| Director | Brad Silberling |
|---|---|
| Budget | $400 |
| Box office | $1.4 million |
A known Hollywood actor, who has not had an acting role in four years, gets recruited for a potential one as a supermarket manager by young filmmaker Packy. He has not agreed to commit to the role, but goes along with the enthusiastic guy to spend an hour studying the inner workings of a Carver City, hispanic supermarket called Archie's Ranch Market.
Expecting to be picked up in an hour by Packy, the actor looks around the supermarket to get a feel for it. He comes across a film he had done with Ashley Judd, with the price marked down, and tries to hide it.
An authoritative cashier's announcement startles the actor, so he moves up to the registers. The woman in the '10 Items or Less' register is who had made the announcement, so he moves up to get a closer look. He makes an admiring comment on her skills.
After she and the other cashier have an altercation, she explains that the other does not have to do any work, as she is sleeping with the manager, so runs a normal register. She, on the other hand, gets stuck with the less desirable '10 Items or Less' aisle, the one everyone chooses, so the register is more worn out.
The actor explains he had hoped to speak to the manager, as he is doing research for a possible film role. Scarlet recognises him from the Ashley Judd film. When Lee, the older assistant manager appears, the method actor shadows him to get a feel for the role. He follows him around, even helps restock a few areas and uses the loudspeaker to commend Scarlet on her work.
Scarlet's shift ends, and as Packy never turned up to collect him, the actor needs a ride. As he has no phone, Scarlet begrudgingly offers to give him a ride home, after she completes some errands.
Scarlet unhappily realises her soon-to-be ex-husband has her car keys, so they have to trudge to his house to get them and her car. On the way, the actor compliments her on her transformation and 'wardrobe change' as they go, and passers-by recognize him.
Arriving at the trailer park, the actor comments on its convenient location in the city. At her ex Bobby's, the other cashier Lorraine is there. Scarlet demands the keys and the money he owes her. The other makes mention of a pregnancy and Scarlet's green card status.
Scarlet's shirt gets torn as she is getting her things from Bobby. Scarlet intentionally backs into Lorraine's car on their way out. Distraught, she says she will have to cancel her later job interview. The actor calms her down, helping her buy a new blouse in Target, which impresses him, as he has not shopped retail in years.
Insisting they continue to focus on her first impression, they go to a car wash. As she gets herself ready inside, he interacts there. As Scarlet is nervous, the actor coaches her on interview technique for the construction company secretary. Doing role play, he gives her the confidence she needs for the interview, but also in herself to move on and not give up.
They both admit that neither have close friends, make '10 Items or Less' lists for favorites and hates. After the actor says he will commit to the acting role, they have arrived to Brentwood, so they part ways with a pact to live, work, look forward and never see each other again.