“Forever Young”[39] woke me up the next morning. I hated that song. And true to my words last night, even a song like this one could get worse. It wasn’t the original. It was Max’s horrible a cappella rendition, right in my ear.
“Good morning, Laura.”
My head throbbed. I couldn’t open my eyes. “What’s good about it?”
“Well, I stayed up all night trying to figure out what happened to the sun… and then it dawned on me.” He imitated a cheesy comedy club cymbal crash, then burst out in fake laughter. “Thank you, ladies and germs. I’ll be here all night.”
I groaned and whacked him with a pillow. “How come you never get hungover?”
“It’s my moonshine. Specially made for my exact body type and metabolism.” He whacked me back. “Now, get up. We need to turn you into an actress.”
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ECONOMY PICTURES
Congratulations, Contest Winner,
In association with DJ Crazy Bob’s morning show on FM 95.6, we are pleased to welcome you and a guest to the set of Eve of Destruction. The prize is a walk-on role for you and your guest. Your part will take place on the mountain overlooking a smoldering pile of debris, where Pikesville once stood. Your character will die. It is imperative that you and your guest behave and act responsibly.
Enclosed are two copies of each form, a talent release form, and a liability release form. Please be advised that by signing these forms, Economy Pictures can use your likeness and name in marketing material for the film, and in the event of an accident, Economy Pictures is not liable for any injuries (bodily, mental, or emotional) and/or death during the filming of Eve of Destruction. If you are under eighteen years of age, a parent or guardian must also sign. On the date of your arrival, you will be asked to turn in these forms to a production assistant.
Please be on time. And remember to have fun on the set of Eve of Destruction.
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Talent authorizes, as part of Production and for the compensation stated above, Producer to:
1. Photograph Talent and record his/her voice and likeness for the purpose of Production, whether by film, videotape, magnetic tape, or otherwise;
2. Make copies of the photographs and recordings so made;
3. Use Talent’s name and likeness for the purposes of education, promotion, or advertising of the sale or trading in the photographs, recordings, and any copies so made.
Talent understands the master tape remains the property of the Producer and, unless otherwise stated, that there will be no restrictions on the number of times that Talent’s name and likeness may be used. Also, unless otherwise stated, there will be no restrictions on the geographical distribution of Production.
Talent understands the terms described in this contract. He/she is over 18 years of age and has the authority to sign this contract and grant Producer the rights given under this contract.
If Talent is a minor under the laws of the state where his/her appearance is recorded, his/her guardian has the authority to sign this contract and grant Producer the rights given under this contract:
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature:
Talent Signature:
Date:
I HEREBY ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN ANY/ALL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FILM, including by way of example and not limited to, any risks that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault.
I certify that I am physically fit, have sufficiently prepared or trained for participation in this activity, and have not been advised to not participate by a qualified medical professional. I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude my participation in this activity.
I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form will be used by the event holders, sponsors, and organizers of the activity in which I may participate, and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said activity.
In consideration of my application and permitting me to participate in this activity, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows:
(A) I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any and all liability, including but not limited to liability arising from the negligence or fault of the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this activity, THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: Economy Pictures, BC-AD Productions, Albert Burg Films and/or their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, and agents, and the activity holders, sponsors, and volunteers;
(B) INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity, whether caused by the negligence of release or otherwise.
I acknowledge that Economy Pictures, BC-AD Productions, Albert Burg Films, and their directors, officers, volunteers, representatives, and agents are NOT responsible for the errors, omissions, acts, or failures to act of any party or entity conducting a specific activity on their behalf.
I acknowledge that this activity may involve a test of a person’s physical and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury, and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to, those caused by terrain, facilities, temperature, weather, condition of participants, equipment, vehicular traffic, lack of hydration, and actions of other people including, but not limited to, participants, volunteers, monitors, and/or producers of the activity. These risks are not only inherent to participants, but are also present for volunteers.
I hereby consent to receive medical treatment which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, and/or illness during this activity.
I understand while participating in this activity, I may be photographed. I agree to allow my photo, video, or film likeness to be used for any legitimate purpose by the activity holders, producers, sponsors, organizers, and assigns.
The Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law.
I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENT. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND A CONTRACT AND I SIGN IT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.
Participant’s Signature:
Participant’s Name:
Age:
Date:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date:
(If under 18 years old, Parent or Guardian must also sign.)
Chapter Twelve
Dad forgot to call on Thanksgiving, even though he’d said he would. I didn’t hear from him until late Saturday night. The phone woke up Dennis, who ran to the kitchen. I knew this because I heard him curse when he stubbed his toe on the sofa table, the one Mom bought on sale on Black Friday.[40]
40
40 Since 1952, it is regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It helps stores get back in the black after being in the red all year.