Black Mirror 1x01 - The National Anthem

1
INT. DOWNING STREET BEDROOM - NIGHT
Its very dark in here. Virtually the only thing we can make
out is a double bed with a couple slumbering beneath a duvet.
Beside the bed, a Blackberry thrums into life, on vibrate.
From the bed, a mans hand blearily reaches
Blackberry, but manages instead to knock it
where it continues to thrum away. He grunts
Blackberry stops humming. For a moment, all
for the
onto the carpet,
slightly. The
is quiet again.
Then another phone rings: an office desk phone, beside the

bed. Sighing, he reaches over and switches on a lamp. Now we
see him: Michael Callow: early forties. His wife Jane rolls
over, pulls the covers up around her.
Glancing at the clock beside the bed (5.13am), Michael lifts
the receiver with a faintly resigned, apprehensive air.
Hello.
MICHAEL
He listens.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
Just tell me whats happened.
He listens. Whoevers on the phone is saying something, but
not giving him the basics: what is happening?
MICHAEL (CONTD)
What is it?
The voice on the other end says something. Something that
wakes him up. His face drains of what little colour the night
had left it with.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
Ill be right down.
He hangs up and sits, slightly stunned, for a moment. Jane
has woken up herself. She touches his arm to comfort him.
JANE
Whats happened?
MICHAEL
(staring into space)
Susannah.
Susannah?
JANE
MICHAEL
Princess Susannah.
He rips back the bedclothes and reaches for a dressing gown.
Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -
2.
JANE
Is she alright?
Michael heads for the door.
MICHAEL
I dont know.
2
INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM - NIGHT
A large oak panelled room. Prime Minister Michael Callow sits

at a large conference room table, a coffee in front of him,
still in his dressing gown.
We hear muted sobs. Female. Coming from a speaker. But for
now, were watching the people in this room. Its a COBRA
meeting. Aside from Michael there are four others present.
Sitting to his right: Alex Cairns, Home Secretary, in her
early 50s, smartly dressed. Also present: Julian Hereford, DG
of MI5 -- also smartly dressed.
Standing at the back of the room, Director of Communications
Tom Bilce, in trendy specs.
Theres also a steely looking man in his mid-30s: Section
Chief Walker, also MI5, standing by a plasma screen which is
currently demanding everyones attention. The screen from
which the sobs are emanating. Its hooked up to a laptop in
front of Julian.
On screen, an attractive woman in her 20s. Mascara running
down her face. Cut-glass accent. We only see her from the
shoulders up: straps of a summer dress and fresh bruises.
Its Princess Susannah. Clearly in great distress. Tied in
position, arms behind her back as far as we can tell. She
looks off to the side: theres someone standing there, behind
the lens. Someone we cant see.
SUSANNAH
Dont kill me.
We see Michaels ashen face, as he watches. Then back to the
screen as an electronic voice - one of the standard ones
included with modern laptops - speaks, off-mic, to the
Princess.
ELECTRONIC VOICE
Read the statement.
SUSANNAH
Please dont kill me.
ELECTRONIC VOICE
Read the statement.
*
*
*
*
*
3.
SUSANNAH
Yes... all right. From that screen?
There is a slight pause: we hear brief typing.
ELECTRONIC VOICE
That is correct.
Susannah looks down the lens, and starts to read, like an
amateur presenter having to read an autocue at gunpoint. At
times hesitant... at times stuttering on her own terror.
SUSANNAH
I am Susannah, Duchess of
Beaumont... popularly known as
Princess Susannah. I am somewhere
you cannot find, held by someone
you will not trace.
She pauses, peers at the next bit.
SUSANNAH (CONTD)
Prime Minister Michael Callow...
We see Michael blanche at the direct mention of his name.
SUSANNAH (CONTD)
Prime Minister Michael Callow... My
life... my life depends on you.
If you do not do precisely as
instructed by 4pm this afternoon, I
will be...
(she sobs)
I will be executed. Oh God I c-Abruptly, Julian taps the spacebar on the laptop -- the video
pauses.
*
*
MICHAEL
What are you doing? Keep it going.
JULIAN
Prime Minister, at this point its
important to say we are 100 percent
certain this is indeed Princess Susannah.
Her car was intercepted shortly after
midnight. Returning from the wedding of
one of her student friends.
MICHAEL opens his mouth -- Alex Cairns speaks for the first
time. Shes looking down though, at the table.
ALEX
Shed insisted on going.
MICHAEL
(to JULIAN)
But you had security on her, I mean-
*
*
*
4.
WALKER
Two PPOs; still unconscious.
MICHAEL
Unconscious?
WALKER
Heavy sedative, close range, each
with a single puncture wound, no
sign of struggle.
Michael gestures at the screen, dazed.
MICHAEL
What do they want, money?
No-one says anything.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
Release a jihadi? Scrap 3rd world
debt?
(exasperated by silence)
Save the fucking libraries?
*
*
JULIAN
We believe both the video and the
demand it contains to be genuine.
MICHAEL
(shouting)
What demand?
Beat.
*
ALEX
What Susannah says next... it
concerns you directly sir.
Michael stares at her. Looks round at all of them. None of

his aides are making eye contact. Hes worked alongside Alex
and Tom for three years. Now they wont look at him.
Julian is also looking at the table.
This already bad situation just took a lurch towards
nightmarish. Callow looks at Walker, who is regarding him
with a glimmer of sympathy.
WALKER
This is actually happening sir.
MICHAEL
(quieter)
Just play it.
Julian hits his keyboard. The video resumes.
5.
SUSANNAH
... cant... please... I dont want
to die.
She dissolves into sobs. We hear fast off-camera typing.
ELECTRONIC VOICE
Continue to read the statement.
Susannah looks back at the lens.
SUSANNAH
There is only one demand. And it is
a simple one. At 4pm this afternoon
Prime Minister Michael Callow must
appear on live television, on all
British networks -- terrestrial and
satellite -- and... no.
ELECTRONIC VOICE
Continue to read the statement -SUSANNAH
... on all British networks,
terrestrial and satellite -- and
have full unsimulated sexual
intercourse with a pig.
(sob; looks offscreen)
I dont understand.
Julian pauses the recording again, just as a list of
instructions appears.
JULIAN
The video ends with a series of technical
specifications for the broadcast.
We watch MICHAELs face register 500 bewilderments at once.
He tries to speak. Nothing. He almost laughs. Then thinks
again. He looks around: no-one makes eye contact. Finally:
MICHAEL
Why are you doing this?
(beat)
Its a joke, right? Ha ha Mike. Ho
ho.
There is more silence.
Its real.
JULIAN
Michael stares at the table. Then back at the screen. Then at

Alex, his confidant.
MICHAEL
Did she say pig? Sex with a pig.
6.
Alex nods.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
They want me to have sex with a pig?
TOM
On live television this afternoon.
MICHAEL
But what -- who the-WALKER
Were checking with our embedded
operatives, compiling suspects as
we speak.
ALEX
Meanwhile, the demand has been made
and theres not long to formulate
our response.
MICHAEL
Well Im not fucking a pig. Page
one, thats not happening.
Of course.
ALEX
He looks around. Alex nods. Tom nods. Julian nods. Walkers

face doesnt react at first. Until Michael looks at him.
WALKER
Absolutely sir.
MICHAEL
(to Julian)
Have we established a dialogue with
this... person?
JULIAN
We cant. Theres no email address,
no codeword, no channel for
negotiation. Almost certainly a
deliberate stance.
Michael stands up again. Hes pacing now, trying to think:
MICHAEL
Okay. So. We focus on finding
Susannah, get her back, however its
done, I dont care, we stop this now.
ALEX
I assure you everyone is working
toward this.
7.
MICHAEL
Yes -- no! Not everyone! Dedicated
core team. This cant go wide.
He looks at Tom Bilce.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
And keep it so far from the press
its on the other side of Jupiter.
Tom opens his mouth awkwardly.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
It only exists in this room.
TOM
Its already outside it.
Thats another blow. Michaels rattled by it:
MICHAEL
If theres hacks sniffing round,
shut them down.
Tom looks like he wants to say something.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
Bright red D-notice. Super-fuckingGodzilla-injunction with ten-inch
Whitehall fangs.
Before Tom can answer, Julian interjects.
JULIAN
This video came from YouTube.
Michael spins around, agape.
What?
MICHAEL
WALKER
It was uploaded via an encrypted IP
over an hour ago.
MICHAEL
Well get it off there!
JULIAN
We did, after nine minutes. But
that was long enough for it to be
downloaded, duplicated, and spread.
MICHAEL
Spread? How many people have seen
this?
8.
JULIAN
We take one down, six clones pop up
elsewhere. Its viral.
MICHAEL
How many people?
WALKER
50,000. Thats our current estimate.
Michael is silenced as that unfurls in his head. Then:
TOM
The newsrooms have got it.
MICHAEL
(alarm)
Theyre running this on air?
ALEX
No. We put a type five D-notice out
immediately, and theyre complying.
For now.
TOM
Michaels spooked. Alex shoots Tom a look: not helpful.

TOM (CONTD)
(ominously)
Its trending on Twitter.
Michael looks at the screen, once again struck dumb. He looks
around the room; he might cry. Then he thumps the table hard.
MICHAEL
FUCKING INTERNET!
ALEX
(calmly)
Well, yes.
MICHAEL
So now what? Whats the playbook?
JULIAN
Its new territory, Prime Minister.
There is no playbook.
Michael looks more puce than ever. Rubs his eyes.
Christ.
END OF PART ONE
MICHAEL
Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 3
9.
EXT. STREET - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING
A flat above a shop. We close in on a bedroom window.

4
INT. KIERAN & LAURENS BEDROOM - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING

This is a bedroom belonging to a young couple.
The male half, Kieran, sleeps in bed. His girlfriend Lauren
isnt here yet.
*
*
The door bursts open. Its Lauren his girlfriend, dressed for
work -- she works as a receptionist in A&E. Shes holding a
laptop and a phone. Kieran jumps.
*
*
*
LAUREN
Princess Susannahs been kidnapped!
KIERAN
You scared the shit out of me.
LAUREN
Theres a YouTube of it!
KIERAN
(half awake)
Go to work...
*
*
LAUREN
Gabriel texted me about it from
Canada.
*
*
*
LAUREN passes him the laptop and then switches on the TV.
We look over Kierans shoulder at the laptop. The video -beneath it are comments from viewers -- a lot of WTF and
OMFG.
SUSANNAH
(oov)
On all major networks...
terrestrial and satellite -- and
have full unsimulated sexual
intercourse with a pig.
KIERAN
Gotta be a pisstake.
LAUREN
(eyes on the TV)
Its too... weird for that.
*
*
Lauren is watching the channel UKN News -- a news network.

