police, customs, coast-
guards, Interpol, Chinese
Government.....they know everything
about the trainers.....

PIPER
Jesus Christ!
DAN
[To China] Even the shoe
seizes.....got your emails.....phone
numbers.....

CHINA
Fuck!

DAN
I never said a word.......not a
word......even when the drips started
on my forehead......hands behind my
back.....Chinese torture.....
 70.

CHINA
Dan you bastard!! Think I might have
shat myself! [Pulling at his trousers]
Not joking.....

PIPER
Fuck....good one Dan....pissed
myself...

The boys laugh in relief.

PIPER
What are you doing with the police?

DAN
Fixing their windows.....

CHINA
We've hardly seen you.....Are you ok
Dan?
DAN
Perfect. Never felt better.

They head towards the building, though China glances at Dan.

Fade.
41. DAN'S FLAT (3 WEEKS LATER) 41

Daisy walks up the stairs to Dan's flat. She carries a plastic

tupperware container carefully in her hand, not wanting to upset the
contents.
She moves along the external walkway towards Dan's door. She
knocks loudly and then peers through the letter box.
DAISY
Dan....[louder] Dan! It's me,
Daisy.....I know you're in there.....[no
answer].....I counted the days.....over
a month......I'm not leaving till I see
you.....

Still no answer as she peers through.

DAISY
[Long silence, then quietly] We know
everything now......Mum spoke to your
neighbour.....told us lots of
things...[pause]...We didn't know
about your heart Dan .....Why didn't
you tell us?
(MORE)
 71.

DAISY (CONT'D)
[Silence for a moment]......Going out
at night.....not answering the
door....not answering our calls. Mum
has been crying her heart out....why
won't you speak to her? [Pause] No
credit on the phone? That happened
to us a lot......

She lays down the flap of the letter box, sits down, and leans up
against the wall for several long moments.
She hears a creak inside. She opens up the letter box again.
DAISY
I heard the creak......you have no idea
how stubborn I can be.

Long moment.
DAISY
It's cold out here.....I'm freezing....

DAN'S VOICE
[Low energy] Please Daisy......I'm not
feeling very well.....I promise to come
visit you......

DAISY
I can tell by your voice. You don't
mean it, do you?

Silence.
DAN
Did your mum send you?

DAISY
She doesn't know I'm here. She's out
at work and Dylan is with a friend.
[Pause] I cooked you some
couscous.....the way Grannie taught
me......I made it for you.....and Dylan
sent you his lolly pop.....he's really
missing you too....

She takes it from her pocket and sticks it through the letter box. It
bounces on the floor.
Still silence.
DAISY
Can I ask one question?

DAN
Ok.
 72.

DAISY
Did you help us?

DAN
Suppose so.....

DAISY
So why can't I help you?

Silence.
DAISY
Is it because I'm a kid?

DAN
I felt ashamed......a bit lost Daisy.

DAISY
Do you think I don't know about that?

A moment, then door opens. Daisy is shocked at the sight. He has a

white scraggly beard, messed up hair, stooped, dirty clothes and he is
a bag of bones. His face looks grey and emaciated. The carpet is
gone. He grips on to the corner of the wall for support and can barely
stand.
DAISY
Oh Dan.......Dan! Dan!!!

She grips him in shock around the waist and bursts out crying, her
face sinking into him. He grips her too as he nearly cracks as well.
DAN
I'm sorry Daisy......I'm fine.
DAISY
No! No!..... You're not Dan!......
You're not....I've lost enough
friends......

He cups his hand round the back of her head.

DAN
Don't fret sweetheart.....

Fade.
42. STREETS AND GOVERNMENT BUILDING. (4 WEEKS LATER) 42

Dan and Katie, arms linked for support, walk through streets. They
are at ease together.
They make their way over a walk-way towards the city centre.
 73.

DAN
Never been the nervy sort Katie, but
I'm nervous about this.....

KATIE
Only natural Dan.....means so
much....

DAN
Waited so long......just want it over.

KATIE
You've got all your papers, well
prepared.....someone to represent
you.......[squeezing his arm] and
you're coming round to ours tonight to
celebrate. Kids can't wait.

Dan smiles at the thought.

They eventually reach their destination and climb up the steps of a
nondescript building. Outside, several claimants smoke and look
anxious.
INSIDE:
Dan and Katie face a receptionist who examines lists in front of him.
Dan holds his eye.
DAN
Daniel Blake......here for my appeal
for reinstatement of my right to
Employment and Support
Allowance.....

RECEPTIONIST
Thank you Sir.....your welfare rights
officer is inside waiting for you.....

