2016 alumni booklet - The Tracking Board

Presented by The Tracking Board, The Launch Pad is a place dedicated to #1 FAN by Annabel Seymour launching screen40 ELEPHANTS by E.S. Dahl & writing careers. Our Kay Tuxford ADDICTED by Melistwo annual competitions—pilots sa Cassera ADRIFT by Titus Heckel and features—have THE ALCHEMISTS by Amanda Keener helped dozens of writers elevate ALIBI MAN by Richard Hays & Robert their professional Ingraham ALMA MATER by Jenny Deiker careers, sell AND WE’RE BACK by Nick Fanego ARE YOU their scripts and even FUCKING KIDDING ME? by Joe Toto ARKHAM, get staffed MASS by Andrew Aguirre ARMA by Giovanni Poron television ta ASSISTANTS ANONYMOUS by Morgan Thompshows. son BAPTISTE by Jenny Deiker BARBARIANS by L.A. Townsley BLOODSTONE by Erik Bernard & Lyndon Tait BLUEGRASS by Richard Barbour II THE BLUNKHILLS by Hollis Ludlow-Carroll BORN CLASSIFIED by J.R. Smith & Nicholas Fox Robbins BROOMSTICK COWBOYS by Mike Revenaugh BUS LEAGUE KNOCKS by Mary Cardenas CALIFORNIA’S GONE by Jack Bentele THE CHILDREN by Michael Aloyan COSMO by Roger Porter CREATOR CODE by Michael Raymond DARK FOREST by Xander Bernstein DAYBREAKER by Phil Singleton THE DEAD BEAT by Tye Lombardi DENMARK by Robbie Robertson THE DEVIL’S BROKER by Matthew Kennedy DIARY OF A SOCIOPATH by Valerie Brotski DO AGAIN by Nathan G. Sellers DOMESTIC by Alan Wartes DUSKLANDS by Devin Conroy EVERLEIGH by Michael Kujak FACTS by Alexis Perkins FAIRY TALE CRIMES by Megan Bacharach FIREHOUSE DOGS by Phil Singleton THE FIRST MAN by Matt Jordan FLIGHT RISK by Valerie Brotski FOCUS by Heidi Nyburg FORBIDDEN CITY by Victoria Rau FRANKIE SAVES THE WORLD by Christine McVie FREE SKATE by Caitlin McCarthy THE GAME by Justin Jacobs GILFS by Kristen Bartlett GLOBAL by Jim Goode & Scott Hawthorne GM by Thomas Leupp GOD KILLER by Jordan Dale GOING RENO by Elizabeth Quinn HIGHGATE by J. Elizabeth Martin HOW JANE AUSTEN RUINED MY LIFE by Teresa Warner INQUISITION by Stephen Haynes ITHACA by Mike De Caro LADY MERCY by Archie Panjabi & Eli Samuel THE LONG SHOT by Tom Carter LOW LIVES by Alyssa DiMari LOYALTY by James L. Head THE MADISONS by Nora Nolan MAHOGANY HALL by Ashley Charbonnet THE MOTHER by Laura Bensick MOVE ON by Jordan Toronto & Matt Toronto NEW YORK NATION by Judith Lutz NEWSPERSON by Michael Drake NIGHTMARE by Lance Wayne THE NOIZE by Marcus Reeves & Ronke Idowu Reeves ONE AMERICAN’S ODYSSEY by Erik V. Wolter ONE WAY OR ANOTHER by Ben Feuer OTTER SPACE by Nicholas K. Lopez & Russ Nickel PAROLE by Thomas Leupp

THE

PHANTASMAGORIA by Julia Cooperman PHYSICAL EDUCATION by Nandita Seshadri PICO-UNION by Michael Flores PUBLIC RELATIONS by Melinda Maerker THE RABBIT WARREN by Vivian Tse RACHEL III by Danielle Evenson & Heather Huntington READER’S GROUP GUIDE by Amelia Sims RECONSTRUCTION by Sarah Kraus RED RIVERS by Helen Truong & Naomi Baum RENTAL by Adam Beal RIKER by Christopher Lee ROOTED by Adam Schneider THE RULES OF BUSINESS by Gary Comerford SAM O by Samuel Oh SECRET & CONFIDENTIAL by Ben Maraniss THE SERPENT UNDER’T by Stephen Simpson SHRINK PROOF by Stephen Potts SIENA by Ariadna Martinez SNARK by Jay Riedl SOCIO-PAM by Rowan Wheeler SON OF THE DRAGON by Steven Jon Whritner SUGARTOWN by Amanda Toye TARR by Gregory Bernard Hirshland THIRD WORLD ROYALTY by Melanie Maras THREADS by Dorothy Pecoraro Bertram UNDERTOW by Linda Ge & Travis Reilly UNITY by Lindsay McRae UNPLANNED by Joanne Lee VALEDICTORIAN by Jimmy Mosqueda WELCOME TO LAST CHANCE by Keith Storrier WHALE OF A TIME by Brandon Beck WIDOWS by Laura Bensick WORK RELEASE by Patrick Connelly A COMPANY OF ROSES by Megan Toogood A FAITHVILLE ALMANAC OF BIBLICAL AND FOLK MEDICINE by Denis Basic A WILDERNESS OF COMFORT by Dan Levinson & Lee Levinson A WONDERFUL WORLD by Geoffrey Uhl AMBER BROWN FILES by Lisa Renee Jones ANGEL DUST by Rose Lewenstein BLACK CLOUD by Landon Crutcher BLOOD SISTERS by John Kuriger & Kristin McGraw BORISLAV THE TERRIBLE AND THE WAYWARD STINK BOMB by Hilary Sierpinski BRIDGE OF THE AMERICAS by Evan McNamara CHARLIE ZULU FOXTROT by Troy Nethercott COMPLETELY INCOMPLETE by Jeffrey Hirschberg CONSEQUENCE by Connor Eyzaguirre CURE FOR PAIN by David Vienna DAVID RHODES - THE VITRUVIAN MAN by Scott Poiley DEADLEGS by Cardy O’Donnell THE DISTANCE OF MERCY by Shelly Drancik THE DIVORCE DIET by George Gier EMBALM THE MARMOT by Ryan Holly EMBER by Amanda Keener THE END OF VIOLET AND ABBY by Scott Kearney ESCAPE FROM MOUNT CHAMPLAIN by Mark Trenteseaux EVERYTHING YOU WANT by Kirsten Alexander THE FALL OF DREAMS by Ryan LaSalle THE FAMILIAR by Jonathan Marx FAST FORWARD by Elizabeth Stevens & James Bruner FILICIDE by Danny Newell THE FINAL GIRL by Scott Thomas FOOTAGE by Lex Snowe FRIGHTFUL by Kristin Kirby GHOSTS OF FLAME AND SHADOW by Shardae Rudel GOLDEN GATE RESCUE by Joseph Anderson THE GRIM by Scott Leddy GYRE by Robert Sheppe HAUNTED HEART by Robert Herold HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS WITH FISTS by Lex Wilson HOTEL GRAMERCY PARK by Max Weissberg HOW TO KISS LIKE A MOVIE STAR by Leslie Nipkow HOW TO MAKE AND KILL THE PERFECT MAN by Sarah Archer Moulton HUMAN RESOURCES by Robert Batten HUMAN, ANEW by Irina Ivanova THE IMMORTAL LADY by Roy Rocha INTO COVERT WATERS by James Hawes & Mary Ann Koenig JOHN WILKES BOOTH AND ME by Staton Rabin KILL CREEK by Scott Thomas KING’S DAUGHTER by Julia Bobkoff KREEP WHURLD by Hampton Flint LAGOON SWIMMER by Matthew Bookman LANCE & ART by Noah Sanders LANDFALL by Adam Aresty LAZARUS by Maryanne Melloan Woods LIFE WITHOUT by Robert Giordano THE LION AND THE DEAD by E.S. Dahl THE LONDONI by Sultana Choudhry THE LONELY PIXEL by Martin Sturrock THE LORD OF THE WOLVES by James Matlack Raney LORETTA OF THE LAMP by JR Manawa THE LOVING WRATH OF ELDON QUINT by Chase Pletts MANY BRAVE HEARTS by Virginia Slachman THE MARK by Kirsten Boswell MEMORY ROAD by Martin McSweeney MITTEN HAND by Jody Giardina MR. & MRS. AMERICAN PIE by Juliet McDaniel NIGHTSONG by M.J. Rhodes THE NINE GRAVES OF GERALDINE GREY by Namina Forna THE NOWHERE WITCH by A.R. Cook OPERA RATS by Courtney Silberberg & Jacquelyn Kinkade Silberberg PASCAL LE PIGLET TRUFFLE HUNTER EXTRAORDINAIRE / HEAD OF THE PIGLET RESISTANCE by Sebastian Loden THE PHANTOM FOREST by Liz Kerin THE PILLARS OF ELLONDRA by Michael Coon PLANETFALL by Nate Shepherd RA by Ben Gentile RELEVANT WITCH by Desiree Proctor RETURN TO SUMMERLAND by Noushin Jahanian RETURNING THE GOLDEN-EYED GIRL by Susannah Meine SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Robert Sheppe THE SECOND LOOK by Wendy Simons THE SECRET LIVES OF DEAD PROM QUEENS by Marina Richards THE SEVENTH MARK by Shannon Kelley SHADOW KING by Susan Hamilton THE SHADOW WITHIN by Mark Stoner SHADY PLACE by David Byrne SMALL ON THE MAP by David Laurie THE SPY WHO LOATHED ME by Chris Westphal SUPERKID by Matt Harry TALLOK by David Luz THE TAOS HUM by Troy Nethercott THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING by Kirsten Maron TREV by Val Mote VICTORIA THE FIRST by Bill Osinski VINCENT ISLAND by Amelia Fergusson WE JUMPED ANYWAY by Katelynn Dey WEST OF WEIRD by Harrison Cheung THE WHITE CROW by Paula Rogers WORLD WAR METAL by Luke Preston WRECKAGE by James Morris WW 2.1 by Mark E. McCann WORLD WAR METAL by Luke Preston WRECKAGE by James Morris YARDELL CHRONICLES by Lisa Renee Jones YUAN FEN SHANGHAI TORAH by Briana London ZERO ECHO SHADOW PRIME by Peter Samet

LAUNCH PAD

2016 ALUMNI BOOKLET

THE 2016 LAUNCH PAD ALUMNI BOOKLET WHAT IS THE LAUNCH PAD ALUMNI BOOKLET?