LUCINDA TOWNE is the NEWSREADER
Archive footage of fire engines and the headline NO WAY OUT
10.
LUCINDA TOWNE
... the Tillsdale fire inquiry hears
harrowing 999 calls
made by trapped residents as flames
engulfed the building.
*
*
*
*
*
LAUREN
Whys it not on the news?
5
SCENE 5 OMITTED
EXT. UKN NEWS BUILDING - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING
Its early morning. Were looking at a glass-and-steel

building. A bit Horseferry Road. A sign with a big UKN News
logo. Over this, we hear a womans voice. The newsreader.
LUCINDA TOWNE (V.O.)
Shut Down: The Tate Modern's
controversial 'Agitation'
exhibition closes three weeks ahead
of schedule, amidst criticism from
the Culture Secretary.
7
INT. UKN NEWS STUDIO - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING
*
*
*
*
*
*
7
A modern rolling news studio. From one side of the camera, we

see morning shift news anchor Lucinda Towne reading
headlines.
LUCINDA TOWNE
In the Clear: Footballer Geraint
Fitch has been cleared of any
wrongdoing following a
confrontation with the paparazzi
outside a Manchester restaurant.
8
INT. UKN NEWS ROOM FOUR - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING
*
*
*
*
*
*
8
This is a meeting room designed to accommodate about twelve

people comfortably. Right now its holding almost double
that, some seated round the table, some standing.
On the table a laptop shows the Princess Susannah video.
A debate is in full flow. Doing most of the talking are: two
reporters, Malaika (female, attractive, late 20s) and Damon
(late 30s). Outranking them are Shelly, Day Editor (late 30s)
and Martin, Executive Editor (early 40s). Martin sits at the
head of the table.
DAMON
How would we even describe it? An
indecent act?
11.
MALAIKA
Everyones seen the video; they
already know the full-SHELLY
If we mentioned bestiality prewatershed Ofcomd be seriously
pissed off-MALAIKA
(snorting)
Fuck Ofcom.
MARTIN
Were still honouring the D-notice SHELLY
But surel-MARTIN
(raised voice)
We are honouring the D-notice
MALAIKA
(sotto)
The voluntary D-notice...
MARTIN
(looking at Malaika)
It may be a sportsman-like
gesture but were making it.
(he looks around)
A womans lifes at stake. We
follow procedure.
Malaika holds up her iPhone to display Tweetdeck.
MALAIKA
(brandishing iPhone)
My timeline consists 100 percent of
viewers asking why were not
covering it. How do I reply?
You dont.
MARTIN
MALAIKA
Thats totally backwards-MARTIN
No-ones breaking rank. Not the
Beeb, not Sky, not -DAMON
(unhelpfully)
I hear Facebooks coverage is
pretty comprehensive.
12.
MARTIN
That may be, but -MALAIKA
Its like 9/11s happening and were
broadcasting sandwich recipes.
MARTIN
We are not a chatroom.
A young researcher, JACK, sticks his head round the door.
JACK
Its on CNN.
The room turns to look at him.
JACK (CONTD)
And Fox. And MSNBC. Al Jazeera,
NHK, NDTV...
MARTIN
(hes got the point)
Alright.
Malaika looks vindicated. Martin crumples slightly.
MARTIN (CONTD)
(sighing)
This planet.
Then he claps his hands and stands up -- a commander.
MARTIN (CONTD)
Okay. Sarah, you cover the snatch
itself. Damon, public reaction;
Mira, Royal angle, upcoming
marriage etc; Simon -- set tone
with standards and practices. Weve
got to explain this without viewers
sicking up their Weetabix.
*
*
Martin walks past a series of team members; hes like Patton.

But hes ignoring Malaika, and shes starting to notice.
MARTIN (CONTD)
Lorcan, the internet aspect. New
paradigm, Twitter, Arab spring, all
that bibble.
Lorcan nods. Martin is already onto the man beside him.
MARTIN (CONTD)
Dan, all graphics run past me. And
keep it functional. No Peppa pigs.
Finally he gets to Malaika. A brief pause.
13.
MARTIN (CONTD)
Malaika, update the Princess obit VT.
Wow. To Malaika, thats an insult.
MALAIKA
The obit VT.
Finally Martin looks at Shelly. He puts his hand on her

shoulder.
*
*
MARTIN
Shelly -- youre fired.
*
*
Shelly looks aghast.
MARTIN (CONTD)
Seriously, get out.
*
*
Shelly goes to open her mouth.
MARTIN (CONTD)
(deadpan)
Okay that was a lie. Ill be in the
gallery with you, if you can bear
that.
(sighing)
But first... an awkward phonecall.
Least I can do is warn Tom.
*
*
*
As MARTIN exits the room, we see MALAIKA is texting someone.

9
INT. NUMBER TEN CORRIDOR - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING
A twenty-something press assistant called ANDREW is glancing

at an incoming message on his Blackberry -- we dont see it -but then quickly hurries off screen, as he hears, bombing
round the corner, Tom Bilce on the phone. Tom looks furious,
but darent raise his voice too much.
TOM
We put a D-notice on it!
MARTIN
(on phone)
Its global, Tom.
TOM
Dont. Im begging you.
MARTIN
(on phone)
Youre begging me?
TOM
Dont run it Martin.
*
*
*
*
14.
MARTIN
(on phone)
Im sorry: I cant help you Tom.
Two Downing Street staff members brush past Tom; he nods at
one, lowers his voice further. Once theyre out of earshot,
he hisses violently into the mouthpiece.
TOM
(furious, hissing)
Know how much help youre getting
from here on in? Multiply nothing
by shit all. UKNs dead to us.
Shove it up your arse you f--
Just then the door hes standing beside opens -- Alex appears
in it. Tom abruptly hangs up. Alex eyes Tom with suspicion.
ALEX
(pointing at phone)
Interesting?
A man.
A man?
A man.
TOM
ALEX
TOM
Beat.
ALEX
(quietish)
Tom, so youre across it... Im
exploring contingency plans.
*
*
Tom gives her a look.

10
EXT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS - DAY 1
10
A TV Studios. But theres something strange about it:

specifically, we see, a police officer near the door, turning
a member of staff away.
11
INT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS CORRIDOR
- DAY 1
On the walls: the occasional framed shot of celebs and

gameshows. This place is commonly used for mainstream TV.
A besuited special agent named CALLETT -- Government type,
about 35, is on the move toward the studio, flanked by two
armed special officers. They pass a corridor -- CALLETT
quickly points down it.
11
15.
CALLETT
Harper, any doors down there,
secure them.
One of the officers obediently peels off to stride down the
corridor. CALLETT and the remaining officer keep moving.
A paunchy producer in his mid-40s called JON appears from
another corridor, chaperoning NOEL, a youngish FX guy with a
flashy Alienware laptop under his arm.
JON
Mr. Callett? Noel from Blue Eye.
With a glance, CALLETT sizes him up. Noel is about 24; a bit
alternative, in a T-shirt with retro videogame art on it.
JON (CONTD)
(quickly)
Noel won an Emmy for his FX work on
that HBO moon... western... thing.
NOEL
Sea of Tranquility.
JON
You wont find better.
By now theyre at the perimeter of a TV studio, walking
backstage... CALLETT still walking with purpose.
CALLETT
(to NOEL)
Can you map a head onto a different
body, live?
NOEL
Depends if your cameras moving.
Callett hands him a print-out with a list of rules on it
CALLETT
His rule-sheet specifies a single
handheld camera in a constant
roving motion.
*
*
*
Noel inspects the list. As he reads it, we start moving into

the studio space itself...
12
INT. STUDIO - DAY 1
12
They enter a cavernous television studio more commonly used

for gameshows. Today its stark. A simple black backdrop.
NOEL
Gonzo style.
(reading)
(MORE)
*
*
*
16.
NOEL (CONT'D)
Knows his shit, thats tough.
(back to the list)
Fruition to be transmitted in
full? Whats -(thinks for a moment;
answers own thought)
Ah. Yeah.
*
*
*
*
CALLETT
Just focus on the visuals.
Different face mapped onto a
live...
(not sure of the word)
performer... with those
stipulations.
NOEL
Fringes of possibility...
CALLETT
Deadlines at four. Need to know if
its workable by two.
NOEL
Cant happen.
CALLETT
It has to. Any kit you need -- any
kit, its yours.
NOEL
Mate, Im good, but Im not Jesus
Christ.
As CALLETT walks off; not even looking back at NOEL...
CALLETT
He didnt have computers.
14
INT. HOSPITAL CASUALTY AREA - DAY
14
This is a Casualty waiting area with seating, a reception

desk, and a plasma TV on the wall near the Reception Desk to
keep waiting patients occupied.
*
*
*
17.
The plasma TV is tuned to UKN News, upon which Lucinda Towne

is still blahing on about anything other than this. Footage
of BIN COLLECTION VAN and headline REFUSE ROW.
*
*
*
A slim nurse, BRIAN, is near the desk. Also an orderly, PIKE

(boorish guy in ironic T-shirt). Theyre both looking at the
telly. LAUREN arrives and takes her place behind the desk.
*
*
*
LAUREN
Is it still not on telly?
BRIAN
Nothing. Must be a hoax.
PIKE
Or a blackout.
Just then, the onscreen strap is replaced by a whooshing

BREAKING NEWS logo.
PIKE (CONTD)
Woah, heads up.
LUCINDA TOWNE
(shift in tone to suggest
this is potentially
monumentally upsetting
news for most viewers)
Some major breaking news now here
on UKN.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PIKE
(shouting back to some
other staff)
Its real!
*
*
Everyone else in the area looks up. Now its real.

