A New Beginning
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - DON'S OFFICE - DAY
At midday, Don is sitting at his desk penning down ideas for a new ad campaign. His door is slightly ajar. Peggy knocks on the door.
PEGGY: Don, do you have a moment?
DON: Come in, Peggy. (smirks) How's the new father treating you?
Peggy enters Don's office with a file in her hands.
PEGGY: Well, life has certainly changed, but work keeps me sane.
DON: I can't argue with that. What have you got for me?
PEGGY: Stan and I have been working on the pitch for the new Coca-Cola campaign. Here is our first draft.
Peggy hands Don the file, and he peruses the content.
DON: (nods) This is good, Peggy. Just one thing—the slogan feels a bit off. We'll need something as strong as 'I'd like to buy the world a Coke.'
PEGGY: I agree. How about 'Coke: The Taste of a New Generation'?
Don considers the suggestion for a moment.
DON: Hmmm, yes, it's bold and confident. I like it.
Peggy smiles proudly.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - OUTSIDE ROGER'S OFFICE - DAY
Joan walks the hallway carrying a tray with two cups of coffee when she hears Roger's laughter inside his office.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - ROGER'S OFFICE - DAY
Joan enters to find Roger and Ted engrossed in a conversation.
JOAN: (smirking) Am I interrupting something?
ROGER: (smiling) Never, Joan. Just giving Ted the scoop on the clients we're meeting this week.
TED: Thanks for the intel, Roger.
JOAN: (hands them each a cup of coffee) Here, your caffeine fix gentlemen. And Ted, good luck with the meeting.
TED: Thank you, Joan. I'm looking forward to it.
Ted looks at Roger and gives him a quick nod.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - HARRY'S OFFICE - DAY
Harry enters his office to find Megan waiting for him in the guest chair.
HARRY: Megan? What a surprise! (smiling) To what do we owe the pleasure?
MEGAN: I have exciting news, Harry. I've been cast in a new Hollywood film! I need to move to LA for a few months.
HARRY: (excited) Congratulations, Megan! Your big break!
MEGAN: Thank you, Harry. I just wanted to let you guys know since I won't be around the office for a while.
HARRY: That's no problem at all. We'll miss you, but I'm sure Don will be thrilled for you.
CUT TO:
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - DON'S OFFICE - DAY
Don speaks to Roger and Ted about plans going forward.
DON: Pete needs to be closely involved with the new Coca-Cola campaign. When is he due back in the office?
ROGER: Today. I expect he will come barrelling through that door any minute now.
As if on cue, the door swings open, and a flustered Pete enters with his luggage.
PETE: (grinning) Sorry to keep everyone waiting. My flight was delayed. What's going on?
TED: Just in time, Pete. Don has some big news for you.
Don hands Pete the file with the revised pitch.
DON: You're on board the new Coca-Cola campaign. The pitch is tomorrow night. Are you up for it?
PETE: (grinning) Absolutely. Wouldn't miss it for the world.
TO BE CONTINUED.
A Sudden Shift
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - DAY
The office is buzzing with activity. Don Draper, Roger Sterling, and Joan Holloway are in the center of the room, discussing potential clients.
Don: We can't rely on these old accounts forever. We need to find new clients, fresh blood.
Roger: We pitch to anyone, Don. It's not like there aren't companies lined up out the door waiting to work with us.
Joan: That's true, but we could get more - clients, we just need to think outside the box. There's a whole world out there waiting for our creative edge.
INT. PEGGY'S OFFICE - DAY
Peggy Olson is at her desk, typing away on her typewriter, working on a new idea for a commercial. She looks up as Ken Cosgrove enters the room.
Ken: Peggy, Roger and Don want you to come up with a list of potential clients - creating a few new faces.
Peggy looks at her pile of unfinished work.
Peggy: (sarcastically) Great. More work. (Reconsiders) Wait, potential clients? New faces? Does that mean we're looking to expand?
Ken: That's what they say. Impress them and who knows, your name could be on the door someday.
Peggy nods, already thinking of ideas.
INT. MEETING ROOM - DAY
Don, Roger, Joan, and the Creative Team are in the meeting room, reviewing a potential client - a company called GenTech.
Don: I've been hearing a lot about this GenTech lately. They're shifting in computer technology; it's something new and exciting. It could be a big opportunity for us.
Roger: We're ad men, Don, not scientists. What do we know about computers?
Joan: We won't be selling computers, Roger, we'll be selling the idea of computers. The dreams they create, the possibilities they bring.
Peggy enters the room, a list in her hand. She takes a seat at the table.
Peggy: Here are a few more suggestions. I think a couple of these might be right up our alley.