At the end of each year, we put together an annual booklet highlighting the top writers that have come from each of our annual Launch Pad Competitions and our individual TB Recommends. Since the Launch Pad Program began just three years ago, we have seen more than 180 writers signed, 56 projects set up, 26 writers staffed, and more than 80 appearances on annual ‘best of’ lists such as the Black List, Hit List, Blood List and Young & Hungry List. Writers from our competition have signed with every major agency and management company and sold to every major network and studio – even spurring 3 bidding wars along the way. All to say, these are writers we’re incredibly proud of, and they’re writers you may well already be aware of. But, if you’re not, consider this an introduction to our 2016 Alumni.

WHO IS THIS BOOKLET FOR?

Whether you’re an agent, manager, producer, coordinator, executive, or assistant, this list is for you. With a continual call for great voices, great characters, great worlds, and great writers, we’ve built this document to give you a early look at the hot new writers and projects of 2016 before they become next year’s breakout stars. And don’t just take our word for that – as you saw 10 of our 2015 Alumni on the pages of the 2016 Hit List and Black List in just the past week. So, whether you’re looking for new clients, new projects, new writers, or simply a great read, check out the list to see which writers and stories inspired us in 2016.

WHO DECIDES WHO MAKES THIS BOOK?

All projects listed within this book make up the top selections from our 2016 manuscript, pilot and TB Recommends programs. These projects are selected by a mix of our exclusive partners of 2016; Ridley Scott, Roy Lee, Brooklyn Weaver, Jeremy Garelick and Lee Stobby, our top-tier judging panels that represent most every major, and our professional readers. To have made this list, these writer’s projects had to make up the top 3-5% of all of those submitted to the competition or the program.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE WRITERS?

Instead of putting all of the writers’ personal info in this book for the world to see, we’ve kept that offline to protect their privacy. So, if you’ve found a script you love and have questions, or you want to request an introduction, simply shoot us an email at [email protected] and we’ll put you in touch right away.

HOW CAN I REQUEST SCRIPTS?

Instead of bouncing emails back and forth, we’re making it incredibly easy to request the projects you want to read via our request form. So, if you see anything you like, simply click the below link, or copy and paste the web address below into your browser to start requesting. Request projects here: http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/

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2016 Launch pad pilots INDEX #1 FAN

1

BARBARIANS

5

THE DEAD BEAT

40 ELEPHANTS

1

BLOODSTONE

5

DENMARK

by Annabel Seymour by E.S. Dahl & Kay Tuxford

by L.A. Townsley by Erik Bernard & Lyndon Tait

by Tye Lombardi

by Robbie Robertson

9 10

ADDICTED

1

BLUEGRASS

6

THE DEVIL’S BROKER 10 by Matthew Kennedy

ADRIFT

2

THE BLUNKHILLS

6

DIARY OF A SOCIOPATH

10

THE ALCHEMISTS

2

BORN CLASSIFIED

6

DO AGAIN

11

ALIBI MAN

2

DOMESTIC

11

ALMA MATER

3

DUSKLANDS

11

EVERLEIGH

12

FACTS

12

by Melissa Cassera by Titus Heckel by Amanda Keener by Richard Hays & Robert Ingraham by Jenny Deiker

AND WE’RE BACK by Nick Fanego

3

ARE YOU FUCKING 3 KIDDING ME? by Joe Toto

ARKHAM, MASS

by Andrew Aguirre

4

ARMA

4

ASSISTANTS ANONYMOUS

4

BAPTISTE

5

by Giovanni Porta

by Morgan Thompson by Jenny Deiker

by Richard Barbour II by Hollis Ludlow-Carroll

by J.R. Smith & Nicholas Fox Robbins

BROOMSTICK COWBOYS

7

by Mike Revenaugh

BUS LEAGUE KNOCKS

7

CALIFORNIA’S GONE

7

by Mary Cardenas

THE CHILDREN

8

COSMO

8

by Roger Porter

CREATOR CODE

8

DARK FOREST

9

by Michael Raymond by Xander Bernstein

DAYBREAKER

by Phil Singleton

by Nathan G. Sellers by Alan Wartes by Devin Conroy by Michael Kujak

by Jack Bentele

by Michael Aloyan

by Valerie Brotski

9

by Alexis Perkins

FAIRY TALE CRIMES 12 by Megan Bacharach

FIREHOUSE DOGS

13

THE FIRST MAN

13

FLIGHT RISK

13

FOCUS

14

by Phil Singleton by Matt Jordan

by Valerie Brotski by Heidi Nyburg

2016 Launch pad pilots INDEX FORBIDDEN CITY

14

THE LONG SHOT

19

FRANKIE SAVES THE WORLD

14

LOW LIVES

19

FREE SKATE

15

by Victoria Rau

by Christine McVie by Caitlin McCarthy

THE GAME

15

GILFS

15

by Justin Jacobs by Kristen Bartlett

GLOBAL

by Jim Goode & Scott Hawthorne

16

GM

16

GOD KILLER

16

by Thomas Leupp by Jordan Dale

GOING RENO

17

HIGHGATE

17

by Elizabeth Quinn by J. Elizabeth Martin

HOW JANE AUSTEN 17 RUINED MY LIFE by Teresa Warner

INQUISITION

18

ITHACA

18

by Stephen Haynes by Mike De Caro

LADY MERCY

by Archie Panjabi & Eli Samuel

18

by Tom Carter

by Alyssa DiMari

LOYALTY

19

THE MADISONS

20

by James L. Head by Nora Nolan

MAHOGANY HALL by Ashley Charbonnet

20

THE MOTHER

20

MOVE ON

21

NEW YORK NATION

21

NEWSPERSON

by Laura Bensick

OTTER SPACE

23

PAROLE

23

PHANTASMAGORIA by Julia Cooperman

24

by Nicholas K. Lopez & Russ Nickel by Thomas Leupp

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

24

PICO-UNION

24

by Nandita Seshadri by Michael Flores

PUBLIC RELATIONS 25 by Melinda Maerker

THE RABBIT WARREN

25

RACHEL III

25

21

by Danielle Evenson & Heather Huntington

NIGHTMARE

22

READER’S GROUP GUIDE

26

THE NOIZE

22

RECONSTRUCTION 26

ONE AMERICAN’S ODYSSEY

22

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

23

by Jordan Toronto & Matt Toronto

by Judith Lutz by Michael Drake by Lance Wayne by Marcus Reeves & Ronke Idowu Reeves

by Erik V. Wolter

by Ben Feuer

by Vivian Tse

by Amelia Sims by Sarah Kraus

RED RIVERS

26

RENTAL

27

by Helen Truong & Naomi Baum by Adam Beal

2016 Launch pad pilots INDEX RIKER

27

ROOTED

27

THE RULES OF BUSINESS

28

SAM O

28

SECRET & CONFIDENTIAL

28

THE SERPENT UNDER’T

29

SHRINK PROOF

29

SIENA

29

SNARK

30

SOCIO-PAM

30

SON OF THE DRAGON

30

SUGARTOWN

31

TARR

31

by Christopher Lee by Adam Schneider

by Gary Comerford by Samuel Oh

by Ben Maraniss

by Stephen Simpson by Stephen Potts

by Ariadna Martinez by Jay Riedl by Rowan Wheeler

by Gregory Bernard Hirshland

31

THREADS

32

UNDERTOW

32

UNITY

32

UNPLANNED

33

VALEDICTORIAN

33

by Melanie Maras by Dorothy Pecoraro Bertram by Linda Ge & Travis Reilly by Lindsay McRae by Joanne Lee

by Jimmy Mosqueda

by Steven Jon Whritner

by Amanda Toye

THIRD WORLD ROYALTY

WELCOME TO LAST 33 CHANCE by Keith Storrier

WHALE OF A TIME

34

WIDOWS

34

WORK RELEASE

34

by Brandon Beck by Laura Bensick

by Patrick Connelly

2016 Launch Pad MANUSCRIPT INDEX A COMPANY OF ROSES by Megan Toogood

36 CONSEQUENCE

by Connor Eyzaguirre

40 FAST FORWARD

44

by Elizabeth Stevens & James Bruner

A FAITHVILLE ALMANAC 36 CURE FOR PAIN OF BIBLICAL AND FOLK by David Vienna MEDICINE by Denis Basic DAVID RHODES - THE VITRUVIAN MAN 36 by Scott Poiley A WILDERNESS OF COMFORT by Dan Levinson & DEADLEGS

40

41 FOOTAGE

45

A WONDERFUL WORLD 37 THE DISTANCE OF by Geoffrey Uhl MERCY

41 FRIGHTFUL

45

AMBER BROWN FILES

GHOSTS OF FLAME AND 46 41 SHADOW

Lee Levinson

by Lisa Renee Jones

by Cardy O’Donnell

37

ANGEL DUST

37

BLACK CLOUD

38

by Rose Lewenstein by Landon Crutcher

BLOOD SISTERS

by John Kuriger & Kristin McGraw

38

by Shelly Drancik

THE DIVORCE DIET by George Gier

40

FILICIDE

44

THE FINAL GIRL

45

by Danny Newell by Scott Thomas by Lex Snowe by Kristin Kirby

by Shardae Rudel

EMBALM THE MARMOT 42 GOING RENO

46

EMBER

42 GOLDEN GATE RESCUE

46

THE END OF VIOLET AND ABBY

42 THE GRIM

47

by Ryan Holly

by Amanda Keener

by Elizabeth Quinn by Joseph Anderson by Scott Leddy

by Scott Kearney

38 BORISLAV THE GYRE TERRIBLE AND THE ESCAPE FROM MOUNT 43 by Robert Sheppe WAYWARD STINK BOMB CHAMPLAIN by Hilary Sierpinski by Mark Trenteseaux HAUNTED HEART BRIDGE OF THE AMERICAS