WAITING ROOM: Several applicants and their families wait nervously

for their appeal.
Dan and Katie stand and speak in one corner to an energetic welfare
rights officer who is flicking through his papers and giving Dan an
update.
Dan listens carefully and obvious he is anxious.
WELFARE OFFICER
The appeal is heard by a legally
qualified chairperson and a doctor.....

Dan lets out a deep breath.

 74.

DAN
Fingers crossed......if I lose this one,
I'll be on the street......

WELFARE OFFICER
I got a fresh report from your doctor,
consultant your physio too......they are
furious!..... You are going to win this
Dan...I do this every week.....I'll bet
my life on it.....

Katie pulls his arm tighter linked round hers lifted by his optimism.
KATIE
Told you.....

WELFARE OFFICER
And I'll get payment backdated for all
these months......just be
yourself......answer the
questions.....and relax.....I'm really
confident....

DAN
Need to get a few things off my
chest.....will they listen to me?

WELFARE OFFICER
Least they can do....

The welfare rights officer catches sight of an official coming out of the
hearing room. He heads towards him and they talk. Dan and Katie
catch sight of the hearing room beyond them, the table, the chairs,
and three soberly dressed individuals who will take the hearing. It
raises the tension.
DAN
[Whispering to Katie] Funny.....they
have my life in their hands......thanks
for coming Katie.

She grips his arm tighter. Face to face.

KATIE
Thanks for asking......stubborn old
bastard.

A moment between them. She gives him a peck on the cheek.

The officer holds up his hands to them indicating 5 minutes.
DAN
I'll have a quick freshen up.....get my
head together.....

Dan heads towards the toilet.

 75.

TOILET: Dan stares at his face in the mirror for a moment or two. He
splashes his face with water, once, twice.......the bending down
seems to have made him dizzy. He grips the sink. His face suddenly
contorts, and he collapses with a terrible thud.
WAITING ROOM. A panic stricken man comes running in.
MAN
Phone for an ambulance! A man
collapsed in the toilet! Anyone know
first aid?

Pandemonium as several people rush to the toilet to help, including

the official who runs the hearing.
KATIE
Is it an older man with a black suit?

MAN
That's him!
KATIE
Oh Dan!

She rushes into the toilet. The officer is already giving him first aid.
He tries to restart his heart with a first aid manoeuvre which becomes
increasingly desperate.
Katie is overcome and is on her knees beside him. She grips his
hand.
KATIE
Come on Dan!...... You can make it!
Come on!
The officer keeps at it, pounding and then checking for breath.
OFFICER
Oh Christ.....I think we've lost him.

KATIE
[Pulling his hand to her breast]
Noooooooo! Dan!! Not now.....you
can't go now.....it's not your time.......

Fade.
43. CREMATORIUM. (5 DAYS LATER) 43

The simplest and cheapest coffin possible sits up at the front. To the
side, a Vicar stands quietly in respect.
By a little table there is the photograph of Dan and his wife Molly that
was on the wall in his home.
 76.

Nearby, one of his most delicate mobiles hangs, and gently twirls. By
the table, Katie, Daisy, and Dylan stand in respect each holding a
single red rose as they look out at the dozen or so mourners,
including China and Piper, Joe and several mates from the sawmill, a
few others faces not recognizable, and Ann, the job centre coach, sits
by herself at the back.
The undertaker nods at Katie who steps forward to say a few words.
She has difficulty containing herself.
KATIE
They call this a pauper's
funeral......the cheapest slot, 9 am.
But Dan was no pauper to
us.....[looking over at her children]
was he? He gave us what money
cannot buy........[holding up a single
sheet of paper] I found this note on
him when he died......[looking down at
it ] He always wrote in pencil......he
wanted to say this at his appeal, but
never got the chance. [Pause] I will
believe to my dying breath that this
lovely man had a lot more to give, and
that he was driven to an early grave
by the State. My daughter Daisy
wants to read it.......

Daisy comes over and takes the paper. She takes a couple of deep
nervous breaths, and then reads.
DAISY
I am not a client, a customer, nor a
service user....I am not a shirker, a
scrounger, a beggar nor a thief......I am
not a National Insurance number, nor
a blip on screen......I paid my dues,
never a penny short, and proud to do
so. I don't tug the forelock but look
my neighbour in the eye, and help him
if I can. I don't accept or seek charity.
My name is Daniel Blake, I am a
man, not a dog. As such, I demand
my rights. I demand you treat me with
respect. I, Daniel Blake, am a citizen,
nothing more, nothing less. Thank
you.

Daisy kisses the paper and then looks out at the mourners.
Fade to black.
-----------------
Rev Joseph Townsend, 18th century vicar.
 77.

"Hunger will tame the fiercest animals" he wrote in support of welfare

reform. "It will teach decency and civility, obedience and
subjection......it is only hunger which can spur and goad the poor on
to labour."
------------