15
INT. UKN NEWS STUDIO - DAY 1
*
15
Full screen on the news report. The BIG BREAKING NEWS STRAP
resolves to PRINCESS KIDNAPPED Beneath that in smaller text:
Susannah Duchess of Beaumont has been kidnapped.
*
*
*
NB TEXT IN BOLD ITALICS WILL BE WHAT IS HEARD IN THE

FOLLOWING SCENES.
*
*
LUCINDA
In the last few minutes it's been
confirmed that Susannah, Duchess of
Beaumont has been kidnapped. A
video uploaded anonymously to the
internet appears to depict the
Princess pleading for her life.
STILLS FROM THE VIDEO; PRINCESS KIDNAPPED strap stays up.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
SCENE OMITTED
16A
INT. KIERAN & LAURENS BEDROOM - DAY 1
18.
16
16A
KIERAN is now sitting up, watching the TV.

LUCINDA
(on screen)
In the video, The Princess is
depicted pleading for her life and
addressing Prime Minister Michael
Callow directly.
17
*
*
*
*
*
*
INT. HOSPITAL CASUALTY AREA - DAY 1
17
Everyone is rapt with attention. Patients and staff alike.
LUCINDA TOWNE (V.O.)

Details regarding the kidnap itself are
scarce, although UKN understands the
vehicle the Princess was travelling in
was intercepted shortly after 1am this
morning.
*
*
*
*
*
*
This is a scene being played out across the country.

17A
INT. NASH ARMS - DAY 1
*
17A
This is a pub; not open yet but theyre preparing for the
day. A DELIVERY MAN is wheeling in barrels of lager as a
woman who works in the pub watches the news on a small
portable TV near the bar.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
We also see, in the UKN video, some news photos of the

Princess -- in one her Emerald engagement ring is featured
prominently.
SCENE OMITTED
*
*
*
*
*
LUCINDA (V.O.)
The identity of the group or
individual thought to be holding
the Princess is unknown although
its understood the Security
Services are currently following
every available lead.
18
*
*
*
18
INT. WORKSHOP - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
19.
19
Some kind of workshop, in which a man in paint-spattered

overalls has stopped to watch a small TV in the background.
He drinks a cup of coffee while watching the broadcast.
LUCINDA
As police round up potential
suspects across the nation this UKN
News viewer video shows armed
officers raiding an address in
Bradford. A man thought to be
connected with a religious pressure
group can be seen being dragged to
a waiting van.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
On the screen: shaky iPhone-quality video footage of guys

being bundled into the back of a van by armed cops (OR VANS
SIMPLY OUTSIDE AN ADDRESS).
20
INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM - DAY 1.
*
*
*
20
Michael is doing up a shirt - hes just got changed. Walker

passes him a sheet of paper containing a list of names. Some
are organizations -- from Animal Rights to Muslims4Sharia -others are named individuals.
WALKER
Our embeds have ruled out the major
players: its not AQ, not IRA. This
is whats left. Radicals, hate
groups, people whove threatened
yourself or the Royals...
JULIAN
Theyre being brought in as we speak.
MICHAEL
For more than questioning I hope.
(looking at list)
Someone knows something.
21
21
In the casualty area theyre still transfixed by the breaking

news.
LUCINDA
(on screen)
Two guards in the princesss
security detail were reportedly
rendered unconscious during the
kidnap.
*
*
20.
PIKE
(eating a biscuit)
If its terrorists theyll take her
head off.
BRIAN
Fuck sake, man.
PIKE
Just saying.
22
SCENE OMITTED
22
23
SCENE OMITTED
23
23A
INT. NASH ARMS PUB - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
23A
SONIA, a barmaid-landlady in her early thirties, is behind

the bar, preparing pumps for the days trade and being
distracted by a portable TV in the corner on which the news
is being broadcast. Behind her, her faintly nerdy 13-year-old
mixed race son has wandered downstairs and is half-watching
the news, half-playing a handheld videogame.
LUCINDA (ON SCREEN)
The video also depicts the Princess
reciting a statement containing a
bizarre ransom demand of a personal
nature involving the Prime
Minister.
*
*
*
*
*
*
SONIA
(eyes on TV)
Theyll be asking for a million
quid or something.
SON
(gawping at game)
They want him to do it with a pig.
SONIA
(annoyed by that)
Go to school.
The boy exits.
24
INT. DOWNING STREET STAIRWELL - DAY 1
*
*
24
TOM BILCE bustles toward his office, Blackberry beeping every

few seconds. Beside him, a young assistant called CAMILLA,
referring to an iPad, updates him on coverage so far.
21.
CAMILLA
Telegraph has the full video and an
interactive timeline, tonally stark,
brief mention of ransom being a sex
act, nothing too gross...
They near the press office...
25
INT. DOWNING STREET PRESS OFFICE
- MOMENTS LATER. DAY 1. 25
This is Tom Bilces little fiefdom. Computer monitors, and

two big tellies at the side. One is tuned to UKN News.
TOM and CAMILLA enter.
CAMILLA
The Suns site runs with TAKEN;
big grab of Susannah, mentions the
demand euphemistically...
*
*
*
*
Its a poky room, with desks, and three young assistants in

their twenties. One of whom is the quiet, faintly nerdy
assistant called ANDREW we saw in a corridor earlier. Hes
currently on the phone, speaking slightly in code.
ANDREW
(on phone)
Of course I still want that drink.
25AA
INT. UKN NEWS ROOM CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
*
*
25AA
We see its MALAIKA on the phone.
*
*
MALAIKA
(on phone)
Then give me something...
25AB
INT. DOWNING STREET PRESS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1
25AB
ANDREWs worried he might be overheard

ANDREW
Its not - that wont be possible
We watch Toms face, staring intently at the TV as CAMILLA
continues with her coverage assessment.
MALAIKA
(on phone)
Im friendly when I drink. Very
friendly when Im grateful.
*
*
*
Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 25A
INT. UKN NEWS CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
22.
25A
MALAIKA
Want to see how grateful I can be?
25B
INT. DOWNING STREET PRESS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
*
*
25B
ANDREW turns the phone to his other ear and lowers his voice.
ANDREW
Theres no comment at this time.
He hangs up.
26
INT. UKN NEWS CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
26
MALAIKA looks at her phone and thinks.

27
INT. TOILET STALL - DAY 1
27
Malaika has slid the sides of her top down slightly, to

expose her shoulders. She is taking a photo of herself with
her phone. She looks at it and hits some more keys.
28
INT. DOWNING STREET PRESS OFFICE - DAY 1
28
Camilla is still burbling away while Tom gawps at UKN News.

CAMILLA
Guardians businesslike but
sympathetic; they are running a
fucking liveblog -Ugh.
*
*
TOM
*
*
CAMILLA
... and a short think piece on
historical symbolism of the pig...
*
*
*
Andrews Blackberry thrums once more. He looks at it. A

picture of Malaika -- cut off just below the shoulders. It
looks like shes naked, even though she isnt.
He checks no-ones looking over his shoulder. Looks at the
photo again. And he puts the phone back in his pocket. But
now hes on a slightly different plane, somehow.
28A
INT. DOWNING STREET HALLWAY, PRIVATE APARTMENT - DAY 1
28A
Jane, with a worried expression on her face, moving down from

the flat towards the briefing room.
*
*
*
Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 28B
29
INT. DOWNING STREET CORRIDOR - DAY 1.
23.
28B
Outside the briefing room door, a security guard, spots JANE

and looks at the floor.
*
*
INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM - DAY 1
29
This is now a nerve centre. Staff coming and going -- the PM

in shirt pacing up and down. Julian updating him...
JULIAN
Weve been squeezing hard but still
nothing concrete. Those names were
long shots, so maybe no surprise b-A commotion; someone trying to enter. A security guard trying
to stop them. Its Jane. We hear but dont see her.
JANE
(oov)
Its my house. You cant stop me.
Thats my doorway. Youre touching
my doorhandle.
Jane pushes past the security guy. Everyones looking at her.
Then at their shoes. Jane fixes Michael with a look.
JANE (CONTD)
(sharply)
Can I have a word?
Michael opens his mouth. But nothing comes out.
29A
INT. DOWNING STREET CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER. DAY 1.
29A
A staff member shuts the briefing room doors from outside.

30
INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER. DAY 1. 30

The briefing room is now empty apart from the PM and JANE.
MICHAEL
It wont come to that.
JANE
And if they dont find her?
MICHAEL
MI5 have a name; theyre
surrounding a place now.
Where?
JANE
What?
MICHAEL
JANE
Wheres the place?
MICHAEL
(impressively fast)
Truro.
JANE
(equally impressive)
Why are you lying?
What?
MICHAEL
JANE
Youre lying. Truro, Jesus.
No point arguing. He puts a hand on her shoulder.
MICHAEL
I dont want you worrying-JANE
(pushing his arm away)
You never patronize me, dont start now.
MICHAEL
Whoever this is is insane-JANE
-- and has a princess -MICHAEL
Wholl get through this -JANE
Not any princess, but the princess-MICHAEL
Even if they dont find him -JANE
- Princess Facebook bloody ecoconscious national sweetheart ...
MICHAEL
-- I wont have to do anything.
JANE
(tearing up)
Everyones laughing at us.
MICHAEL
You dont know that.
24.
25.
JANE
I know people. We love
humiliation. Its just slapstick to
us -- we cant not laugh.
*
*
MICHAEL
Nothings going to happen -JANE
Its already happening in their heads.
In their heads, thats what youre
doing, what my husbands doing...
He touches her neck; she pushes his hand away. He touches it
again. His touch makes her cry.
JANE (CONTD)
I just... please...
She pushes his hand away, but doesnt really want to. He puts
it back, cradling her head.
Jane...
MICHAEL
JANE
I love you.
Theres a knock at the door. Then it opens to reveal CAMILLA.
MICHAEL
(irritated)
What?
CAMILLA
Palace on the phone sir.
MICHAEL
Ill be there in a bit. Get Alex to
stall them.
CAMILLA
Shes been speaking to her for the
last ten minutes.
Her?
MICHAEL
CAMILLA
Its the Queen herself.
Michael looks at Jane as if to say sorry, but....
JANE
(understandingly)
Go on.
Jane masks her tears from CAMILLA as she leaves.
26.
I/E. CITY - MONTAGE - DAY 1
31
We are listening to a radio phone-in over shots of traffic;