by Evan McNamara

39 EVERYTHING YOU WANT

by Kirsten Alexander

CHARLIE ZULU FOXTROT 39 THE FALL OF DREAMS by Troy Nethercott

COMPLETELY INCOMPLETE

by Jeffrey Hirschberg

43

by Ryan LaSalle

39 THE FAMILIAR

by Jonathan Marx

43 44

by Robert Herold

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS WITH FISTS

47 47 48

by Lex Wilson

HOTEL GRAMERCY PARK 48 by Max Weissberg

2016 Launch Pad MANUSCRIPT INDEX HOW TO KISS LIKE A 48 MOVIE STAR by Leslie Nipkow

LAZARUS

by Maryanne Melloan Woods

53

MITTEN HAND

57 57

by Jody Giardina

HOW TO MAKE AND 49 KILL THE PERFECT MAN

LIFE WITHOUT

53

MR. & MRS. AMERICAN PIE

HUMAN RESOURCES 49

THE LION AND THE DEAD

53

NIGHTSONG

57

THE LONDONI

54

THE NINE GRAVES OF GERALDINE GREY

58

THE LONELY PIXEL

54

THE NOWHERE WITCH

58

THE LORD OF THE WOLVES

54

OPERA RATS

58

LORETTA OF THE LAMP

55

55

59 PASCAL LE PIGLET TRUFFLE HUNTER EXTRAORDINAIRE / HEAD OF THE PIGLET RESISTANCE

by Sarah Archer Moulton by Robert Batten

HUMAN, ANEW by Irina Ivanova

49

THE IMMORTAL LADY50 by Roy Rocha

INTO COVERT WATERS

50

by James Hawes & Mary Ann Koenig

by Robert Giordano

by E.S. Dahl

by Sultana Choudhry by Martin Sturrock

by James Matlack Raney

JOHN WILKES BOOTH50 AND ME by Staton Rabin

by JR Manawa

KILL CREEK

51

THE LOVING WRATH OF ELDON QUINT

KING’S DAUGHTER

51

MANY BRAVE HEARTS 55

by Scott Thomas by Julia Bobkoff

KREEP WHURLD by Hampton Flint

51

LAGOON SWIMMER 52 by Matthew Bookman

LANCE & ART

by Noah Sanders

LANDFALL

by Adam Aresty

52 52

by Chase Pletts

by Virginia Slachman

THE MARK

by Kirsten Boswell

56

MAXINE STARR: LAST 56 VANGUARD OF THE ZODIAC by Kane Wheatley-Holder

MEMORY ROAD

by Martin McSweeney

56

by Juliet McDaniel by M.J. Rhodes

by Namina Forna by A.R. Cook

by Courtney Silberberg & Jacquelyn Kinkade Silberg

by Sebastian Loden

THE PHANTOM FOREST 59 by Liz Kerin

THE PILLARS OF ELLONDRA

59

PLANETFALL

60

RA

60

RELEVANT WITCH

60

by Michael Coon

by Nate Shepherd by Ben Gentile by Desiree Proctor

2016 Launch Pad MANUSCRIPT INDEX RETURN TO SUMMERLAND

61

by Noushin Jahanian

61 RETURNING THE GOLDEN-EYED GIRL by Susannah Meine

SEA OF TRANQUILITY 61 by Robert Sheppe

THE SECOND LOOK by Wendy Simons

62

THE SECRET LIVES OF 62 DEAD PROM QUEENS by Marina Richards

THE SEVENTH MARK 62 by Shannon Kelley

SHADOW KING

63

THE SHADOW WITHIN

63

SHADY PLACE

63

by Susan Hamilton

by Mark Stoner by David Byrne

THE TAOS HUM

65

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

65

TREV

66

VICTORIA THE FIRST

66

VINCENT ISLAND

66

by Troy Nethercott

by Kirsten Maron by Val Mote by Bill Osinski

by Amelia Fergusson

WE JUMPED ANYWAY 67 by Katelynn Dey

WEST OF WEIRD

67

THE WHITE CROW

67

WORLD WAR 2.1

68

WORLD WAR METAL

68

WRECKAGE

68

by Harrison Cheung by Paula Rogers

by Mark E. McCann

SMALL ON THE MAP 64 by David Laurie

by Luke Preston

by James Morris

64

YARDELL CHRONICLES 69

SUPERKID

64

YUAN FEN SHANGHAI 69 TORAH

TALLOK

65

THE SPY WHO LOATHED ME

by Chris Westphal by Matt Harry by David Luz

by Lisa Renee Jones

by Briana London

ZERO ECHO SHADOW 69 PRIME by Peter Samet

2016 TB RECOMMENDS INDEX THE ARDENWORTH FILES (Pilot)

71

by Peter Limm

CLUB LAVENDER (Pilot) 71 by Sylvester Ada

RADICALIZED (Pilot)

71

ONWARD, THROUGH THE NIGHT (Feature)

72

by Bandar Albuliwi

by Dan Benamor

PILOTS

THE 2016 LAUNCH PAD ALUM BOOKLET

#1 FAN by Annabel Seymour PITCH:

30 ROCK meets POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING

LOGLINE:

Twenty years after embarrassing herself by proposing to her pop star crush on live TV, a businesswoman's life is thrown for a loop when the bankrupt singer shows up on her doorstep.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: The type of comedy a network builds a night around. With a mix of wit, nostalgia, and goofiness this is an easily accessible big audience show with an incredibly relatable premise turned up to 11 and easy to see playing week to week. Two exceptionally welldrawn characters anchor the series that, between the laughs, consistently delivers a great deal of depth and humanity where other shows could have easily fallen into tired tropes and clichés. The writing is strong, the characters breakouts, and the jokes hilarious.

40 ELEPHANTS by E.S. Dahl & Kay Tuxford PITCH:

PEAKY BLINDERS meets THE CATCH

LOGLINE:

After leaving her fiancé, a naïve woman joins an all-female gang of thieves led by the daughter of a ruthless ringleader in 1920s London, aspiring to reinvent herself and help earn the seductive independence women briefly glimpsed during World War I.

GENRE:

Drama | Crime

WHY TO READ: A smart, fun, and female driven gangster drama that mixes all the energy of heist films like OCEAN’S 11 with the period drama, violence, and intrigue of PEAKY BLINDERS. An easy fit for cable, premium, or pay, but could also be a strong contender for a broadcast outlet looking to make a mark. Exceptional characters play over a fresh backdrop, with themes blending between tried and true gangster stories, sexism, confidence, and the belief that everyone deserves a shot at their dreams… even if their dreams are a life of crime.

ADDICTED by Melissa Cassera PITCH:

GREY’S ANATOMY meets LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS

LOGLINE:

A recovering sex addict who lands a job as a pharmaceutical rep not only discovers how scandalous her the industry is, but discovers her new partner is the man who made her an addict in the first place.

GENRE:

Drama | Comedy | Medical

WHY TO READ: Built around a fascinating central character who is equal parts fun and tragic while being 100% captivating, this pilot deftly juxtaposes addiction with the corruption of the pharmaceutical industry, opening up possibilities for both great character drama and complex social commentary with its mixture of fun, intrigue, and soapy drama.

TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 1


ADRIFT by Titus Heckel PITCH:

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA meets THE EXPANSE

LOGLINE:

On a planet where the only source of sunlight and heat is produced by artificial “orbs” controlled by corporations, debates of religion, politics, and fear erupt into violence after orb is destroyed, leaving all life fighting to see another day.

GENRE:

Drama | Action | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: From its thrilling opening sequence to its complex political intrigue, this is creative sci-fi at its best. Balancing big topic philosophies like religion, politics, and the value of life against an original and exciting space setting, this pilot beautifully marries smart storyline and blockbuster action without skipping a beat. Ambitious both in tone and scope, this series could easily take a page from SyFy hits such as BATTLESTAR GALACTICA and THE EXPANSE in terms of visualization, and though the world and visuals are big, the settings and foundations are grounded. This is the type of series a network could build into event television, appealing not only to those who love sci-fi, but also to those who love smart television.

THE ALCHEMISTS by Amanda Keener PITCH:

THE MAGICIANS meets HARRY POTTER

LOGLINE:

The disappearance of a young girl's parents causes her to attend a boarding school, where she meets two mysterious Alchemists and discovers she has powers of her own.

GENRE:

Drama | Fantasy | YA

WHY TO READ: A relatable female protagonist anchors this fun and exciting pilot that is filled with great ideas and unexpected twists. Stunning and original visuals combined with the proven premise of a supernatural school give this pilot all the ingredients of a successful YA hit. Its dark comedic tone makes it a perfect fit for either a children's network like Disney or Nickelodeon or a more teen-focused audience like Freeform or MTV.

ALIBI MAN by Richard Hays & Robert Ingraham PITCH:

WHITE COLLAR meets THE AMERICANS

LOGLINE:

A man who makes a living by disguising himself and providing false alibis for criminals finds himself at the center of a murder investigation of one of his clients, with both an FBI agent, and the victim’s family, looking to track him down.

GENRE:

Drama | Crime | Thriller

WHY TO READ: With an instantly compelling and strikingly original premise, this pilot delivers fast and exciting action hand in hand with exceptional dialogue, smart twists, and the type of lead character actors fight for a chance to play. Toying with the idea of what it means to be successful in today’s world, as well as how far one will go to succeed, this pilot not only delivers powerhouse television, but it lines up seasons of stories to tell. A strong lead mixed with the option to spin this into a procedural or serialized series opens this pilot up to most buyers looking to secure a big star who doesn’t want to get pigeonholed playing the same character week to week.



ALMA MATER by Jenny Deiker PITCH:

BROADCHURCH meets PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

LOGLINE:

A psychiatrist and former alum of a prestigious boarding school in Wales comes back to help the students deal with their grief over an apparent suicide— and begins to suspect that the school she loves may be hiding an even more disturbing mystery.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

WHY TO READ: From the very first page to the very last, this captivating thriller delivers the perfect mix of mystery, intrigue, thrills, and drama to build a must see series around. The International School provides a diverse cast of exceptionally well-developed characters as well as an overarching sense of secrecy and privilege that powers the twists and turns of the central mystery. With a complex heroine whose psychological training is a perfect entry into the intricacies of the teenage psyche, this pilot leaps off the page with insight, intelligence, and a hint of terror.