Don takes a look at the list, nods approvingly as he reads off names.
Don: Peggy, you always have your fingers on the pulse. You really know what's going on.
Roger: We'll pick up clients, we always do. But computers, Don? It just doesn't seem very... us.
Don: (leaning forward) When we signed those cigarette companies, were we smokers? When we signed that car company, were we mechanics? We're here to tell stories that inspire people, sell dreams. And we will sell computers the same way we sell every other product.
Joan: Gentlemen, if GenTech is interested in our agency, I say we go forward. We make a pitch they can't refuse.
The room nods in agreement. There's a sense of excitement and enthusiasm among the team.
TO BE CONTINUED
Mad Men: A New Frontier
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - RECEPTION AREA - MORNING
PAULINE, the receptionist, is filing her nails while answering the phone.
PAULINE
(into phone)
Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, how may I assist you?
PAULINE listens for a moment before giving a coy smile.
PAULINE (CONT’D)
Of course, Mr. Whitman, one moment please.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - DON DRAPER'S OFFICE - MORNING
DON DRAPER, a suave and self-assured man, is sitting behind his desk, drink in hand. His door swings open, revealing PAULINE.
PAULINE
Mr. Whitman on line one.
DON
(smiling)
Thank you, Pauline.
Don picks up the phone.
DON (CONT’D)
Richard, it's been a while. What can I do for you?
CUT TO:
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - PETE CAMPBELL'S OFFICE - MORNING
PETE CAMPBELL, a young and ambitious account executive, is rifling through papers on his desk. His secretary, JEANIE, enters.
JEANIE
The Velspar report is missing from the files.
PETE
(irritated)
Can anything go right today?
CUT TO:
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - MEN'S ROOM - MORNING
ROGER STERLING, confident and silver-haired, washes his hands at a sink. PEGGY OLSON, an aspiring copywriter and the first female executive at the company, enters.
ROGER
(dryly)
Taking the advertising world by storm, huh?
PEGGY
(defensively)
My meeting with the creative team was running late. I couldn't wait!
Roger chuckles.
ROGER
Don't fret, Peggy. You'll always be a trailblazer around here.
CUT TO:
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - BREAK ROOM - MORNING
JOAN HOLLOWAY, the office manager, walks in and approaches HARRY CRANE, the head of media. Joan looks irritated.
JOAN
(interrogating)
Why is the new typewriter still in the box? I want it installed today.
HARRY
(defensive)
I’ll get to it, Joan. The NBC meeting was rescheduled and I had to fix the ad slots!
Joan sighs and walks away.
CUT TO:
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - DON DRAPER'S OFFICE - MORNING
Don hangs up the telephone, beaming.
DON
(genuinely excited)
Well, that was interesting!
Peggy walks in, looking flustered.
PEGGY
Don, the creative team is waiting for your decision on that slogan. What do you prefer: “Velspar – A Lifetime of Color” or “Velspar – Beauty That Endures”?
DON
(distracted)
“Beauty That Endures”, without question. Peggy, gather everyone in the conference room. We just got a chance at a space exploration account!
Peggy, excited and eager, hustles out of his office.
TO BE CONTINUED
Unseen Reflection
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE OFFICE - DAY
Don Draper enters the office, briefcase in hand, looking impeccably sharp in his polished suit.
DON DRAPER
Good morning, Peggy.
PEGGY OLSON
(upbeat)
Good morning, Don!
DON DRAPER
What's the schedule looking like today?
PEGGY OLSON
We have a meeting with the Philips team at 10, and then you're meeting with Cooper about the new account later this afternoon.
DON DRAPER
(sighs)
Another busy day.
Suddenly, Don notices an unfamiliar face across the room.
DON DRAPER
Who's the new guy?
PEGGY OLSON
(confused)
I'm not sure, Don. We didn't hire anyone new.
DON DRAPER
(raising an eyebrow)
Well, he's sitting in on the Philips meeting.
As Don and Peggy exchange puzzled glances, Betty storms into the office.
BETTY DRAPER
(angry)
Don, we need to talk, now.
DON DRAPER
I'm in the middle of a meeting, Betty, what's going on?
BETTY DRAPER
Something's wrong with our bank account, Don. I tried to buy groceries and it was declined.
DON DRAPER
(exasperated)
This isn't the place for this, Betty...
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Later in the day, the Philips meeting begins. The new, unknown man is sitting at the conference table with Don and the rest of the team.
PEGGY OLSON
(whispering)
Have you figured out who he is?
DON DRAPER
(whispering)
No, and I don't like him being in the meeting. Stay alert.
