Monday, August 20, 2012

Pitch #4

Oh, this is what happens when you have an active mind. You're always thinking of a good story to tell. (Well, this is also the result of watching too many movies as well, but whatever.) Recently, I started a new screenplay which I pray to God I hope I'll finish, and, being the slight braggart that I am, I'm going to share with you what it's about. The title: Greatness Thrust Upon Them.

Set in 1946 London, Greatness Thrust Upon Them chronicles the rehearsal of a play. (A fictional one, mind you.) The looming complications lie not within the script; they're within the people working on the play. (I'm also including whom I've mentally cast in these roles.)

THE CHARACTERS
Alfred "Alfie" Fletcher The director. He has a charismatic air to him that makes actors eager to work with him. He always keeps his cool even when working with the most stubborn of actors. (Played by: Ian McKellen)

Richard Avery An actor. Everyone he has previously worked with despised the experience because of his indifferent behavior (and his drinking), but they all agree that he's a very good actor even though he keeps appearing in bad plays. (Played by: Benedict Cumberbatch)

Maurice Kingston An up-and-coming actor who is looking for his big break. He has recently discovered that the world of theater isn't as cracked up to be, but he still remains optimistic about his career. (Played by: Tom Hiddleston)

Stephen McDonald A Scottish playwright who is a twitchy shadow of his former self because his last few plays were flops. He's constantly smoking to calm down, but the nicotine has no effect on him anymore. (Played by: David Tennant)

Olivia Whitfield The young leading lady. She is the living definition of perfectionist and has garnered a notoriety for her persnickety behavior on every play she's worked on. It comes as no surprise that she's verbally sparring with Richard constantly (with Alfie breaking up their fights). She also has taken a shine to Maurice. (Played by: Carey Mulligan)

Elizabeth Humphreys A veteran actress and Alfie's muse. She has seen everything that is likely (and sometimes unlikely) to happen during a production so nothing surprises her anymore. She is also the only one during rehearsals that stays under control and doesn't fight with anyone else. (Played by: Emma Thompson)

Jane McDonald Stephen's wife. Because of her husband's behavior, the life within her has drained. It's when she attends one of the rehearsals that she notices Richard, the complete opposite of Stephen, and a glimmer of hope reappears for her. (Played by: Samantha Morton)

So what do you think?

14 comments:

  1. Love love love love love love love times infinity.

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  2. Sounds intriguing. Is this a comedy, in the style of Lubitsch?

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    1. Well, comedy when they're rehearsing, gets more serious off stage. (Maybe more in the style of Hawks in regards with the banter between Richard and Olivia.)

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  3. I've been curious about your screenplay since you mentioned it on Twitter -- thanks for posting this. Excellent character descriptions. I really like the historical setting too.

    And terrific casting choices. ;-) I'd buy a ticket just to see David Tennant as the twitchy Scottish actor. :-D

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    1. You're welcome, and thank you. (Also, Tennant's a playwright in this, not an actor.)

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    2. Oh, right. :) Thanks for the correction.

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  4. This sounds so good- obviously I love the casting :) but I definitely find the story and the setup intriguing! keep up the good work, can't wait to read the finished product (if you will allow us)

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    1. The key word in that is "finished". Hopefully I will get it done, and might forward it to you when it is.

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  5. Yes! I want to see this movie so badly. Keep going on your screenplay!

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  6. This does sound interesting. Plus, with a cast like that. I would definitely be in line to see this.

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