AND WE’RE BACK by Nick Fanego PITCH:

CASUAL meets THE COMEBACK

LOGLINE:

When she is fired from her own show after turning 50, America’s former #1 daytime talk show host enlists her children to help her reclaim her stardom and husband— both of which were stolen by younger women.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: Masterfully juggling cynical, edgy humor with the warmth of a family sitcom, this pilot firmly sets up a premise packed with comedic potential and an ensemble of characters who are bound to clash, but love each other in the end. With multigenerational characters and storylines to get behind, this comedy immediately has the potential to grab audiences from shows such as MOM, MODERN FAMILY and VEEP alike, and become the next breakout hit on most any network.

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? by Joe Toto PITCH:

THE REAL O’NEALS meets MODERN FAMILY

LOGLINE:

A family on the verge of divorce attempts to maintain normalcy when encountering their wild relatives for Christmas dinner.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama | Coming-of-Age

WHY TO READ: An impressive balance of cynicism, humor and heart, this pilot is the sort of emotional family sitcom that can straddle the line between comedy and drama to great effect, capturing a fiercely loyal audience along the way. With a great cast of characters who range from relatable to wild and a ton of hilarious moments, this is the kind of pilot that will leave you smiling long after it ends.



ARKHAM, MASS by Andrew Aguirre PITCH:

PENNY DREADFUL meets TRUE DETECTIVE

LOGLINE:

A string of mysterious disappearances plague a small New England town in the 1930s, prompting an investigation by a journalist with something to prove, a professor with something to hide, and a young man who just might be the key to the strange goings-on of Arkham, Mass.

GENRE:

Drama | Period | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: Built on a strong Lovecraftian foundation, this pilot combines an impeccably detailed small town setting with an intriguing cast of well-developed characters and an overarching atmosphere of horror and suspense. With subtle character mysteries dancing between the main storyline, and a delightfully thrilling cliffhanger to wrap out the pilot, this is easily seen as the first foray into a series that audiences will schedule their lives around.

ARMA by Giovanni Porta PITCH:

BLOODLINE meets THE SOPRANOS

LOGLINE:

A Miami hotel owner whose business is struggling finds out that his wife is secretly a major arms dealer.

GENRE:

Drama | Crime

WHY TO READ: A soapy, twisty family drama with a strong cast of minority leads in the vein of Empire, this pilot could be the next big network hit. Bursting with topical and exciting subject matter like drug smuggling and arms dealing, there's no limit to the action-packed places this plot could go. The beautiful and sexy Miami setting helps turn the heat up to 100 on this steamy ensemble hit.

ASSISTANTS ANONYMOUS by Morgan Thompson PITCH:

GIRLS meets THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

LOGLINE:

Three young adults try to pursue their dreams in Hollywood while working as assistants for their horrible bosses.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: Never forgetting that a pilot needs to be hilarious even while establishing its world, this laugh-out-loud sitcom capitalizes on the high octane satire fuel of Hollywood to find new and funny angles on the industry we all know, hate and sometimes love. Expertly structured to balance the stories of its three compelling leads, this pilot employs fun and inventive transitions suggestive of an original and intelligent writer.



BAPTISTE by Jenny Deiker PITCH:

TRUE BLOOD meets BLOODLINE

LOGLINE:

After the death of her estranged family, a lawyer inherits a bed & breakfast in the Louisiana bayou, as well as the responsibility of performing the dark magic that protects the community.

GENRE:

Drama | Horror | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: As a morally complex character piece drenched in the trappings of Southern Gothic horror, this pilot uses its setting impeccably, crafting a unique atmosphere that serves as a backdrop for family drama as well as a terrifying supernatural threat. With a great protagonist who must take on her family’s horrifying burden, this pilot grips you with a mix of beautifully cinematic writing, a shockingly dramatic cliffhanger, and a feeling that having to wait a week to get more is going to be the most difficult thing in your life.

BARBARIANS by L.A. Townsley PITCH:

VIKINGS meets CLASH OF THE TITANS

LOGLINE:

In the course of completing his labors, Hercules, now a disgraced hero, arrives at the hidden city of the Amazons, where a struggle for political power initiated by the Gods has made the call for war imminent.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Providing all the necessities of an ancient Greek drama, with both nuanced political intrigue and expansive cinematic battles, this pilot delivers grounded historical tales and wondrous fantasy alike to audiences. The hidden city in the heart of the forest provides endless visual splendor as well as a great sense of mystery, magic, and myth. The presence of Hercules and Theseus helps ground the pilot with firmly established characters, while the matriarchal society of the Amazons provides all the violence, sex, and drama a breakout cable hit could ever ask for.

BLOODSTONE by Erik Bernard & Lyndon Tait PITCH:

HELL ON WHEELS meets DEADWOOD

LOGLINE:

In the 1850s, three sets of travelers converge on the San Francisco gold rush in search of their fortune.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: From the scorching violence of the Wild West to the thrilling dangers of the high seas, this pilot takes on an epic scope to tell the story of one of the most fascinating chapters in American history - the Gold Rush. With a sprawling ensemble of layered, complex characters and no limit to its dramatic possibilities, this is a fast-paced examination of greed and ambition reminiscent of such television masterpieces as DEADWOOD and CARNIVALE.



BLUEGRASS by Richard Barbour II PITCH:

JUSTIFIED meets UNDERGROUND

LOGLINE:

After the murder of a conductor on the Underground Railroad, an abolitionist runs for City Marshal of Louisville in order to assist in getting escaped slaves to the North.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: This is an impeccably researched historical drama that takes a new look at the fight to end slavery through the lens of local politics. With cameos by such historical figures as Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson adding to the already fantastic cast of characters, this pilot is packed with intrigue, drama and topical themes of race and politics. You can practically see the think-pieces piling up online.

THE BLUNKHILLS by Hollis Ludlow-Carroll PITCH:

WE’RE THE MILLERS meets BROOKLYN NINE-NINE

LOGLINE:

A group of mismatched FBI agents go undercover as a perfect family in order to gain access to criminal masterminds living in a luxury gated community.

GENRE:

Comedy | Crime

WHY TO READ: The perfect sitcom premise, building off the undercover fun of 21 JUMP STREET but placing its hilariously inept and incompatible characters in a Wisteria Lane suburban nightmare. This pilot delivers from page one, and never stops building on its jokes, raising the comedic stakes at every turn, or using its absurdist sense of humor to flesh out a formidable supporting cast. While the premise and characters alone deliver enough to come back week to week, it’s the endless possibility of where this series can go that makes this an attractive pick for broadcast and cable alike.

BORN CLASSIFIED by J.R. Smith & Nicholas Fox Robbins PITCH:

THE X-FILES meets MANHATTAN

LOGLINE:

In the 1950s, a woman who worked on the Manhattan Project is recruited to join a team investigating extraterrestrial phenomena.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Period

WHY TO READ: Mixing the trappings of a conspiracy thriller with the intelligence of a period drama and the storytelling potential of a supernatural procedural, this pilot has a little something for everyone, all while maintaining its distinct and exciting point of view. With a strong female protagonist, great dialogue and genuinely creepy images, this is the kind of pilot that's easy to market and even easier to get hooked on.



BROOMSTICK COWBOYS by Mike Revenaugh PITCH:

THE LEAGUE meets EDDIE THE EAGLE

LOGLINE:

After a devastating marriage proposal rejection, a down on his luck man decides that the best way to get his life back on track and prove his worth is to return to the sport he exceled at in his youth—curling.

GENRE:

Comedy | Sports

WHY TO READ: As a laugh-out-loud comedy filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and energetically sharp delivery, this incredibly unique, and uniquely refreshing, story manages to not only invite you along for the ride, but to fall in love with the characters, and dare I say curling, along the way. With a starring role that could launch a career, and a story that manages to be smart, referential, and just a little random, this pilot is the beginning of series that wins the night for any broadcast or cable home.

BUS LEAGUE KNOCKS by Mary Cardenas PITCH:

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS meets EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!!

LOGLINE:

A diverse group of baseball players fighting for a shot at the majors find themselves in the wild and cutthroat world of the minor leagues, navigating crazed fans, corrupt coaches, and backstabbing teammates as they travel from city to city fueled by little pay, little sleep, and big dreams.

GENRE:

Drama | Sports

WHY TO READ: An exceptionally well-written pilot that seamlessly balances rich and relevant dramatic topics such as race and class with the humor and realism of its characters, elevating this show well beyond its setting. In the same way that FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS is remembered as a powerful drama rather than a sports show, this series provides a smart and relatable set of characters with a grounded and emotional look at what it means to fight for your dreams, deal with your losses, and remember to have a little fun in between. This is a broadcast or cable show that has seasons of story to pluck from and a built-in audience just waiting for it.

CALIFORNIA’S GONE by Jack Bentele PITCH:

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND meets HOUSE OF CARDS

LOGLINE:

When the entire state of California mysteriously disappears into the Pacific Ocean, the government attempts to keep the details secret, an effort complicated by the sudden disappearance of the President and the revelation that we may no longer be alone on this planet.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: This is event TV at its finest. With an overwhelmingly cinematic story, and a high-concept sci-fi premise that perfectly meshes smart character-driven stories with the excitement of a summer blockbuster, this pilot delivers on every page. A constant flow of twists and turns, inventive new approaches to sci-fi, and a richly diverse cast line up an exciting hook that not only makes this the show everyone’s talking about, but the kind of show that kicks off with a Super Bowl ad and dominates whatever night it’s on.



THE CHILDREN by Michael Aloyan PITCH:

RESURRECTION meets THE LEFTOVERS

LOGLINE:

13 children from the Greater Seattle area go missing on the same day, only to return two weeks later having aged over 10 years.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: A thrilling sci-fi premise with the exciting twists of an event series, this pilot will grab an audience with its ideas and keep them hooked with impeccable and fascinating character work. Milking its premise for all of its thematic and visual potential, this pilot mixes a creepy atmosphere with real emotional depth to create the sort of grounded sci-fi that wins both awards and ratings.

COSMO by Roger Porter PITCH:

MAD MEN meets SEX IN THE CITY

LOGLINE:

Four years after leaving her husband, one woman’s attempt to secure L’Oreal products for her burgeoning beauty salon ends up launching a cosmetic industry revolution in 1960s New York.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: Mixing the socially conscious period drama of MAD MEN with the fun and intrigue of a primetime soap, this dives into the dynamic 60s through the unique lens of the flourishing cosmetic industry. Engaging revolutionary themes of female oppression and empowerment that are still relevant today, this pilot combines a headstrong and determined protagonist with a deep ensemble cast and an intelligent, dark humor to craft an exciting and provocative world bursting with potential.