INT. BERT COOPER'S OFFICE - DAY
Don knocks on Cooper's office door.
BERT COOPER
Ah, Don. We need to discuss the new account.
DON DRAPER
That's why I'm here. But first, we need to figure out who the new guy is.
BERT COOPER
(raising an eyebrow)
I wasn't aware we had someone new.
DON DRAPER
Exactly. Something feels off.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE BAR - DAY
Don and Roger are having a drink together after work.
ROGER STERLING
Don, you always have a strange sense of things. Ever notice that?
DON DRAPER
The new guy's identity might be just a small puzzle piece in the grand scheme of things.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE OFFICE - DAY
It's the end of the day, and Don is the last one to leave. He sees the new man standing in front of the office window, staring out at the skyline.
DON DRAPER
(angry)
Who are you?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
(smiling)
I'm your unseen reflection, Don. I've been here all along.
The mysterious man hands Don an envelope and walks away.
DON DRAPER
(confused, to himself)
What does that even mean?
Don's curiosity leads him to open the envelope, revealing information that could unravel everything.
TO BE CONTINUED
A Taste of Ambition
INT. STERLING COOPER ADVERTISING AGENCY - DON DRAPER'S OFFICE - DAY
Don Draper, impeccably dressed, is standing by the window, overlooking the New York City skyline. He takes a slow drag from his cigarette. The door to his office opens, and Joan Holloway, the sassy redhead, enters.
JOAN
Roger's on line one.
DON
(sighs)
Thanks, Joan.
(Motions for her to leave and picks up the phone)
Don Draper speaking.
ROGER (O.S.)
Don, we've got a meeting with the Häagen-Dazs at 10. They want a new ad campaign by next week.
DON
I'll be there.
ROGER (O.S.)
You better be, it's a big one.
INT. STERLING COOPER ADVERTISING AGENCY - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
The entire team is assembled, including Don, Roger, Pete Campbell, and Peggy Olson. There's palpable tension in the room as the meeting begins.
ROGER
Alright, people. Listen up. Häagen-Dazs wants us to make them the sexiest ice cream in America. Get your creative juices flowing and let's impress them.
PETE
Why don't we start by revisiting the traditional 1920's Parisian charm? Bring luxury and elegance to the campaign.
ROGER
Hmm... that's not a bad idea.
DON
(nods)
I like it. Peter, you head that up. Peggy, Joan, give him a hand... and a feminine touch.
INT. STERLING COOPER ADVERTISING AGENCY - PEGGY'S OFFICE - DAY
Peggy is hard at work, drafting ad concepts. She's absorbed in a drawing of a couple sharing a sensual ice cream moment in front of the Eiffel Tower when Peter enters the room.
PETE
What about casual encounters? Say, a beautiful woman holding a Häagen-Dazs tub in a crowded subway. Adding some mystery to the brand.
PEGGY
How about a couple sharing a passion-fruit flavored ice cream in a bedroom, with the Eiffel Tower slightly visible outside their window? Still playing with the Parisian charm but adding a sensual twist.
PETE
(smirks)
Not bad, Peggies. Keep it coming.
INT. STERLING COOPER ADVERTISING AGENCY - HALLWAY - DAY
The team is walking out of the conference room, eager for lunch. Peggy pulls Don aside, visibly excited.
PEGGY
Don, I've got a great idea for the Häagen-Dazs campaign. It's bold and it could be huge for us.
DON
Save it for the presentation. I trust you.
PEGGY
(nods excitedly)
Okay.
INT. STERLING COOPER ADVERTISING AGENCY - DON DRAPER'S OFFICE - DAY
Don is alone, pouring himself a glass of bourbon, contemplating the Häagen-Dazs campaign. Betty, his estranged wife, enters unannounced, catching him off guard.
BETTY
Don... we need to talk.
He takes a deep breath, knowing that serious conversations with Betty always lead to trouble.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Fragile Facade
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - DON DRAPER'S OFFICE - MORNING
Don Draper sits at his desk, looking over some AD PITCH DOCUMENTS. There's a KNOCK on the door. It's Joan Holloway, a look of concern on her face.
JOAN
Don, have you seen the front page of the paper?
She places THE NEWSPAPER on his desk. The HEADLINE reads 'RACE RIOTS ROCK THE NATION'.
DON
I've seen the news, Joan. It's not our job to fix the world.
JOAN
The partners believe this might affect our clients, maybe even our business. We need a strategy to address the risks.
DON
(sighs) Alright, assemble the team. We'll brainstorm in 15 minutes.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - CONFERENCE ROOM - MORNING
The team gathers around the conference table: Don, Joan, Peggy Olson, Pete Campbell, and Roger Sterling. They discuss the crisis and its potential impact on the company.