shots of builders on a site (with a radio); shots of a woman
listening in her garden.
The host is BOB HAYNES. The first caller is a man called
WAROUQ who speaks with a bit of an innit tone.
BOB
So Warouq: you say no negotiation
with terrorists?
WAROUQ
(phone static)
Yeah, cos if he did it, right, what
next? Someone says well set off a
dirty bomb unless Obama does a shitBOB
Sorry Warouq, got to cut you off
there, apologies for the language
ladies and gentlemen; now on line
three its Sam, hi Sam...
32
SCENE OMITTED
32
33
SCENE OMITTED
33
34
INT. STUDIO - DAY 1
34
Callett is surveying the scene in front of him. Jon is

standing still in position behind someone else who is on all
fours, as though mimicking a pig. NB no thrusting motions.
*
*
*
On the other side of the studio is a man standing roughly in

position against a large sheet of green fabric.
*
*
CALLET stands behind Noel -- upon Noels laptop we see an

image of Jon with the other mans head mapped onto it.
*
*
Confident?
CALLETT
*
*
NOEL
Bit of a kick bollock scramble but
with finessing it should work.
*
*
*
CALLETT
Then finesse quickly. Our
performer is on his way.
*
*
*
27.
35
An official-looking car pulls to a halt outside the TV

complex. A waiting officer opens the rear door. Out steps a
humourless besuited civil servant called BROWNE, closely
followed by a rather goonish-looking lanky man in his early
forties, with longish hair and a gold necklace.
Hes Colin Flynn, better known by his screen name ROD
SENSELESS. A porn star ala Ben Dover, in mid-conversation
with BROWNE. A one-sided talk: BROWNE is trying to ignore
him.
ROD
Its a new one for me, obviously, cos
its illegal. I wouldnt normally,
yknow. Have you seen my stuff?
No.
BROWNE
ROD
Well Im pretty trad. Bish bash
bosh. Id say no fannying about,
but Id be lying.
That usually gets a laugh. Not now.
ROD (CONTD)
Yeah, well. What do I put on the
invoice, thats what Im wondering?
BROWNE
(trying not to sigh)
There wont be any invoicing.
During this last exchange, a SPARK unloading equipment from
his truck spots Rod, and holds up a cameraphone.
Oy oy Rod!
SPARK
*
*
*
Rod does a cheeky thumbs up as the spark take a snap -BROWNE impatiently hurries him toward the entrance. The
pedestrian walks off, fiddling with his phone...
36
SCENE OMITTED
36
37
SCENE OMITTED
37
38
SCENE OMITTED
38
INT. UKN NEWS STUDIO. DAY 1.
28.
38A
Full screen on UKN as Lucinda Towne chairs a debate between

MEHDI RAHBOUD, a surprisingly youthful professor of Middle
Eastern Studies and SIR HAROLD MOUNT, former counterterrorism head.
39
*
*
*
*
*
SIR HAROLD (V.O.)

I can't think of anything even
remotely similar to this - it's an
entirely new form of terrorism (the
point of which I can't begin to
understand)
*
*
*
*
*
*
MEHDI
If this is terrorism it's not
Islamist in nature. To request a
pig is -- (specifically abhorrent
to)
*
*
*
*
*
SIR HAROLD
That's the point; making love to a
pig on live television would be the
ultimate humiliation -- (for a
Prime Minister)
*
*
*
*
*
INT. UKN NEWS GALLERY - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
39
MARTIN
Making love?
MARTIN and SHELLY are monitoring the debate from the gallery,
SHELLY speaks into Lucindas earpiece
*
*
SHELLY
Steer them away from the grisly
details.
On the screen Lucindas eyes indicate OK.
40
INT. UKN NEWS STUDIO - DAY 1
*
40
Lucinda interrupts the chat about pig-sex.

LUCINDA
(interrupting)
Without dwelling on details, this
is a huge national talking point,
and isn't that precisely what
whoever is behind this wants?
41

Brian, Pike, Lauren are watching the debate
*
*
*
*
*
*
41
*
*
29.
LAUREN
Would they use a female pig?
PIKE
(nodding)
Its on the list.
Lauren looks a bit blank.
BRIAN
The list of rules at the end of the
video. Specifies camera angles and
everything.
PIKE
Like Dogme 95.
BRIAN
(exasperated)
Its not like Dogme 95.
PIKE
Its exactly like it!
LAUREN
Whats Dogme 95?
BRIAN
A cinematic movement.
PIKE
Lars Von Trier.
Oh.
LAUREN
That means nothing to her. Oh Vienna.

BRIAN
A list of rules for directors; nae
background music, only use natural
light and so on.
LAUREN
To save electricity?
PIKE
(for a laugh)
Yeah.
BRIAN
(exasperatedly cutting him
off)
For authenticity.
PIKE
(to Brian)
Same as these rules.
(MORE)
30.
PIKE (CONT'D)
Its so they cant cheat it.
Intercut some other guys arse
pumping away.
BRIAN
Its nae the same.
PIKE
Still about authenticity.
BRIAN
Its nae the same!
PIKE
(shrugging)
Authenticity.
By now, on screen, UKN News are running a poll: Should the PM
honour the demand? 86% say no.
*
*
31.
*
*
44
44
The Prime Minister paces, mulling over his conversation with

the Queen with ALEX. TOM is in the corner, checking his
Blackberry.
*
*
*
In the background WALKER and JULIAN are approached by a young

computer analyst called JAMIE.
*
*
MICHAEL
I trust youll do everything in
your power to get her back.
Thats what she said.
*
*
*
*
ALEX
And we are.
*
*
MICHAEL
It wasnt a collective you, it
was a singular you, i.e. me.
*
*
*
ALEX
Im sure it was universal.
*
*
MICHAEL
Easy to be confident when its not
you.
*
*
*
Suddenly WALKER calls over from the other side of the room.
WALKER
Sir we may have something.
MICHAEL and ALEX come over. TOM looks up. JAMIE looks a tad
nervous when the PM approaches -- he is the Prime Minister
after all.
*
*
*
*
*
*
WALKER (CONTD)
Jamies been tracing the videos
origin.
*
*
*
MICHAEL
I thought it was untraceable.
*
*
JAMIE
Technically yeah but so I thought
work with what we know... and
that video, okay, before YouTube
compression it was 57.3 meg.
*
*
*
*
*
MICHAEL gives her a blanker-than-blank look.
31A.
JAMIE (CONTD)
Algorithm. Boring. Anyway we also
know it was uploaded at 3.16am.
*
*
*
JAMIE (CONTD)
So I ran a nationwide traceback on
uninterrupted one-way uploads of
precisely 57.3 meg in the minutes
leading up to 3.16... And...
*
*
*
*
*
She hits a key. On screen -- a Google Earth style aerial view

showing an area in Buckinghamshire.
JAMIE (CONTD)
Closest I can get is a postcode.
But it came from somewhere in
there.
MICHAEL leans in. Studies it closely.
WALKER
(tapping screen)
Looks like a campus.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Could we see from the reverse so we dont need to worry about

whats on the laptop from hereon in?
*
*
Jamie hits a few keys.
JAMIE
Yes. Closed 2010 and its been
empty since.
*
*
*
WALKER
Latest EYESAT image for this area?
*
*
She taps a few more keys

JAMIE
3am flyover shot from last night...
looks like it had lights on.
(MORE)
*
*
*
*
32.
JAMIE (CONT'D)
MICHAEL
(looking at screen)
Weve got him...
(to ALEX, delighted)
Weve got him!
*
*
*
*
*
ALEX smiles. Perhaps not 100% convinced.
WALKER
(to JAMIE)
Alert the local team
(to JULIAN)
Well head out now. Full squad,
Ill man it.
*
*
*
*
*
JULIAN
(to WALKER)
-- with helmet cam relay.
(to MICHAEL)
We can watch the operation
downstairs in press - okay with you
Tom?
*
*
*
*
Tom nods. Of course it is.
MICHAEL
Okay.
(to WALKER)
Good luck.
Yes sir.
45
WALKER
He turns on his heel. Michael allows himself a small victory

punch. This is the first chink of light today. He grins at
Tom and Alex.
*
*
END OF PART TWO
INT. DOWNING STREET PRESS OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER. DAY 1.

In the background, some techies are hooking up a plasma
screen to accommodate a feed from the operatives in the
field. Tom Bilce breezes in.
45
*
*
*
TOM
Need to prep two statements on the
rescue operation. Good outcome /
bad outcome.
CAMILLA
Rescue operation?
Tom sits at his desk and fires up his laptop. He gestures
vaguely at the plasma screen the techies are setting up.
*
*
33.
TOM
Goon squads heading for a
postcode in Buckinghamshire.
Andrews ears prick up. But not as much as Camillas:
CAMILLA
What postcode? My mums in
Buckinghamshire.
TOM
(looking at Blackberry)
BA9 6CV... a college or something.
46
Camilla grunts. Thats not it. Meanwhile ANDREW

surreptitiously gets his Blackberry ready -- starts tapping.
INT. UKN NEWS CORRIDOR. - DAY 1
46
MALAIKA, walking down a corridor. Her phone pings. She

smiles.
47
47
Andrews blackberry buzzes. He looks: a photo of Malaika -this time topless, covering her breasts with one arm. Beneath
it, a message: Thank you.
Andrew looks around -- Tom is busy typing a statement - and

allows himself a tiny smile.
48
SCENE OMITTED
48
49
SCENE OMITTED
49
50
EXT. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE FOREST - DAY 1
50
Walker and an impressive group of SOCA members (in camo) are

lurking behind some trees. Checking out their target. WALKER
is also using a small scope.
WALKER
Gotcha.
(passes scope to another
grunt)
Boards been prised away. Thats
where he got in.
WALKER turns round to address one of the SOCA grunts.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
33A.
WALKER (CONTD)
Okay target identified. Assault
team red, have spotted possible
entry point. Any orders sir?
But WALKERs not talking to him. Hes talking to a camera
attached to the SOCA grunts helmet. Because this is all
being watched by...
*
*
*
34.
51
JULIAN, adjusting a head mic, watching the plasma screen with

the live feed from the soldiers headcam. The room now
resembles the room in which Barack Obama and co watched the
storming of Bin Ladens compound. Generals. Laptops.
Advisors. All glued to the screen.
JULIAN
If he gets wind were there, shes
at severe risk; keep assembling and
keep quiet.
52
INT. DOWNING STREET BEDROOM - DAY 1
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
52
Jane is sitting at a dresser. A babys milk bottle is on the