CREATOR CODE by Michael Raymond PITCH:

CHILDREN OF MEN meets MR. ROBOT

LOGLINE:

A scientist researching the cure for a devastating plague discovers that his unborn child might hold the secret to a cure, but he must hide from the evil corporation profiting from the disease.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: Grounded sci-fi that mixes the dystopian action of Children of Men with the tech-driven anti-capitalist themes of MR. ROBOT, this pilot is packed with topical and thrilling ideas that could make it the next big series of the moment. Brimming with high concept potential and a deftly balanced character driven narrative featuring a compelling marital relationship at its core this series offers no shortage of vibrantly engaging visuals, inventive new ideas, and a cliffhanger that will leave you waiting for more. This is a pilot that will cater to diehard sci-fi fans and those looking for intelligent drama all in the same beat.



DARK FOREST by Xander Bernstein PITCH:

THE STRAIN meets WORLD WAR Z

LOGLINE:

Two American doctors, who’ve traveled to the Congo to investigate an unidentified and rapidly spreading outbreak, find themselves trapped in a war torn region where two teens may have discovered immortality… but at what cost.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Brilliantly combining the peak entertainment of OUTBREAK and HEART OF DARKNESS with the timely topics and universal fears of today, this pilot delivers an incredibly cinematic world filled with memorable characters, and rapid fire thrills throughout. With an edgy drama-filled premise, strong international appeal, and mystery the promises seasons of must watch TV, this is a show that will not only deliver for fans seeking a smart supernatural thriller, but that will become a breakout hit for any network.

DAYBREAKER by Phil Singleton PITCH:

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA meets SUNSHINE

LOGLINE:

After the disappearance of the Sun, what’s left of humanity survives due to a spaceship that provides light and heat to the Earth, which a small group of astronauts must protect at all costs.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

WHY TO READ: With the perfect blend of high-concept sci-fi and smart character-driven drama, this pilot promises a series that will not only become every sci-fi fan’s dream, but one that will drive an audience to the genre. Balancing epic, global stakes within a contained setting and allowing the brilliantly crafted characters to steer the story, this series is one that offers an endless opportunity to play with the beautiful visuals of the world, but one that never relies on that to keep us engaged. Instead, it’s a look at how well the grounded human experience can live inside an incredibly crafted fast-paced thriller that not only keeps you intrigued page to page and eagerly wanting more, but one that keeps you thinking well after the end credits roll.

THE DEAD BEAT by Tye Lombardi PITCH:

SLEEPY HOLLOW meets X-FILES

LOGLINE:

After inheriting an estate from a relative she never met, a Boston detective travels to New Orleans to discover why this house was left for her, who this relative was, and why the locals believe there is something supernatural at play.

GENRE:

Crime | Drama | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: A brilliantly crafted and easily accessible supernatural procedural that delivers on every page. With a strong female lead steering the way, this series perfectly combines the worlds of police procedural and X-FILES-like monster of the week into a compelling, addictive story that blossoms in the deeply historical and mysterious setting of New Orleans. By utilizing the outsider lead and her new home as an introduction to the series, as well as the mythology of the world, in the pilot alone you can already see the endless opportunity for story-telling, for building a memorable supporting cast, and for delivering a series that audiences on broadcast or cable will fall in love with.



DENMARK by Robbie Robertson PITCH:

HOUSE OF CARDS meets HAMLET

LOGLINE:

A young soldier returning home from World War II to attend his murdered father’s funeral discovers that not only has his uncle usurped his father’s seat on the Senate, but that he may have played a part in the murder itself.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery | Period

WHY TO READ: As a beautifully crafted spin on Shakespeare’s HAMLET set in the deep south during World War II, this pilot delivers impeccably rich characters, a stunningly visual setting, and a unique opportunity to explore stories big and small as the family dramas and the drama of the world clash together. With impeccable characterization, fascinating historical detail, and a hint of Southern Gothic, this pilot easily transposes the political and psychological dread of the original to a new, but no less memorable, setting. With vivid imagery and subjects of government morals still applicable today, this pilot offers a new and endlessly entertaining insight into a classic.

THE DEVIL’S BROKER by Matthew Kennedy PITCH:

LUCIFER meets RAY DONOVAN

LOGLINE:

A man who sold his soul to the devil 150 years ago and became the broker for the devil is starting to have a crisis of faith, and now must talk those looking to make the same deal he did out of it in an attempt to win his own soul back.

GENRE:

Drama | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: As a modern day spin on Faust’s Mephistopheles, moral complexity abounds in this fun, character-driven pilot about angels and demons, both literal and metaphorical. With a sharp and charismatic lead steering the series, and an incredibly well crafted world to play in, there is boundless opportunity for both this lead and this series to become a breakout hit. With a wonderful blend of tongue-in-cheek humor, a premise filled with dramatic potential, and the merging of wonderfully sharp dialogue with exciting visuals, this pilot could launch a series and a star for any network.

DIARY OF A SOCIOPATH by Valerie Brotski PITCH:

DEXTER meets THE LAST MAN ON EARTH

LOGLINE:

A woman who realizes her sociopathic ways are starting to get out of control moves to a one-person tourist trap town in an attempt to escape her deadly impulses. But, when the only other inhabitant of the town suddenly dies, and tour buses start rolling in she realizes she may have accidently set herself up in the perfectly murderous setting she was trying to escape in the first place.

GENRE:

Comedy | Dark Comedy | Drama

WHY TO READ: An incredibly unique blend of quirky comedy and devilishly fun drama, this pilot balances right on the razor’s edge between laugh out loud and “oh my God, did I laugh at that?” Interweaving an iconic and irreverent lead character with a wonderfully delightful supporting cast, this small town comedy thriller leaves you on the edge of your seat with anticipation as the pages fly by, teasing the big series potential in every scene, and delivering a refreshingly unique tone and voice that makes this a must read for anyone who loves great television, great characters, and the chance to laugh even when things get dark. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 10


DO AGAIN by Nathan G. Sellers PITCH:

17 AGAIN meets HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

LOGLINE:

When a man is given the chance to restart from the beginning with all of the knowledge of the life he left behind, he decides to chronicle his high school adventures as he attempts to right the wrongs of his past, often with hilarious results.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

WHY TO READ: Every single person on the planet has thought of at least one moment in their past that they wish they could do over. This pilot takes that incredibly relatable concept and spins it into a wonderfully original series that flirts with all of the triumphs and tragedies of high school life. Driven by a strong lead, and a supporting cast that consistently delivers, this series brings a distinctively original voice and a mockumentary style approach to a show that will stand out from the crowd on any network.

DOMESTIC by Alan Wartes PITCH:

HOMELAND meets SPOTLIGHT

LOGLINE:

After being coerced into working for the CIA, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist finds himself at the center of a dangerous conspiracy to destroy America from within.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: At a time when the legitimacy of mainstream media is called into question daily, and threat levels rise and fall like the Dow, this pilot expertly weaves together all of the best elements of a conspiracy theory political thriller with that of a very real and very raw family dynamic. Meshing the worlds of journalism and domestic security, this series provides endless opportunities to become must watch television. Anchored by a strong father/son dynamic and an exceptionally drawn setting, every scene delivers a perfect blend of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat, and talking about the show long after it’s aired. For a compelling drama erupting with timely and relevant themes, this show has the potential to become the type of series that sits confidently between shows like HOUSE OF CARDS and HOMELAND.

DUSKLANDS by Devin Conroy PITCH:

THE KILLING meets LONGMIRE

LOGLINE:

After a high-ranking member of the tribal council is found dead of an apparent suicide, a reservation detective investigates what she believes could be murder at the hands of the new oil company that is consuming the lands around them.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery

WHY TO READ: With a deeply rooted murder mystery at its core, a diverse and fascinating world around it, and an incredibly well crafted cast to navigate it, this story jumps off the page in almost every way. Providing a gritty and very real setting, this pilot allows the location, and its rich history, to become its own character in the story as it works to boost the already exceptionally well-drawn female lead to something of an icon right out of the gate. With an opportunity to bring to life a diverse cast of fantastically written supporting characters, and to build upon any number of plotlines brewing behind the main investigation, this series not only has the potential to be a hit on broadcast or cable, but it’s one an audience will be begging to binge.



EVERLEIGH by Michael Kujak PITCH:

BOARDWALK EMPIRE meets CHICAGO

LOGLINE:

In the debaucherous vice district of turn-of-the-century Chicago, two sisters who operate one of the most famous and exclusive brothels in the world fight to empower their girls and keep their business alive in a city where corruption and power run rampant.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: Based on two of the most intriguing real life figures to ever come out of Chicago, this series presents an impeccable look at the women who were equal parts pioneers for women’s rights as they were brilliant businesswomen. Playing over the beautifully cinematic world of 1900s Chicago, and bursting at the seams with a deftly drawn supporting cast, this series offers endless potential for story long before the historical prospects come in to play. With the political, civil, and legal turmoil of the city all woven into the tapestry of what this brothel stands for, and what is permanently threatening to erupt from under the surface, this series presents an incredibly fresh, intelligent, and intriguing look at the sex, lies, and dramas of early 20 Century Chicago. th

FACTS by Alexis Perkins PITCH:

SPY meets THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

LOGLINE:

When the CIA calls, you listen… even if it’s to leave your acclaimed job as a Broadway costume designer to help dress secret agents in the less-than-glamorous CIA costume department.

GENRE:

Comedy | Spy

WHY TO READ: Starting with a fantastically original premise, then dressing it with a wonderfully idiosyncratic set of characters, smartly drawn humor, and non-stop witty dialogue is only the beginning of what this pilot delivers. Add a strong leading role talent will fight over, the opportunity for a delightful revolving door of guest stars, and the potential for this series to dive into any type of outlandish situation with ease, and you have a comedy stars, networks, and audiences will fight for.

FAIRY TALE CRIMES by Megan Bacharach PITCH:

ONCE UPON A TIME meets THE HEAT

LOGLINE:

A sullen, no-nonsense cop is forced to team up with bubbly rookie Elle (Cinderella), to solve crimes in a town made up of all the heroes, villains, and supporting characters of traditional fantasy tales. Their first case: the death and potential murder of hard drinking Sleeping Beauty.

GENRE:

Comedy (1hr) | Drama | Parody

WHY TO READ: The most original, inventive, intelligent, and humorous fairy tale pilot we’ve ever read. Combining the well tread characters we know and love with that of a week-to-week buddy cop procedural that parodies both of these worlds with ease, this is a series that delivers right out of the gate. With snappy banter, a classic good cop / bad cop dynamic, and a mix of incredibly smart story-telling, surprisingly deep observations, and impeccable delivery, this is a series that will break through the fairy tale fatigue and immediately grab an audience. Twists, turns, and the eagerness to see which new spin on characters we thought we knew and loved will make this must watch television for any network.



FIREHOUSE DOGS by Phil Singleton PITCH:

AIR BUD meets CHICAGO FIRE

LOGLINE:

Rescued from a horrible fire as a puppy, a Golden Retriever who aspires to join the world-famous canine unit of his city's fire department finally gets a chance to show his courage with the team when a building in his neighborhood catches fire.

GENRE:

Animated | Children

WHY TO READ: A heartfelt premise infused with adorable characters and an inspiring message that will have you saying, “that was the cutest thing ever” without a single ounce of sarcasm. The energy of this story and these characters are infectious, making this the type of show kids get excited about and parents want their kids excited about. From the determined puppy Buzz to the former YouTube cat sensation Percy, the characters here are lovable, timely, and hilarious. This is the kind of show a network can air with confidence, and an audience will follow with glee as it expands into merchandising, and blossoms with its fun and heartfelt premise.

THE FIRST MAN by Matt Jordan PITCH:

THE WEST WING meets CHUCK

LOGLINE:

Since 1902, a hyper clandestine intelligence agency known as the First Lady Initiative has worked in total secrecy protecting the nation. For over a century, the responsibility has been passed down from First Lady to First Lady… and now to Henry Jeffries, former President and now America’s “First Man.”

GENRE:

Action | Comedy | Spy

WHY TO READ: A brilliantly fresh spin on the comedy/spy genre that ties a hilarious premise around the clear parallels of our real-life political landscape and populates it with inventive and distinct characters. With plenty of exciting action, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and political intrigue, this pilot delivers a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat one moment, and laughing along with the cast the next. With an endless list of historical moments to pluck from, and the exciting writing found within, this is a show that could deliver for years for a network, and win a few awards along the way.

FLIGHT RISK by Valerie Brotski PITCH:

MANHATTAN meets APOLLO 13

LOGLINE:

In the 1960s, two elite female pilots become embroiled in a secret NASA program which seeks to determine whether women are capable of becoming astronauts.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: Based on the kind of untold true story of powerful historical women that the internet will eat up, this pilot is the perfect mix of social relevance, period atmosphere and actionpacked visuals. With heavy shades of the underdog space drama of Apollo 13 or The Martian, everyone is going to want to fight the power alongside the spunky leads, even as they fight each other.



FOCUS by Heidi Nyburg PITCH:

MAD MEN meets MASTERS OF SEX

LOGLINE:

A single mother fights to balance a complicated family life and a male-driven industry when she decides to team up with an engineer to secretly create a revolutionary new microchip processor in the 1970s.

GENRE:

Drama

WHY TO READ: A fascinating peek into a time before the tech industry had boomed and every child over the age of six had a smartphone and a Twitter account. With exceptional dialogue, and an incredibly strong female lead, this series brings to life an intimate and fascinating look into the tech world of the ‘70s and offers up plenty of personal dramas and discussions on big issue gender topics in the process. Add a well-developed supporting cast, an easily accessible story, and a revolutionary new plan into the mix, and this show is a perfect fit for those seeking smart television, great drama, and a cast they can root for.

FORBIDDEN CITY by Victoria Rau PITCH:

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA meets HOUSE OF CARDS

LOGLINE:

On her quest to become the Empress of China in the 19 century, we follow a young woman as she rises from the life of a poor village girl struggling to survive, to a concubine fighting to protect her family, to a wife struggling for respect, to a leader her country was not ready for.

GENRE:

Drama

th

WHY TO READ: Based on the life of Empress Dowager Cixi, this pilot beautifully balances the royal and political intrigue of Imperial China with that of her personal fight for survival, amidst a country embroiled in war, famine, and fear. Utilizing exceptionally well-crafted dialogue, characters, and visuals, this story delivers a compelling human drama that the writer transports you to with such ease, you’ll feel as though you’ve jumped back in time yourself. Taking place during the Taiping Rebellion, one of the bloodiest wars of all time, the series never shies away from the world it rests in, allowing the violence, sex, murder, and betrayal to lure you even deeper into a story that will enchant and scare you all at once. This is the type of show that not only balances worlds like MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, HOUSE OF CARDS and TUDORS, but may very well be better than all of them.

FRANKIE SAVES THE WORLD by Christine McVie PITCH:

THE MIDDLE meets BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

LOGLINE:

After going out of her way to save an innocent bystander, a recently widowed and rebelliously immature mother of two finds herself struggling to balance her quest for a lazy lifestyle with that of this whole supernatural good versus evil secret society thing she got dragged into. Oh, did we also mention she may also be the only person who can save us from the apocalypse?

GENRE:

Drama | Comedy | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: Imagine if Jessica Jones woke up on Gilmore girls and became BFFs and training partners with Buffy. That, in a nutshell, is the perfectly crafted lead of this show. As if the story of a single mother going back to school to provide for her family wasn’t enough, this brilliantly self-aware, cynical, and amusing pilot provides one of the most fun, actionpacked, humor-filled rides we’ve ever taken. Add a little magic, consistently witty dialogue, and the looming threat of the apocalypse, and this somehow never over-thetop series not only delivers must watch, life scheduling TV, but it does so with a cast of characters actors will fight to play.



FREE SKATE by Caitlin McCarthy PITCH:

MAKE IT OR BREAK IT meets BLACK SWAN

LOGLINE:

After an injury forces a young figure skater from fulfilling her dreams of Olympic gold, and forces her to join the world of professional ice shows to pay her bills, she not only discovers how cutthroat the professional circuit can be, but that it may be the only place that can offer her another shot at going for gold.

GENRE:

Drama | Comedy | Sports

WHY TO READ: What BLACK SWAN did for ballet, and Empire did for music, this pilot does beautifully for figure skating. Smart, relatable, complex, and oozing with drama, this is the kind of soapy new series that captures an audience and never lets go. With a uniquely fascinating setting, and some of the most richly drawn characters we’ve ever seen, this peek behind the curtain of one of the most prestigious sports in the world offers viewers a glimpse at a world that’s far more provocative than they could ever imagine. Cleverly balancing witty dialogue with intense drama and romantic triangles with a story of redemption, this is a show any network looking to capture a younger audience would fight for.

THE GAME by Justin Jacobs PITCH:

MR. ROBOT meets THE 100

LOGLINE:

With the promise of a technical revolution like none we’ve ever seen more than 200 video game fans are invited to take part if the largest virtual reality experience ever created. But, when the realities of the world are revealed, and the real world consequences start to take hold, the battle between what’s real and what’s not begin to blur.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: With a timely and instantly compelling premise, this pilot beautifully introduces you to a world you’ll feel safe and comfortable in just before it sweeps it out from under your feet. Driven by wonderfully vibrant visuals, and a diverse cast of characters, this is a series that not only toys with the worlds we will escape to in virtual reality, but it forces you to ask yourself who would you become inside of one. With a bevy of action, complex drama, and endless opportunities for entertainment, this pilot will play to a younger audience seeking the next zeitgeist-seizing sci-fi and characters to fall in love with just as much as it will to an older audience searching for a high-stakes drama, and a look into a world we’ve been promised since TRON.

GILFS by Kristen Bartlett PITCH:

BROAD CITY meets THE GOLDEN GIRLS

LOGLINE:

After her husband’s death a newly widowed grandmother escapes her retirement community and moves with her best friend to New York to reclaim the wild years of her life she missed out on during her 50-year marriage.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: Wonderfully marrying the wild rides of our twenties with the ide that it’s never too late to start living has never looked so good. Imagine a world where Betty White is out-drinking you at the bar then cutting up the dance floor, and you’re only beginning to see where this delightfully funny and shockingly emotional tale will go. With two smartly crafted female leads navigating us through this emotionally charged, but distinctly quirky comedy, there is plenty in here for everyone, and not a single laugh left unearned. Surrounding our two leads are a group of well-crafted supporting characters who enhance the fish-out-of-water tale, and help us fall in love with the humor and the heart this show will deliver for audiences of any age. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 15


GLOBAL by Jim Goode & Scott Hawthorne PITCH:

EAGLE EYE meets THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW

LOGLINE:

After ten of the wealthiest people on the planet reveal they’ve created a drug that will grant immortality, the Government’s investigation into it not only reveals that the creation of this drug will destroy the earth, but that the newly anointed “ten” may no longer care.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Political and economical intrigue come to life in this deftly crafted high-concept tale of morality. Playing with an original and exciting premise that taps into all of our anxieties about ultra-powerful corporations, class differences and climate change this pilot has all the makings of a smart, elevated and audience-pleasing sci-fi. Infused with a strong ensemble cast, epic visuals, and fun action-packed writing this is a series that delivers action, espionage, conspiracies and a plethora of drama to tap for seasons to come.

GM by Thomas Leupp PITCH:

MONEYBALL meets ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

LOGLINE:

A young, idealistic general manager takes over a failing major league baseball club being run by an incompetent and ridiculous family.

GENRE:

Comedy | Sports

WHY TO READ: Mixing the fun of a dysfunctional family comedy with the wacky antics of a workplace sitcom and the exciting world of baseball, this hilarious pilot has a million places to mine its humor from. With a great straight man lead and a wild supporting cast, this has all the ingredients of a show that would fit on any network's comedy lineup.

GOD KILLER by Jordan Dale PITCH:

ROME meets THE LAST KINGDOM

LOGLINE:

As the druids of ancient Britain prepare to crown a new ruler, they have a vision of the man who will one day be their king: a soldier in the approaching army, who happens to be the Centurion who killed Jesus Christ. Two wars are coming: the battle for power and the battle for Britain itself.