PEGGY
How about a campaign highlighting unity and inclusiveness? Something that shows all our clients celebrating together?
ROGER
Or maybe we should steer clear of the whole thing. I don't want this place to become a target for the protesters.
PETE
I don't think we have a choice. Our clients are expecting us to address the situation.
JOAN
Pete's right. We can't just ignore the issue.
DON
Alright, let's develop Peggy's idea. But, let's be careful not to look like we're just capitalizing on the situation.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - HARRY CRANE'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Harry Crane, the company's MEDIA BUYER, works at his desk, clearly agitated. He gathers his things and heads to the conference room.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - CONFERENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON
The team is pitching their UNITY CAMPAIGN to Don, who seems to be underwhelmed but still considering it.
HARRY
(entering) Don, we can't go through with this campaign. All our media buys are threatened. People are tuning out of commercials, and some TV stations are even pulling ads in the face of disaster.
DON
(rubbing his temples) Anything else?
PETE
Our competitor, McCann Erickson, is rumored to be signing a major deal with a prominent civil rights leader. That could make our whole campaign look insincere and opportunistic.
DON
(sits back) This isn't working. We need a fresh approach, something no one expects.
INT. DON Draper's Office - Evening
Don sips on his whiskey, lost in thought while staring at the newspaper from earlier. He gets an idea, grabs his coat and hat, and heads home.
INT. DON DRAPER's LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Don sits on his couch, typing on his TYPEWRITER, crafting a compelling NEW ADVERTISEMENT. He lights a cigarette, takes a drag, and glances at the TV, where REPORTS OF RIOTS flash across the screen.
Don's determination grows. He types faster, knowing this ad could change everything.
TO BE CONTINUED
Smoke and Mirrors
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - DON DRAPER'S OFFICE - DAY
Don Draper, impeccably dressed and confident, sits behind his desk. Peggy Olson confidently strides into his office carrying a folder filled with ad ideas.
PEGGY
I think I've cracked the campaign for Philip Morris, Don.
DON
What have you got, Peggy?
Peggy opens the folder and presents some rough sketches of a new ad concept.
PEGGY
Smoke and mirrors. People love mystery, so we're embracing that by displaying the cigarette shrouded in smoke. The tagline? "Discover the allure of Philip Morris."
DON
(smiling)
I like it. Let's pitch it to them.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - BOARDROOM - DAY
Peggy and Don, with the creative team behind their backs, present their idea to the Philip Morris executives.
EXECUTIVE #1
I must say, Mr. Draper, Miss Olson - this is quite an interesting idea.
EXECUTIVE #2
But how will this address the ongoing health concerns about cigarettes?
DON
We're not dismissing them. Instead, we turn the conversation towards sophistication, elegance, secrets waiting to be unveiled. The public will see Philip Morris as a tantalizing escape from their mundane lives.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - BREAK ROOM - DAY
Joan Holloway, ever-stylish and elegant, pours herself a cup of coffee. Roger Sterling walks in and leans against the counter.
ROGER
So, I heard Don and Peggy knocked Philip Morris off their feet.
JOAN
(smiling)
They sure did. That Peggy has a bright future ahead of her.
Roger nods, looking around the room.
ROGER
You know, Joan, we make one hell of a team. What do you say we celebrate the win tonight?
JOAN
(shaking her head)
Roger, we're not a team anymore. Besides, I have plans tonight.
Roger looks dejected but nods in understanding before leaving the break room.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - PEGGY'S OFFICE - DAY
Peggy sits at her desk when Ken Cosgrove enters, visibly excited.
KEN
Did you hear the news? The Philip Morris executives loved our pitch! We did it!
PEGGY
(smiling)
Yes! It just goes to show what we can achieve with a little imagination and good collaboration.
Ken and Peggy share a celebratory clink of their glasses.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - HALLWAY - DAY
Don, walking out of a meeting, spots a secretary he's never seen before: Maria, early 20s, attractive, and mysterious. They exchange glances as she walks away, leaving Don intrigued.
TO BE CONTINUED
Mad Men: The Other Side
EXT. MADISON AVENUE - DAY
Establishing shot of a busy Manhattan street in the 1960s. Vintage cars zip by, and well-dressed men and women pass by storefronts.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - MAIN FLOOR - MORNING
ROGER STERLING stands near the window, gazing at the bustling street. DON DRAPER enters, looking crisp and cool despite the hectic morning.
DON
What's got you so interested out there?
ROGER
(sighs)
It's been twenty years, Don. Where did the time go?
DON
(smirks)
We spent it selling the American Dream.