*
dresser. Offscreen we hear a baby crying. Her laptop is open - *
- shes supposed to be working -- but is instead browsing
Twitter using the third-party application Tweetdeck.
A flurry of tweets. Concern for the princess. Conspiracy
theories - is it a False Flag operation? Sardonic one-liner
gags from celebrity comics. Jokes about how hes already
screwed the country. The hashtag SNOUTRAGE. And these are
the jollier comments.
There are tweets joking the PM will catch Pig AIDS and die.
Forum debates over which orifice hell enter. Tweets which
say fucking a pig would be preferable to fucking his wife.
The raw cruelty of the net. She cant stop reading it.
53
53
Establishing shot.
54
INT. STUDIO - DAY 1

BROWNE arrives with ROD SENSELESS. They approach CALLETT
BROWNE
Agent Callett, this is Mister Flynn
ROD
(extending hand)
AKA Rod Senseless. Stage name.
Calletts not returning the handshake.
ROD (CONTD)
(sniffing slightly)
Yeah, well.
Callett hands him a suit: a replica of one of the PMs.
54
35.
CALLETT
You need to get into this.
ROD
There a dressing room I can use?
No.
CALLETT
Rod, unfazed, kicks off his shoes and starts getting changed.
ROD
Wheres my co-star? Rude not to at
least give her a kiss beforehand.
CALLETT
(coldly)
Outside. In the truck.
ROD
Her own trailer! Whos doing her
hair? Vidal Sassoon?
He doesnt answer. Rod talks to Noel instead.
ROD (CONTD)
Full of joie de vivre innee?
He turns back to Callett.
ROD (CONTD)
Imagination was given to man to
compensate him for what he is not;
a sense of humor to console him for
what he is. Francis Bacon.
Beat.
ROD (CONTD)
Bacon? No? Fuckin hell, tough crowd.
Callett holds out the green ping-pong-ball facemask.
CALLETT
You also need to wear this.
Rod examines it.
ROD
Youre sick, dyou know that?
He pulls on the facemask, laughing.
55
55
The PM has opened some French windows for a crafty fag,

blowing smoke out the window to avoid setting off an alarm.
*
*
*
36.
Tom Bilce approaches; the PMs face indicates that he knows

he shouldnt be smoking but is going to anyway.
*
*
TOM
Have they gone in yet?
MICHAEL
Think Id be here if they had?
TOM
Ive got statements for either
outcome. Listen. The coverage is
very sympath-Michael holds a hand up.
MICHAEL
I cant think about coverage now.
Of course.
TOM
Although of course Michael is thinking about it now.
MICHAEL
But its on-side?
TOM
Strong undercurrent of sympathy.
Every poll indicates public
understanding; disgust with the
captor, outrage at the whole thing,
but not at you.
Tom checks no-ones listening.
TOM (CONTD)
(lowered voice, indicating
operation room)
Fact is, if Walkers team fuck up -not that they will but if they do -the public anticipate noncompliance from us. Thered be
squawks from the usuals but...
Its not England Expects.
(even lower voice)
If he kills her, theres no blood
on your hands. Bottom line.
Michael thinks about that. He flicks the remains of his
cigarette out the window, pats Tom on the shoulder.
MICHAEL
(indicating window)
Close that will you?
Michael returns to his desk.
*
*
*
*
*
*
37.
INT. UKN NEWS GALLERY - DAY 1
56
Onscreen, an attractive ACTRESS is burbling away about how

the Princess might be coping while Lucinda nods meaningfully.
In the gallery, MARTIN regards her with scorn.
MARTIN
Where do I know twinkletits from?
SHELLY
Actress. Downton Abbey. She knows
the Princess.
Martin looks unimpressed. Before he can finish sighing, JACK,
the researcher, walks in with a small box. Approaches Martin.
JACK
This came for you. Left at reception.
Martin looks at the box. Its a small parcel about the size
of a sunglasses case. Its got his name neatly printed on it,
and the word URGENT.
MARTIN
Feels cold.
(unwrapping it)
Any idea where its from?
JACK
(shaking head)
Courier mustve dropped it off.
He removes the outer layer. Inside is a box. It
spectacles case. Taped to it is a small USB key
words WATCH ME painted on it in neat lettering.
this to SHELLY, who immediately plugs it into a
is a
with the
He passes
laptop.
Meanwhile MARTIN looks at the spectacles case, now very

curious indeed. He flips it open. His face recoils with
instant disgust.
Ugh!
MARTIN
He almost drops it. Shelly stands up. Instant hubbub. Martin

puts the case on the gallery desk. It contains crushed ice,
glistening like diamonds and a severed finger. With nail
varnish and a very distinctive ring on it.
SHELLY
Oh Jesus, that ring, is that..?
Martin nods, with his hand over his mouth so he wont puke.
MARTIN
(to assistant)
Call the police.
38.
SHELLY
(pointing at finger)
Someone shoot that first.
She clicks on the laptop with the USB key in it. We see the
finder window. There is one file on the USB stick. Its
called PLAYME.MOV. She double clicks it. Up pops a window.
Black screen. Then some stark white text. A caption reading:
I GAVE YOU RULES. I SAID NO CHEATING.
Which is then replaced by
ROD SENSELESS? PLEASE.
SHELLY (CONTD)
What does that mean?
Martin goes to open his mouth but thinks better of it. The
caption is replaced by
SHE PAYS THE PRICE. COMPLY OR IT WORSENS.
It abruptly cuts to a shot of the Princess tied to the chair.
Her hands are tied behind her back. She is gagged and
screaming.
Oh shit...
SHELLY (CONTD)
A man with a sack on his head, wearing gloves, is behind the

princess -- he has done something to make her scream... then
he holds a recently severed finger to the lens. Shelly almost
pukes. So does Martin.
*
*
*
57
SCENE OMITTED
57
57A
INT. ELECTRICAL SHOWROOM - DAY 1
57A
Were in a huge branch of Dixons or Currys. A wall of

whopping great brand new plasma screens all tuned to UKN News
-- just as a huge BREAKING NEWS strap whooshes onto the
screen.
INT. HOSPITAL CASUALTY AREA
- DAY
Our NHS gang are watching part of the finger-severing video

being shown on UKN News.
*
*
39.
LAUREN
Oh God, I cant watch this.
LUCINDA (V.O.)
The rest of the recording is too
graphic for us to broadcast: it
depicts the kidnapper brandishing
the Princess's severed finger at
the camera... UKN News has passed
all material to Scotland Yard who
are believed to be subjecting the
finger to DNA testing immediately.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Lauren is shielding her eyes.

LAUREN
Thats proper grim. Its got to stop,
hes got to do what they want.
BRIAN
Who, Callow?
(looking back at the
screen)
Yes he fucking has.
58
INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM
*
- DAY 1
58
In ALEXs office, MICHAEL, TOM and ALEX gaze at the news.

Jesus.
TOM
Michael is silent. He breathes. But he cant keep down this

boiling water. He does his best to contain himself.
MICHAEL
(quiet calm rage)
Unless Im mistaken our mystery man
specified no visual trickery in the
original demand didnt he?
Alex doesnt want to speak. But must.
ALEX
I considered it necessary to-MICHAEL
considered it necessary...
ALEX
... to devise a contingency p-Without warning Michael picks the laptop up and violently
hurls it against the wall. Alex jumps slightly.
40.
MICHAEL
(shouting in Alexs face)
FUCKING HELL
He holds back. Pauses. Then he kicks the desk, hard.

CHRIST!
MICHAEL (CONTD)
He seems to calm down again. Alex is trying to find a moment

to speak.
ALEX
Mike, its n-But the very sound of Alexs voice makes Michael lunge
towards her, snarling through gritted teeth into her face -he almost wants to hit her.
MICHAEL
(almost incoherent)
One word and Ill fucking -- Ill -She pushes him away. He slaps her arm out of the way -- tries
to lunge back. She pushes him away again -- its almost a
slap-fight -- MICHAEL grabs her hair and pushes nearer, near
tears.
MICHAEL (CONTD)
(trying to push closer)
You dont help me! You dont help me!
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tom Bilce intervenes: grabs Michael, wrestles him away - they

both smash to the floor so hard they break every bone in
their bodies -- except they dont really -- Im joking.
Actually, no-one falls down, and no-ones health is at any
time in any danger. Thus this scene effortlessly sails
through any Health and Safety check you can think of.
*
*
*
*
*
What does happen is this: Tom Bilce grabs Michael, wrestles

him away, and Michael ends up sitting slumped on the carpet,
properly tearful now. Alex, shocked, adjusting herself. Her
hair messed.
*
*
*
*
MICHAEL (CONTD)
(almost childlike)
What did you do Alex?
ALEX
I had a back-up plan. A man
prepared to do it, and an FX
company thatd paint your head onto
his shoulders.
(readjusting his collar)
Plan was to broadcast as instructed
-- reputation destroyed -- then
announce the truth once we got her
back. Reputation restored.
Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 MICHAEL

And you actually thought itd work?
ALEX
I believed it worth considering.
40A.
41.
MICHAEL
Then youre a stupid bitch.
ALEX
With your interests at heart.
MICHAEL
Who knew about this?
ALEX
A select few -MICHAEL
But enough for a leak -ALEX
It seems some idiot at the studios - recognized our designated...
performer...
*
*
MICHAEL
Performer
ALEX
-- evidently they saw him entering
the studio with our officers,
tweeted a photo and the online
hivemind did the maths. We couldnt
have foreseen th--
*
*
MICHAEL
(coldly)
So it would seem.
Theres a ping. Tom Bilce checks his Blackberry.
TOM
Its not playing well.
With who?
MICHAEL
TOM
With anyone.
59
SCENE OMITTED
59
60
SCENE OMITTED
60
61
SCENE OMITTED
61
42.
I/E. CITY - MONTAGE - DAY 1
61A
More radio phone-in over shots of bustle. But people are

stopping to listen now.
WOMAN CALLER
If he dont do it, hes a killer.
BOB
The Prime Minister?
WOMAN CALLER
As good as.
BOB
Have to say Im with you there.
62
I/E. UKN NEWS PACKAGE - DAY 1.
62
We come in halfway through a UKN News report fronted by

DAMON, the reporter from earlier.
Archive shot of the door of Number 10 Downing Street. A still
of the PM, and a Pie Chart depicting a statistic. OR DAMON
OUTSIDE DOWNING STREET.
*
*
DAMON (V.O.)
Just a few hours ago public opinion
was behind Prime Minister Callow,
with only 8% of the public
believing he should fulfill the
bizarre and illegal request.
Then shots of the finger video, and a still photo of the
finger -- close up on the ring, with graphic bits pixellated
out.
DAMON (V.O.)
But in the wake of these images and the
delivery of the Princesss severed
finger to UKN, the mood is shifting.
At which point it cuts to more vox pops. Busy London street.
First up, a female shopper in her early 50s. Middle class
type.
SHOPPER
Itd be humiliating but its
nothing compared to her suffering.
DAMON (O.S.)
So you think Mr. Callow should
comply with the demand?
SHOPPER
Well I dont see what choice he has.
43.
Hard yet sloppy news-style cut: to a Doncaster couple in

their early forties, out in London for the day. The womans a
bit more outgoing than the man.
DONCASTER WOMAN
Hes got to do it. Hes just got to
do it.
DONCASTER MAN
Hes got to.
DONCASTER WOMAN
Its a womans life.
Then we cut again: next vox pop is from a late-forties cab
driver. A bit Talksport.
CABBIE
I wont watch but if Callow dont
do it, hes letting that girl die.
To save his own dignity, right? But
how much dignity is he gonna have,
with the whole country knowing he
couldve saved her?
At this point we cut to...
63
SCENE OMITTED
63
64
INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
64
... to reveal Tom Bilce, the PM, and Alex are watching the
same UKN News report in Alexs office. On the screen, Damons
doing a walky-talky piece to camera in a busy street.
DAMON
(on screen)
Online polls suggest 86% of voters now
believe the demand should be met.
64A
Tom Bilce switches it off. Michael stares at the screen like

hes just experienced a haunting. Then he turns on his heel
into --
*
*
INT. DOWNING STREET CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
64A
We follow, as do Alex and Tom, as the PM stalks down the

corridor toward the press room with the operation screen.
*
*
Alex and Tom go with him...
MICHAEL
When are Walkers team hitting the
college?
44.
ALEX
They need more time to assemb--
MICHAEL
Its almost half two -- no more
pissing around.
*
*
ALEX
Julians advising against (anything
hasty)--
*
*
*
MICHAEL
And Im advising for. They go in
now.
*
*
*
By now theyve reached the PRESS ROOM -- everyone looks round

at the PM
MICHAEL (CONTD)
They go in now.
65
EXT. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ROAD - DAY 1
*
*
65
The UKN News van is parked at the side of a country road -fairly remote, with woods either side. Theres a cameraman
beside it getting his gear out of the van, checking tapes
etc.
66
EXT. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE WOOD - MOMENTS LATER. DAY 1.
66
MALAIKA is by a wire fence, peering over it. A distance away

is the suspect college building. She looks at it, picks up
her phone and hits a button.
66A
66A
MARTINs phone rings -- he answers it.

MARTIN
Wheres my obit VT?
66B
EXT. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE WOOD - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
66B
MALAIKA
What would you say if I told you I
was standing near the building
where Susannahs being held?
67

MARTIN sits up.
*
*
67
45.
MARTIN
Id say bullshit.
(beat)
Youve got a crew with you?
68
EXT. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE ROAD - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
68
Malaika is passing back toward the van.

MALAIKA
Im not stupid -But then she stops dead. Shes looking ahead at the van,
where two armed police are talking to the cameraman. From
their gestures its clear theyre arresting him.
MARTIN
(on phone)
Malaika? Hello?
Without speaking she sneaks back toward the wire fence.
69
SCENE OMITTED
69A
EXT. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE FIELD - DAY 1
69
69A
The strike team are stalking toward the college building,

sneaking round corners, giving each other signals.
70
EXT. PERIMETER OF COLLEGE - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
*
*
70
Quick shots: Malaika clambers over the wire fence, makes her
way toward the college. Shes looking at a window of the
building, holding the phone up, filming what she can see. She
now has an earpiece in.
MALAIKA
(hushed)
You better be getting this.
71
71
MALAIKAs images are visible on a laptop.

MARTIN
Yes; but stay back: dont put
yourself in danger.
72
EXT. PERIMETER OF COLLEGE - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.

Malaika thinks shes spotted something at the window -- a
movement. A shadow perhaps. She moves a little closer.
72
46.
EXT. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE FIELD - DAY 1
73
More of the strike team are moving in.

74
*
74
The PM and his team are seated in precisely the same

formation as Obama watching the OBL hit, watching this unfold
on the screen. Alex sits where Hilary Clinton did.
Michael is a picture of concentration.
ALEX
Michael, if this doesnt -Michael puts a hand up to silence her.
ALEX (CONTD)
We need to -The hand again. Alex shuts up; fishes out her phone.
75
INT. STUDIO - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
75
Theres hardly anyone here but Callett and Browne. Calletts

phones blips. He looks at it; then at Browne.
CALLETT
Radio down to the truck. Get the
vet and the handler ready.
76
EXT. COLLEGE EXTERIOR - DAY 1
76
The strike team is in position around the building. Either

side of a door. One soldier hunched down beneath a broken
window. Waiting for Walker to give a signal. Which he does.
Foom - the hunched soldier bungs a flashbang through the
broken window. Bright white light and smoke: they storm in.
77
INT. COLLEGE - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
77
Chaos and smoke as we watch from a helmet cam. Shouting -lots of shouting -- from the officers.
78
INT. DOWNING STREET PRESS OFFICE- CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
78
The footage is being streamed live to the screen in the

briefing room -- the footage breaks up, pixillates.
Michael, Alex, Tom, Julian: everyone watching is silent,
staring at the screen as though watching 9/11 unfold again.
EXT. COLLEGE PERIMETER
47.
- CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
79
On the other side of the building, Malaika is holding her

iPhone up, trying to film through a window using FaceTime.
80
80
Martin and Shelly are watching Malaikas footage -- shaky,

blurry, blocky, chaotic, on a monitor in the UKN News
Gallery.
81
81
The smoke clears. Walker and team look around. This room is
empty. Except, in its centre, an inflatable sex doll in a
tiara. Theres a laptop nearby.
*
*
Walker looks defeated.

82
82
Walker addresses the special officers helmet cam.

WALKER
Its a decoy. Probably bounced the
upload from here with a proxy. They
could be anywhere.
*
*
*
Michael sits staring at the screen in silence. Julian looks

distinctly uncomfortable. But just then, behind Walker...
83
83
... one of the soldiers spots Malaikas phone being held

aloft at the window.
Tango!
SOLDIER
WALKER
Weapons free.
Walker spins around. Runs for the rear of the building.
84
EXT. COLLEGE PERIMETER - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.

Walker bursts through the rear door, gun drawn. Malaika
starts running.
Halt!
WALKER
84
*
*
48.
Malaika doesnt stop. Walker aims at her leg; squints down

the barrel. Fires. Malaika goes down. Walker runs toward her.
85
85
Martin and Shelly cant make out whats going on from

Malaikas feed.
86
EXT. COLLEGE PERIMETER
- CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
86
Malaika is on the ground, wailing and clutching her leg.

Walker, standing, has prised the phone from her.
You press?
Yes!
WALKER
MALAIKA
(through agony)
Walker tosses Malaikas phone to the ground and shoots it.

WALKER
There goes your RTS award.
87
87
The Downing Street team are trying to make out what the
hells going on -- its chaos on the screen.
SOLDIER (O.S.)
Suspect down I repeat suspect down.
MICHAEL
Is it him? Have they got him?
On the screen, the helmet cam soldier moves closer to
Malaika. Tom Bilce recognizes her.
TOM
UKN. Malaika something. Shes from
UKN.
SOLDIER (O.S.)
Its just press sir, collateral. Medic!
Michael slumps.
MICHAEL
There must be something -ALEX
Theres nothing there Michael.
*
*
49.
MICHAEL
Therell be a clue, some
evidence...
He looks to Julian, as if for help.
JULIAN
Weve done all w(e can)--
*
*
MICHAEL
You sent a strike team in to rescue
a blow-up doll.
*
*
*
JULIAN
Look, Michael, Im sorry--
*
*
MICHAEL
Fuck off Julian.
*
*
ALEX
Michael, its twenty past three,
were out of time.
*
*
Michael punches the table.

MICHAEL
Were not out of time!
(looking around, faintly
hysterical)
Were not out of time!
But everyone else in the room is looking at their shoes, even

Julian.
*
*
Because they are out of time. And everyone knows it.

MICHAEL exits. Alex moves after him.
87A
INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM
*
87A
Michael is chewing a nail, standing by a window. Alex enters,

followed by Tom. Tom sheepishly sits at the far end, almost
embarrassed to be there. Alex goes to stand behind Michael.
He senses her there.
MICHAEL
Its not going to happen.
ALEX
To the public -MICHAEL
Fuck the public!
*
*
*
*
*
Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 ALEX

To the public, this would be one
man of -- to be blunt -questionable popularity, choosing
personal embarrassment over the
life of a young girl.
MICHAEL
He wont even release her anyway!
Shes probably already dead!
ALEX
And if she isnt, hell kill her
and upload the video.
Michael blanches. Alex turns the screw.
49A.
50.
ALEX (CONTD)
Everyone will see it. The world
will see it. The mood will border
on insurrection and you will be
destroyed, I guarantee you: utterly
destroyed.
MICHAEL looks to Tom -- maybe he can throw him a line.
TOM
The polling bears that out.
ALEX
You wont just be a disgraced
politician, but a despised
individual. The public, the palace
and the party insist on compliance.
MICHAEL
Fuck the party, Im not goi-ALEX
Refuse and Ive been advised we
cannot guarantee your physical
safety. Or that of your family.
But --
MICHAEL
ALEX
Ive made arrangements for the
broadcast.
I cant--
MICHAEL
ALEX
Im sorry Michael. Its out of your
hands.
END OF PART THREE
88
I/E. UKN NEWS NEWSROOM - DAY 1
88
We slam into a breaking news report from UKN News: a mix of

studio pieces to camera, VT and live footage. Lots of things
happening at once.
GFX: BREAKING NEWS fullscreen strap
Straight into aerial shots of Central London, taken from a
chopper. A black limo accompanied by police bikes.
51.
LUCINDA
Just taking you live now to the scene
in Central London -- we understand
the Prime Ministers car left Downing
Street via a rear exit a few minutes
ago and appears to be heading west...
89
89
The gang are watching this on screen. Total disbelief.

PIKE
(laughing)
Hes going to do it.
BRIAN
The worlds bloody broken.
90
90
Were in a huge branch of Dixons or Currys. A wall of

whopping great brand new plasma screens all tuned to UKN
News. The occasional mesmerised shopper.
LUCINDA (V.O.)
(on tv)
The entourage appears to be heading
to Bankside Studios.
91
I/E. OFFICIAL CAR - DAY 1
*
91
In the back seat, flanked by Alex and Tom, Michael is sitting

like a man being driven to the gallows. His phone rings. He
looks at it. Its JANE. He switches it off.
92
INT. DOWNING STREET BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
92
Jane in tears, looking at her phone. CALL DENIED.

93
EXT. NASH ARMS PUB - DAY 1
93
The pub is almost overflowing. People squeezing to get in the

door. Outside, a chalkboard advertising with a not-too-shabby
(but not too professional) chalk sketch of a pig. Above it:
WATCH IT HERE. Below it: ON OUR BIG SCREEN.
94

Standing room only in here. The lights are slightly dimmed
and the windows shuttered -- because on the wall, a big
projection screen is showing the Prime Ministers car.
94
52.
Lots of excitable chatter from customers. The odd gag, the

occasional sharp word. Tension and excitement.
SONIA is serving drinks. Theres a blackboard behind the bar
with various odds chalked up. Stuff like PM VOMITS - 4/1
95
I/E. OFFICIAL CAR - DAY 1
95
The PM looks dead already.

ALEX
Weve ratified the law. After
midnight, its a criminal offence
to store any recording or still
image of the event.
Michael nods, not listening.
TOM
Theyre doing an announcement
beforehand warding people off even
watching. Some sort of sonic tone
that causes nausea.
96
I/E. UKN NEWS NEWSROOM - DAY 1
96
Were watching part of a UKN News package again. News ticker

along the bottom, breaking news strap: PM ARRIVES AT BANKSIDE
STUDIOS. An aerial shot of the studios. Chatter from the
anchor, Lucinda. (see page 15 of GFX script for full text)
LUCINDA
... as the deadline nears speculation
is mounting as to whether were
moving toward some kind of endgame...
and just to remind you this is now a
story of global significance...
Shots of New Yorkers in Times Square watching a US affiliate
station relaying UKN Newss footage of the studios on a huge
screen.
LUCINDA (V.O.) (CONTD)
... With an audience of billions
watching Britain This is the scene
in Times Square... meanwhile...
Blurry cameraphone shots of Iranian protesters -- some appear
to be burning papier mache pigs
LUCINDA (CONTD)
... in Iran people appear to be
taking to the streets, although
its not yet clear whether theyre
protesting or celebrating...
*
*
I/E. BANKSIDE STUDIOS - DAY 1
53.
97
The car is parked outside the studio complex. In the back,

the PM sits with his head in his hands. Tom Bilce is reading
from a post-broadcast statement he has prepared.
TOM
Michael Callow has displayed
incredible bravery in what was
literally a matter of life or
death. Thats how we open, then we
move on to -Michael puts a hand up: stop.
TOM (CONTD)
Okay. Yeah.
Outside the car, Alex is whispering with CALLETT
ALEX
Everything in place?
Yes sir.
CALLETT
ALEX
Its sedated?
CALLETT
Injection. Its docile.
Alex pats him on the arm. Then opens the car door.
ALEX
(softly)
Its time to go in now.
Michael looks up. He is in tears.
98
INT. NASH ARMS PUB - DAY 1
98
Hubbub -- the TV is still showing UKN Newss Bankside Studios

shot. Then suddenly, an abrupt cut to black.
The pub falls silent.
A caption on the TV reads: OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
This
In a
will
your
ANNOUNCER
is an official announcement.
few minutes the Prime Minister
perform an indecent act on
screens.
Theres a cheer. Behind the bar, SONIAs son has reappeared

from upstairs.
54.
ANNOUNCER (CONTD)
This is in accordance with the
kidnappers demands, in the hope
that it will ensure the safe
release of Princess Susannah.
98A
98A
The announcement is playing on every screen. Staff and

shoppers alike have ground to a gormless, hypnotised halt.
ANNOUNCER
The broadcast will contain strong
scenes of a sexual nature which
some may find disturbing.
99
*
*
*
*
99
The man in overalls is also watching. Hes put down his

materials. Still has gloves on.
ANNOUNCER
All viewers are advised to turn off
their televisions immediately.
100
SCENE OMITTED
100
101
INT. KIERAN & LAURENS BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
101
Kieran hasnt got out of bed all day.

Pfff!
KIERAN
He hits record on the Tivo remote.

102
SCENE OMITTED
102
102A
SCENE OMITTED
102A
103
SCENE OMITTED
103
104
SCENE OMITTED
104
INT. HOSPITAL CASUALTY AREA - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
55.
105
By now what looks like the entire hospital. Nurses, support

staff, doctors... all gathered round the TV watching the
broadcast. Theres almost a party atmosphere.
ANNOUNCER
It is also illegal to allow
children to view this broadcast.
106
We see two ORDERLIES pushing MALAIKA on a trolley -- they 106

stop to watch. She tries lifting her head but cant quite see
over the front orderlys back. She drops her head back down,
frustrated and in pain.
Suddenly, a piercing tone -- like a rape alarm, comes out of

the TV. Everyone covers their ears.
107
Everyone clutches their ears -- a few dropped glasses. SONIA

hits the mute button on the remote. Sighs of relief.
108
INT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS - CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER. DAY 1. 108

Like a crushed man being led to the gallows, Michael passes
through corridors with Alex and Tom beside him. Its almost
dreamlike. An official passes him a small blue pill and a cup
of water. Michael takes the pill, necks the water, passes the
cup back.
ALEX
Were complying with all the
stipulated rules, so youll have to
keep... you have to see it through
to the end.
Michael keeps walking.
ALEX (CONTD)
Weve placed visual aids -- pornography
-- in your eyeline which might... help.
That wont be on camera.
Michael keeps walking.
*
*
*
ANNOUNCER (CONTD)
The broadcast will commence after
the following tone.
107
*
*
*
*
56.
ALEX (CONTD)
The suggestion were getting from
psychologists is that you should
take as long as you need -- to rush
could be misinterpreted as
eagerness or even enjoyment.
By chance they pass ROD SENSELESS, who is being ushered in
the opposite direction by BROWNE. ROD immediately peels off,
shaking off BROWNE, following the PM
ROD
Sir? Few tips if I may.
ALEX
(to security)
Get him out of here.
ROD
Ive not done this but its my line
of work so to speak.
ALEX
Get him out.
Michael stops walking and looks at Rods kind, open face.
Hes the only person looking him in the eye.
MICHAEL
(to Rod)
Go on.
ROD
(quickly)
Alright -- your body, your
corporeal form, its an extension
of you, but its not you. Its not
you. Youre in there.
(pointing to Michaels
head)
Everything else is out here where
it cant touch you. All of this is
miles away. And you can travel
further, in your head. Fly into
yourself. Youll feel shame: just
ride it, like a wave. Itll help
carry you.
Michael nods.
ROD (CONTD)
At the end of the day, youre
saving a life. And any cunt
laughing at you is just a cunt
laughing at you. Theyre nothing.
Theyre no-one.
Michael looks at Rod. And holds his hand out. Rod accepts it.
Thank you.
57.
MICHAEL
And then he moves around the corner, to be faced by the

studio door. The red light is on.
ALEX
Well stay out here. Its just a
skeleton crew inside. Closed set.
MICHAEL moves toward the door and pushes it open, like hes
stepping into some awful Narnia...
109
INT. STUDIO - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
109
Michael passes through the backstage area, turns a corner and

there it is. A pig, tethered to a weight on the ground.
Michael looks giddy for a moment.
Behind the animal is a huge plasma screen, showing
pornography (naked humans, no pigs). Also: a cameraman with
a hand held camera.
110
INT. GENERIC OFFICE - DAY 1
110
The kind of office you get all over London. Deserted.

111
EXT. MANCHESTER STREET - DAY 1
111
Theres no-one on the streets. Not one person.

112
EXT. BRISTOL STREET - DAY 1
112
Or here.
113
EXT. ANOTHER STREET - DAY 1
113
Or here. The entire nation is like a ghost town.

114
INT. NASH ARMS PUB - MOMENTS LATER. DAY 1.
114
Suddenly the black screen is replaced by a shot of the

studio. The PM is standing behind the pig.
An almighty cheer goes up. SONIA hits the unmute button.
MICHAEL turns to the lens, but doesnt make eye contact with
it.
MICHAEL
I trust this will bring about the
safe return of Susannah. I --
*
*
*
58.
115
The gang here are watching the same scene. Lots of hospital
staff have assembled. MALAIKA still cant see. On screen,
Michael searches for something to say, words drying in his
throat.
*
*
*
MICHAEL
I love my wife.
Awww.
LAUREN
Pike snorts at that.

MICHAEL
May God forgive me.
And he reaches for his belt.
116
116
As the PM reaches for his belt onscreen, a storm of

amazement, laughter, shock, rises up in the pub. We pan
across watch their faces in slow motion as waves of different
reactions flow across them. We see disbelief. Hysteria.
Revulsion. Amusement.
117
SCENE OMITTED
117
118
INT. KIERAN & LAURENS BEDROOM
118
Kieran is astounded by what hes watching.
119
SCENE OMITTED
119
120
INT. DOWNING STREET BEDROOM - DAY 1
120
Jane sits on the bed, holding a baby. The TV is off.

121
INT. WORKSHOP - DAY 1
121
Overalls man is looking at his small TV screen, while doing

something with a rope. He also drags a chair into position.
123
58A.
122
Lots of faces watching. Some are laughing, but all can barely
believe it. Various reactions: Lauren feels sick, Pike is
laughing, Brian is shaking his head.
*
*
*
SCENE OMITTED
123
125
EXT. OUTSIDE TATE MODERN - CONTINUOUS. DAY 1.
59.
124
Were behind a woman. A young woman, in an expensive dress,

walking in a slow-mo daze.
*
*
The woman walks out into a deserted South Bank and looks
around. Its Princess Susannah. She seems drugged or sedated.
There is absolutely no-one around. She staggers, falling to
her knees. And getting up.
125
On a small TV we see the PMs sweating, tear-streaked face...

and pan across, behind the canvas, which we still dont see,
to find a body close to the lens, apparently twisting as
though suspended. Its in paint-spattered overalls. One of
the hands has a severed, bandaged stump in place of a finger.
In the background we can see a laptop.
126
INT. NASH ARMS PUB - DAY 1
*
126
The faces have turned more solemn. Some look almost bored,
flat or sad. The place has thinned out a bit -- not a lot,
but a bit.
127
127
Even PIKE is looking morose. BRIAN glances at his watch and

back at the screen.
BRIAN
Jesus, poor bastard.
Lauren lifts a remote -- goes to switch the TV off. PIKE
stops her.
LAUREN
Its been over an hour.
PIKE
Its history, this.
128
EXT. NASH ARMS PUB - EVENING 1
128
Establisher -- the light has changed -- looks like quite some

time has passed.
129
INT. NASH ARMS PUB - EVENING 1

The pub has thinned out. The TVs still on but everyone
watching it looks sad and drained. Haunted, almost.
129
60.
Theres an expression playing across their faces -- a sort of

final pinch of disgust mixed with the end of a disappointing
goalless draw. One guy with a pint talking to his friend:
BLOKE
Least its over with.
130
EXT. MILLENNIUM BRIDGE - EVENING 1
130
Slow mo. A group of concerned passers-by is gathered around

someone on the floor. Its Princess Susannah. A policeman is
pushing his way through.
131
INT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS TOILET - EVENING 1
131
A poky communal gents toilet cubicle in which Michael is

being violently sick, crying and wiping his nose.
132
INT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS CORRIDOR - EVENING 1
132
Outside, Alex waits with a couple of officers. The sound of

the PMs vomiting leaks through the door.
Suddenly Alex feels her phone vibrate. She answers it.
133
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - EVENING 1
133
WALKER is in a hospital area; nurses etc. passing in b/g.

WALKER
Shes back sir, weve got her.
Susannah.
134
INT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS. EVENING 1.
134
ALEX
They released her?
She signals to Tom Bilce - gestures a thumbs up. Tom looks as
relieved as a man whos just discovered the moon isnt about
to crash into the planet after all.
Where?
135
ALEX (CONTD)
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS. EVENING 1.

WALKER
Slap bang in the city. Stumbling
around -- sedated -- she cant
remember anything. But shes unharmed.
135
*
61.
136
ALEX
But the finger-137
*
137
WALKER
Not hers. DNA shows its Male.
138

What--
139
*
138
ALEX
139
WALKER
Thats not all maam. Shed been
walking around for some time.
ALEX
What do you mean, some time?
WALKER
Theres a CCTV grab of her from
half three. He let her go 30
minutes before it happened.
140

Why?
140
ALEX
WALKER
(on phone)
My guess? He knew everyone would be
elsewhere. Watching screens.
Alex digests that. An almost holy expression of recognition
spreads across her face.
ALEX
So its a statement.
Maam?
WALKER
ALEX
(to no-one in particular)
Thats what this was all about.
About making a point.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
62.
WALKER
Should we--
*
*
ALEX
(lowering voice)
Lose that page of the report. Noone knows. Especially the PM.
Of course.
WALKER
Alex hangs up. Composes herself, clears her throat, and

knocks on Michaels dressing room door.
ALEX
Good news Michael.
141
INT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS TOILET - CONTINUOUS. EVENING 1.
141
Michael is on the floor by the toilet. Alex calls to him.

ALEX
(muffled)
You saved her. Susannahs alive and well.
Michael feels nothing. On the floor, his phone rings again.
Its Jane. He looks at it. But doesnt answer.
141A
142
INT. DOWNING STREET BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS. EVENING 1.
141A
JANE, in tears, listening to the phone ring and not answer.
At this point, the CREDITS start to cut in - as still boards.

Damons voice continues across the credits -- no music. The
following epilogue is threaded between them.
*
*
I/E. UKN NEWS STUDIO - DAY 2.
142
Then we cut to footage of Michael on the campaign trail, with

Jane by his side. Looking round a community project, nodding.
DAMON (V.O.)
On the one year anniversary of his
humiliating ordeal, an apparently
unconcerned Michael Callow put in
an assured performance at a public
appearance today, accompanied by
his wife Jane....
143
SCENE OMITTED
143
INT. NASH ARMS - CONTINUOUS. DAY 2.
63.
143A
In the pub, a few disinterested drinkers. The smaller

portable telly is displaying the news report.
DAMON (V.O.)
... during a visit to a community
project in Lincoln.
144
*
*
144
A few staff, including LAUREN, are chatting, ignoring the

news report on the screen behind them
*
*
On the screen we cut to footage of Princess Susannah -- who

is now lightly pregnant and at a red carpet event.
DAMON
The other central figure in last
years events was also before the
cameras, at last nights Children
of Valour awards; Princess Susannah
made her first public appearance
since announcing her pregnancy.
Slow zoom on still of the artist standing in his workshop. We
also see slow-mo footage of the artist from a Culture Show
episode, in slow mo, in his studio. This footage loops.
DAMON (CONTD)
(over this footage)
It was one year ago today that former
Turner prize-winning artist Carlton
Bloom coerced the Prime Minister into
committing an indecent act with the
audacious kidnap.
145
INT. KIERAN & LAURENS BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS. DAY 2.
145
Kieran sits with his back to the TV playing a handheld

videogame, ignoring the telly, upon which we see Damon doing
a walky-talky link in the alleyway Susannah wandered through.
DAMON
Immediately after releasing her
from his South Bank studio, Bloom
hanged himself, leaving behind a
note declaring what had occurred to
be his final artwork.
*
*
*
I/E. UKN NEWS REPORT - CONTINUOUS. DAY 2.
64.
146
DAMON (V.O.)
As the anniversary arrived, one art
critic has caused controversy by
describing it as the first great
artwork of the 21st Century.
Shot of a shaven-headed art critic with even twattier
glasses. A caption reads GREGORY DYCE, Art in Review
GREG
Theres no rule that says art must
be admirable or even enjoyable. The
best art often unsettles us, which
this certainly did. And of course
it was the single biggest artistic
collaboration in history, one in
which all of us took part.
Shot of Michael and his wife -- his arm around her waist -waving to the cameras outside Number Ten, then going in.
DAMON (V.O.)
But while cultural commentators
debate its artistic worth, theres
no denying the incident failed to
destroy a Prime Minister who
currently holds an approval rating
3 points higher than this time last
year. Damon Brown, UKN.
As he says this, Michael & Jane shut the door of Number Ten.
147
INT. NUMBER TEN ENTRANCE - DAY 2.
147
The door has just shut behind Michael and Jane. Her face goes
cold the moment the door shuts. She pushes his arm off her
and walks up the stairs. And he looks up at her, as she goes.
But she doesnt look back.
TELEVISION PROGRAMME ENDS HERE

Black Mirror 1x01 - The National Anthem

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Black Mirror 1x01 - The National Anthem

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1

INT. DOWNING STREET BEDROOM - NIGHT

Then another phone rings: an office desk phone, beside the

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

INT. DOWNING STREET BRIEFING ROOM - NIGHT

A large oak panelled room. Prime Minister Michael Callow sits

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Michael stares at her. Looks round at all of them. None of

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Michael stares at the table. Then back at the screen. Then at

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

He looks around. Alex nods. Tom nods. Julian nods. Walkers

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Michaels spooked. Alex shoots Tom a look: not helpful.

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 3

EXT. STREET - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING

A flat above a shop. We close in on a bedroom window.

INT. KIERAN & LAURENS BEDROOM - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING

Lauren is watching the channel UKN News -- a news network.

Archive footage of fire engines and the headline NO WAY OUT

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

EXT. UKN NEWS BUILDING - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING

Its early morning. Were looking at a glass-and-steel

INT. UKN NEWS STUDIO - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING

A modern rolling news studio. From one side of the camera, we

INT. UKN NEWS ROOM FOUR - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING

This is a meeting room designed to accommodate about twelve

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Martin walks past a series of team members; hes like Patton.

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Finally Martin looks at Shelly. He puts his hand on her

Shelly looks aghast.

Shelly goes to open her mouth.

As MARTIN exits the room, we see MALAIKA is texting someone.

INT. NUMBER TEN CORRIDOR - DAY 1. EARLY MORNING

A twenty-something press assistant called ANDREW is glancing

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Tom gives her a look.

EXT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS - DAY 1

A TV Studios. But theres something strange about it:

INT. BANKSIDE STUDIOS CORRIDOR

On the walls: the occasional framed shot of celebs and

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

Noel inspects the list. As he reads it, we start moving into

INT. STUDIO - DAY 1

They enter a cavernous television studio more commonly used

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

INT. HOSPITAL CASUALTY AREA - DAY

This is a Casualty waiting area with seating, a reception

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 -

The plasma TV is tuned to UKN News, upon which Lucinda Towne

A slim nurse, BRIAN, is near the desk. Also an orderly, PIKE

Just then, the onscreen strap is replaced by a whooshing

Everyone else in the area looks up. Now its real.

INT. UKN NEWS STUDIO - DAY 1

NB TEXT IN BOLD ITALICS WILL BE WHAT IS HEARD IN THE

Black Mirror 'The National Anthem' - Pink Script - 1/8/2011 16

INT. KIERAN & LAURENS BEDROOM - DAY 1

KIERAN is now sitting up, watching the TV.

INT. HOSPITAL CASUALTY AREA - DAY 1