GENRE:

Drama | Fantasy | Period | War

WHY TO READ: Masterfully written and focused around an instantly compelling protagonist, this pilot has enough action, drama, and politics to sustain many seasons of high stakes intrigue. The visuals are endlessly stunning – a boy chained in a crumbling necropolis, the armada of Roman ships on the English Channel, the circle of Druids raising the fog, and only build upon the already addictively compelling show. With characters you will fight for, story you will beg for and worlds you will fear for, this pilot exudes enough atmosphere, myth and mysticism to win anyone over.



GOING RENO by Elizabeth Quinn PITCH:

BOARDWALK EMPIRE meets BETTER CALL SAUL

LOGLINE:

In 1930s Reno, divorce was a booming industry for people looking to run away from their mistakes. But, when one woman discovers her husband has already found a way to cheat her out of everything she owns, instead of running back to an old life she never truly loved, she decides to reinvent herself in a city that still honors its frontier roots and vices.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: By utilizing a unique setting, time period, and story to tackle themes of gender, marriage, and the endlessly relatable idea self-discovery, this pilot not only entertains, but does so in such an intoxicating manner that viewers will be clamoring for more the second the end credits role. A fantastic female lead guides us on a journey that balances the seedy underbelly of Reno’s crime and prostitution with that of the personal dramas and romances of the new life she’s trying to make for herself. With great dialogue, a strong supporting cast, and endless opportunities for drama, this show could have all of us falling for Reno.

HIGHGATE by J. Elizabeth Martin PITCH:

PENNY DREADFUL meets THE PRESTIGE

LOGLINE:

In Victorian London, a young woman is targeted by a satanic cult for powers she doesn't understand, while her magician brother tries to save her with the help of a vampire and his crew.

GENRE:

Drama | Supernatural | Period

WHY TO READ: Set in the fog-soaked streets of Victorian London, this is gothic horror at its best. Packed with compelling characters and spooky period atmosphere, this pilot comes at its supernatural themes with emotion and intelligence, deftly juxtaposing the protagonist's job as a stage magician and the real supernatural forces chasing him to a humorous and intriguing effect.

HOW JANE AUSTEN RUINED MY LIFE by Teresa Warner PITCH:

AWKWARD meets UNDECLARED

LOGLINE:

A Jane Austen-obsessed freshman navigates her new college world while trying to figure out how not to be in love with her best friend.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama

WHY TO READ: Mining an underexplored college setting for a mixture of drama and humor, this pilot takes its literary inspiration lightly enough to provide an IP background without alienating any non-readers. The expert mixture of college drama, absurdist fantasies and romantic comedy tropes makes this a contender to be the next big meta comedy hit in the vein of CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND or JANE THE VIRGIN.



INQUISITION by Stephen Haynes PITCH:

THE TUDORS meets GAME OF THRONES

LOGLINE:

During the Spanish Inquisition, a group of devil worshippers threatens to overthrow the fragile regime of Queen Isabella, who having denounced witchcraft as imaginary, must now deal with the Catholic Church’s call for a witch-hunt, her people’s call for safety, and the new enemies who have infiltrated all aspects of her new government.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Beautifully crafted from its visuals and its characters, to its drama and its intrigue, this pilot offers a fascinating glimpse at a period of time rarely seen. With its Medieval Red Scare, a religion hell bent on cleansing, and a country consumed by fear, this series has no shortage of historical tales and myths to pull from. Complex, and distinctively drawn characters navigate the pages of this atmospheric and suspense filled read, while stunning and often epic scenes give us a glimpse at the supernatural, paranoia, and violence of the era. Filled with action, drama and sex this is a show that will not only be a competitor to the GAME OF THRONES, but one that could become the new Queen.

ITHACA by Mike De Caro PITCH:

ROME meets HOUSE OF CARDS

LOGLINE:

After twenty years of war and exile Odysseus returns home to find his kingdom stolen from him, his people turned against him, and his name now a crime to utter. Now, in order to survive and reclaim the world he built he must navigate the corruption, politics and violence of a kingdom that replaced him.

GENRE:

Adventure | Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: An inventively captivating, visually stunning and delightfully complex spin on Homer’s THE ODYSSEY. Weaving a combustible combination of political intrigue, vibrant action, and intelligent dialogue, this pilot does an exceptional job of bringing a modern spin to a well-worn tale, all the while honoring its sword and sandal roots. With no shortage of drama, espionage and treachery promised from the first pages of this pilot, this originstory promises seasons of story long before reach the conclusion we all know is coming. Offering an insightful look at a classic character, and providing an elevated spin on the politics, relationships and violence he must navigate to reclaim his kingdom, this show will quench even the most dramatic thirst of fans.

LADY MERCY by Eli Samuel PITCH:

GREY’S ANATOMY meets SIX FEET UNDER

LOGLINE:

Haunted by the death of her daughter, a recently divorced doctor explores the depths between life and death as she sets out to open the first ever euthanasia clinic - opening the doors for terminally ill patients to die with dignity, and hoping to rediscover her own passion for life.

GENRE:

Drama | Medical

WHY TO READ: Engaging, thought-provoking, and endlessly captivating, this is the type of pilot that has the potential to become a long-running and groundbreaking hit with any network. With a dynamic and multi-layered lead, vibrant visuals and diligently crafted dialogue, this series propels us into a story brimming with intelligence, heart, passion and drama. Poignantly compelling, and masterfully crafted, the story never shies away from its ambitious themes, and consistently provides a look into the hearts and minds of each of its diverse characters. Equally uplifting and gut-wrenching, this series displays a blooming array of emotionally charged, endearingly intimate, and eternally optimistic moments, even in times of life and death. This is a story that will win awards, spark debate, and even in a world with no easy answers, it will consistently return to give viewers hope. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 18


THE LONG SHOT by Tom Carter PITCH:

VEEP meets PARKS AND REC

LOGLINE:

When the corrupt Lieutenant Governor and inept Governor of South Carolina get into a heated political race, the woman who manages the Governor's mansion decides she’s going to run against both of them.

GENRE:

Comedy | Political

WHY TO READ: Taking a heartfelt and optimistically hilarious look at elections, this pilot delivers a fresh spin on political comedy, and delivers a uniquely inviting workplace comedy in the process. With an ambitious and exciting female lead at the front, and a group of quirky characters surrounding her, this series deftly balances tangible and topical themes with that of the joyfully unique premise of three people running against each other, all under the same roof. Blending family life with work, and politics with friendships, and watching as they all fight for the spotlight, this show offers a relatable concept at its core, but a delightfully crafted series of nonstop laughs, guest appearances, and heartfelt moments on its sleeve.

LOW LIVES by Alyssa DiMari PITCH:

DON’T TRUST THE B**** IN APARTMENT 23 meets ENTOURAGE

LOGLINE:

When two desperate, yet entitled siblings are threatened with losing their luxury apartment and the lazy lifestyle they’ve come to love, they set out to join a celebrity entourage, but find the only person willing to help them is their nerdy former classmate who became an overnight tech millionaire.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: Sometimes there’s nothing better than watching terrible people do terrible things in the name of comedy. Wonderfully diving into a pool filled with cynicism, selfishness, and manipulation, this cleverly drawn comedy not only offers some of the most creative use of insults we’ve ever read, but it does so via a set of surprisingly complex, yet hilariously biting leads. Deliciously navigating that fine line between apathetic and asshole, this series takes a page from shows like Veep or Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia and offers up a world where wit, intelligence, and sharp dialogue are on full display regardless of how likeable the characters. At its core, this hilariously addicting premise and skillfully crafted series will not only delve into the worlds of celebrity culture and millennial stagnation, but it will do so in such a way that fans will scream out for more.

LOYALTY by James L. Head PITCH:

THE SOPRANOS meets THE DEPARTED

LOGLINE:

The son of one of New York's biggest crime bosses does double time as a CIA agent, but his delicate balance comes under threat when the NYPD decides to send a young officer undercover to take the family down.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: An incredibly commercial premise that combines the best aspects of a mob drama with the fun of an undercover CIA thriller, this pilot could easily fit on any network or cable lineup. With great dialogue, a strong ensemble, and a complex protagonist whose double life makes him the kind of role any actor would kill to play, this pilot should have no trouble getting set up and staying on TV for years. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 19


THE MADISONS by Nora Nolan PITCH:

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT meets CASUAL

LOGLINE:

After the death of their father, four dysfunctional siblings whose individual lives are in shambles discover that in order to inherit the family’s wealth they’re going to have to all have to live in the family beach house together for an entire year.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: A new twist on the familiar, and yet wholly relatable dysfunctional family premise. This pilot focuses on four siblings who get along with each other fairly well, but who no matter the approach, just can’t seem to manage their personal lives. Rather than relying on bickering and bullying as most family sitcoms do, the humor here comes from failed attempts at self-improvement, and the optimism that tomorrow will always be a new day. Built around a group of fully formed and distinctly unique characters that leap off the page and a contained setting that offers endless opportunity to make this producible for any network, this is a series that wonderfully balances the absurd with the hilarious inside of a delightfully light, yet immensely entertaining series.

MAHOGANY HALL by Ashley Charbonnet PITCH:

THE KNICK meets BOARDWALK EMPIRE

LOGLINE:

A house of mixed race prostitutes in turn of the century New Orleans must fight for survival as politics and murder knock at their door.

GENRE:

Drama | Crime | Period

WHY TO READ: This pilot is thick with conflict, dark in nature, provocatively exciting, and splattered with blood in all the best ways possible. While this show is not for the faint of heart, there is enough drama here for everyone to enjoy. With a firm grasp on structure, the writer has done a great job of evenly spreading conflict throughout the script, and keeping the story moving quickly to an exciting conclusion. If that was not enough, the story also contains strong female leads and people of color fighting against the turmoil of racism, sexism, and bigotry, using both historical fact and creative license to do so.

THE MOTHER by Laura Bensick PITCH:

RECTIFY meets THE KILLING

LOGLINE:

Thirteen years after being accused, and accepting the guilt for murdering her daughter during an episode of postpartum psychosis, a woman who is released back into the world sets out to regain the trust of her family and live a normal life. But, when she discovers evidence that may prove she never committed the crime, she begins to question her own sanity, and the trust of those around her.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: A captivating slow burn tale that simmers with drama, secrets of the past, and the horrors of never knowing if you’re in control. Never veering away from the darkness, this pilot delivers an incredibly compelling lead, and lets her wonder through the waters of depression, murder, guilt, and a quest for innocence that may never come. An undeniably complex breakout lead steers us through a story that is delivered via impeccable character work, deftly drawn dialogue, and a terrifyingly real setting. With no shortage of twist and turns, tense familial dramas, and a cliffhanger that feels genuinely shocking, but entirely earned, this is a show that will keep viewers talking, and ratings sizzling.