ROGER
And what a dream it's been.
PEGGY OLSON enters, a sense of urgency in her step.
PEGGY
Gentlemen, we've got a big problem. Ken just brought in Lyle Evans from the Wall Street Journal. They want an ad campaign for next week's paper.
DON
One week? That's impossible.
PEGGY
(confident)
I know we can do it, Don. I've got a few ideas already.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
The creative team gathers around the conference table, papers and folders scattered everywhere. Don, Peggy, and others feverishly scribble on their notepads, trying to come up with a game-changing campaign.
JOAN HOLLOWAY walks in, confident and poised.
JOAN
(coolly)
Isn't it thrilling to have another impossible deadline? I didn't have nearly enough to do this week.
DON
(sarcastic grin)
Glad to help, Joan. Did you read my latest drafts for the tobacco pitch?
JOAN
I did, and I think they're excellent. I just wonder what they'd look like with some visuals.
DON
(relieved)
Leave it to you to keep us on track.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - HARRY CRANE'S OFFICE - DAY
PETE CAMPBELL knocks at the slightly ajar door.
HARRY
(cheerful)
Ah, Pete, right on time!
PETE
(smug grin)
You think I'd be late for a chance to butter up the brass?
HARRY
(rolls eyes)
The boss's secretary is here. She says something's wrong with the wire service.
PETE
(sighs)
I'll handle it.
INT. STERLING COOPER PRYCE - MAIN FLOOR - DAY
Peggy, Betty Hofstadt and other employees hover around the water cooler.
PEGGY
I had a thought last night. What if we use silence in our radio ads?
BETTY
(skeptical)
Silence? In radio?
PEGGY
Sounds absurd, I know. But sometimes it's the absence of sound that truly captures attention.
All eyes turn to Peggy, considering the brilliance of her idea.
TO BE CONTINUED
Mad Men: The Crimson Pitch
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - DON'S OFFICE - DAY
Don Draper sits behind his desk, cigarette in hand, lost in thought. Peggy Olson knocks and enters.
PEGGY
I've got the facts on the new Newport account, whenever you're ready.
DON
Come in. Let's take a look.
Peggy hands him a folder, and they review the content together.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - JOAN'S OFFICE - DAY
Joan Harris gazes out the window, her expression serious. Roger Sterling enters with barely a knock.
ROGER
Stop pretending to work, Joanie. We got a big account, and we're going to celebrate tonight. Interested?
JOAN
(sarcastically)
Let me guess: alcohol is involved?
ROGER
Darling, it might as well be on the invitation.
Joan SIGHS.
JOAN
Fine, but don't expect me to close the place down with you.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - PEGGY'S OFFICE - DAY
Peggy is focused on a typewriter when Pete Campbell knocks and leans his head in.
PETE
Hey, Peggy, think you can send Mimeograph a message for me? My secretary is on a phone call.
PEGGY
(slightly annoyed)
I'm working on the Newport pitch, but sure, Pete, I'll get it done.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - ELEVATOR - DAY
Don, Pete, and Peggy stand in the elevator headed to a meeting with their new client.
DON
Just remember, don't give them a reason to doubt you.
PEGGY
Right, confidence is key.
PETE
Don't worry, Don, we'll give them the pitch of their lives.
INT. NEWPORT CLIENTS MEETING ROOM - DAY
The Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce team sits across from the NEWPORT EXECUTIVES, led by CHARLES WAINWRIGHT III.
WAINWRIGHT
So, Mr. Draper, what ideas do you have to increase our market share?
DON
Well, Mr. Wainwright, we plan to tailor the advertising to the modern, educated consumer. Your brand offers a luxury experience that people will line up around the block to try.
WAINWRIGHT
I must say, you've got a way with words, but we're looking for real results.
PETE
(confident)
We believe our strategy will not only increase your market share but change the landscape of the cigarette industry.
Peggy hands over their proposal to Wainwright, who glances over it.
WAINWRIGHT
Very well. We'll discuss your ideas amongst our management and get in touch.
All stand up and shake hands.
INT. STERLING COOPER DRAPER PRYCE - LOUNGE - NIGHT
The office celebrates the Newport meeting over drinks. Don corners Joan at the bar, drink in hand.
DON
There's something going on with Betty... Can't put a finger on it.
Joan gives him a concerned look.
JOAN
I thought you two were on an upswing?
Don takes a drag of his cigarette and shakes his head.
DON
That's what I thought too. Lately, it seems like we're talking past each other.
Joan sets down her drink and embraces Don comfortingly.
JOAN
Don, sometimes we're not meant to know everything just yet.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED
