An aspiring TV writer becomes a substitute teacher, always keeping one step ahead of school officials as he continually bends their code of conduct. (Only 4 locations.)

SYNOPSIS:

LENNY CALAMAJORIE wants to be a TV writer. Broke and with bills mounting, he vies for a position as a permanent sub at an L.A. high school... but only has a week to prove himself. His brother, PAUL, an aspiring director, and Lenny's happy-go-lucky buddy, GARCIA, a struggling musician, are already employed there in the same capacity.

Day one and Lenny meets MAI WANG, a sarcastic yet caring guidance counselor who’ll show him the ropes. He’s initially nervous, realizing that he, behind a teacher’s desk, doesn’t “look” right, like Willie Mays in a Mets uniform or Oprah in a bikini. And when he discovers two girls macking outside his classroom, he realizes an interesting week lies ahead.

Lenny’s settled in by day two. The job isn’t demanding, providing him ample time to prepare pitches for a Friday meeting at CBS. He's even developed a crush on Mai, feelings that seem reciprocated.

By day three things become complicated. Lenny utters a derogatory remark within earshot of an administrator, so he’s sent to a sensitivity seminar. But the day ends with Lenny and Mai growing closer.

Thursday starts off well until Lenny asks Mai to switch an unpleasant assignment for him. Upset that he'd do such a thing, she has him "traded" to an elementary school for the day, an even worse assignment. It puts a strain on their budding relationship.

Friday starts off great -- a swim class with cute girls -- but becomes disastrous when he’s suddenly flung into the P.E. class from hell. He spends the afternoon breaking up fights, disciplining gangbangers, and coping via a snort or two from a colleague’s flask. And just when the dust settles, Lenny encounters JUSTIN, a troubled freshman who takes a swing at him. The police are called, but while awaiting their arrival, Mai explains Justin’s plight to Lenny. Justin’s parents were recently killed so he’s lashing out. If Lenny presses charges, Justin will be sent to juvenile hall where he’ll only get worse. Lenny decides not to press charges.

The day ends with Lenny outside the principal’s office waiting to hear if he gets the job. In light of the day’s events, he’s not sure he even wants it. He desperately needs money, though, so if offered, he can't turn it down. He phones CBS to let them know he’ll be a few minutes late but there’s bad news. The person with whom he was to meet has just died, or moved to Bakersfield, the receptionist can’t remember which. In any event, there’s no meeting for Lenny.

As Lenny sits dejectedly, Mai emerges from the principal’s office with more bad news... he got the job.