MOVE ON by Jordan Toronto & Matt Toronto PITCH:

NEW GIRL meets GHOST

LOGLINE:

A year after her husband's death, a socially awkward woman who is finally ready to put herself out there again, comes to discover that not only can she see her dead husband now, but that he will do anything in his power to keep her from finding true love.

GENRE:

Comedy | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: Funny, funny, funny! An inventive, quick read that brings a charmingly high concept idea into a cleverly told, and astoundingly entertaining comedy. With a dynamically crafted lead, and a supporting cast that elevates every scene, this series has no shortage of humor, drama, or story to play with. Effortlessly meshing the concepts of love lost and love found into a very simple story of a woman looking for love, this show captures an excitingly fresh take on a familiar idea and delivers a laugh out loud new comedy that is at times uproarious and exceedingly human. Factor in the idea that her quest for love is now littered with the approval of her best friend and her dead husband, and this character-driven comedy will immediately earn the love of anyone who has navigated the absurdities and tragedies of dating today.

NEW YORK NATION by Judith Lutz PITCH:

SCANDAL meets SUITS

LOGLINE:

A New York neighborhood attempts to fight gentrification by invoking centuries-old maps that suggest they may never have been incorporated into the United States at all.

GENRE:

Drama | Political

WHY TO READ: The kind of premise so smart and original that you can't help but wish you'd thought of it, this pilot takes a wildly inventive look at political drama by literally building a whole new country to run. That country just happens to be in the middle of Manhattan. With lovable leads, hilarious twists and dramatic turns, there's no end to the storytelling potential for this pilot.

NEWSPERSON by Michael Drake PITCH:

THE NEWSROOM meets THE OFFICE

LOGLINE:

An aging reporter must search for new employment after the prestigious paper he's worked at for years closes down. When he ends up at a clickbait website, he's hell bent on reporting stories that matter, whatever the cost.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: Capitalizing on the generational gap between traditional journalism and the social media era for its intelligent humor, this pilot manages to find jokes for both young and old alike in its fun two-hander structure. With a great lead character that transcends the grumpy old man stereotype, this is the kind of protagonist role that could draw A-list talent to a network sitcom, and allow them to play in a fun and inviting millennial sitcom.



NIGHTMARE by Lance Wayne PITCH:

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET meets THE MATRIX

LOGLINE:

A team of researchers attempt to use virtual reality technology to help patients confront their debilitating nightmares, but find that there are even more powerful forces at work in the world of dreams.

GENRE:

Drama | Horror | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: As the real world potential of virtual reality technology quickly approaches levels you might see in even the most fantastical science fiction, this pilot tackles those developments head-on, employing a VR mechanism in order to examine people's nightmares, creating endless opportunities for character-driven, visually-fantastic adventures. Deftly combining a “nightmare-of-the-week” structure with a serialized mystery, this pilot has the potential to be the next big network hit or a cable critical success. With its timely themes, exciting premise, and literally boundless world, this pilot reaches heights most scripts can only dream of.

THE NOIZE by Marcus Reeves & Ronke Idowu Reeves PITCH:

EMPIRE meets STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

LOGLINE:

In the mid-90s, a successful young writer trying to launch a new music magazine focused on the rise of hip-hop finds her personal life, and the life of the magazine, threatened by the turbulent world and times she set out to cover.

GENRE:

Drama | Music

WHY TO READ: Meshing the worlds and characters of ALMOST FAMOUS, EMPIRE, and VINYL into a magnificently spun new drama, this pilot not only offers an intriguingly original series, but one that allows the characters and the era a chance to shine like never before. With a journalistic spin into a period of hip-hop that dominated the market, this show provides endless opportunity to not only pull from the history we know, but to follow its characters through the personal and financial struggles of trying to launch a magazine the world may not be ready for. At times immensely dramatic, fantastically entertaining, and brimming with soundtrack potential, this is the type of show that can highlight a movement and win viewers looking for that lost sense of nostalgia as well as those looking for a brilliant drama that has been remixed for them ever since.

ONE AMERICAN’S ODYSSEY by Erik V. Wolter PITCH:

THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE meets GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK

LOGLINE:

When his father is accused of having Nazi sympathies during World War II, a young German American must endure the scrutiny of his entire community.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: Showing an intriguing new side of World War II with strong resonance to relevant topics like immigration and the treatment of minorities, this pilot plays very well into the current political climate, making it a strong contender for capturing the zeitgeist. The period details are impeccable, the family dynamics emotional and believable, and the lead character is a relatable Trojan Horse into complex subject matter.



ONE WAY OR ANOTHER by Ben Feuer PITCH:

ALMOST FAMOUS meets VINYL

LOGLINE:

A young journalist in the 70s follows an up-and-coming punk band with enough drama to make both themselves and her famous.

GENRE:

Drama | Music | Period

WHY TO READ: Overflowing with rebellious energy with the rush of 70s counterculture, this pilot feels young and alive in ways that will set it apart from most shows. With two compelling and relatable leads, the palpable New York setting and the punk rock aesthetic, this pilot is both nostalgic and cool, making it a potential hit with both young and old audiences.

OTTER SPACE by Nicholas K. Lopez & Russ Nickel PITCH:

ADVENTURE TIME meets FIREFLY

LOGLINE:

A ragtag group of animal space travelers set off in their ship to restore order to the universe.

GENRE:

Comedy | Animated

WHY TO READ: Incredibly cute, delightfully absurd and undeniably fun, this pilot is the perfect animated kids show. With its adorable animal characters, heartwarming morals, and inventive sci-fi premise, this is the kind of show that will get a new generation interested in space and science fiction. There's no end to the storytelling possibilities here, and the smart writing could make this a hit with kids and adults alike, a la ADVENTURE TIME.

PAROLE by Thomas Leupp PITCH:

COMMUNITY meets ODD COUPLE

LOGLINE:

After getting out on parole, a former hotshot hedge fund manager finds himself forced to work a minimum-wage job alongside a group of whacky screw-ups at this brother’s failing deli.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: It’s rare to find a pilot that has such a fully fleshed out premise and group of characters that you can immediately see seasons of potential. This pilot manages to not only succeed in pulling that off, but does so in such a vibrant, fun-filled manner, that you’re almost angry it doesn’t exist on air yet. With a distinct voice, a rapid-fire delivery, and an introduction to characters that will offer no shortage of comedic moments, this pilot takes the very best elements of shows like 2 BROKE GIRLS or IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA and integrates them into a series that is at once fresh, and familiar. Utilizing the two polar opposite brothers as a catalyst into the world offers us an opportunity to see how deep their sibling rivalry will go, and how well that drama will play along the silliness and cynicism the equally impressive supporting cast will deliver week to week.



PHANTASMAGORIA by Julia Cooperman PITCH:

PENNY DREADFUL meets GHOSTBUSTERS

LOGLINE:

In Victorian London, a team of charlatans pass themselves off as paranormal investigators, only to find real supernatural forces suddenly working against them. Now, using everything they’ve have been pretending to know, and a little magic of their own, they must fight back against the encroaching spiritual revolt.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Delightfully entertaining and irresistibly fun, this pilot delivers a story that is brimming with its suspense, thrilling with its action, dazzling with its mysteries and addictive with its laughs. With scares that will keep you up at night, spooks that will make you want to believe, and a group of characters that are both inventive and familiar, this series delivers enough drama and levity to capture an audience that will devour each episode. Deftly written, each character is capable of commanding the screen when alone, but flawlessly come together when shared, and each brings their individually unique personalities, humor, charm, and flaws to a world brimming with potential.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION by Nandita Seshadri PITCH:

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS meets AWKWARD

LOGLINE:

After being passed over for the position of head football coach, a female PE teacher teams up with a disaffected, yet highly skilled Muslim girl to help her infiltrate the football team and prove once and for all that girls can not only coach, but can play in a maledriven sport.

GENRE:

Comedy | Sports

WHY TO READ: Clever, edgy, comedic and timely, this pilot offers a glimpse at one of the most developed and original new voices you’ll ever read. Effortlessly diverse, effectively poignant and hysterically navigated, this series not only introduces us to a series of vibrant and refreshing characters, but it provides an inviting and familiar landscape to do so. Balancing hilarious spun comedy and perceptively smart drama, this is a series that will appeal to a wide audience and invoke thought provoking conversations between the laughs. With a fantastic supporting cast filling out the roles, and an idealistically natural dialogue, this is a show with seasons of story to play with, and the potential to deal with intelligent themes of sexism, racism, and bigotry in a way that never comes off as preachy, and consistently wins over fans.

PICO-UNION by Michael Flores PITCH:

SIN NOMBRE meets THE WIRE

LOGLINE:

Three siblings escape from civil war in El Salvador and try to make it in Los Angeles. Two decide to start an organized crime syndicate, while the other searches for news of the husband she left behind.

GENRE:

Drama | Crime

WHY TO READ: Tackling the controversial topic of immigration by employing a sprawling minority cast and a Dickensian scope in the vein of The Wire, this pilot is clearly written by a genius puppet master who knows exactly which strings to pull. The Latino perspective, fullyrealized and diverse portrait of Los Angeles and plot packed with action and intrigue all combine to create a premium cable drama the likes of which we haven't seen before.



PUBLIC RELATIONS by Melinda Maerker PITCH:

RAY DONOVAN meets THE GOOD WIFE

LOGLINE:

After handling their Oscar-winning mother’s out of control public scandal, two sisters, one a lawyer, one a stay at home mom, launch a PR firm to tackle the manipulative world of publicity and politics today’s social media, TMZ-fueled world has become.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama

WHY TO READ: If Sex, Lies and Videotape were each real life characters, this is the world they would play in. Intricately woven, and deftly written, this pilot brings to life two incredibly different characters and thrusts them into a world they know nothing about, but swiftly come to realize, that no one truly does. With endless potential for ripped form the headline stories, and a refreshingly original take on the world, and the characters that play within it, this is a show that has mastered a balance between the provocative and the endearing. By delivering two relatable leads to the story, we’re given just enough of a look into their personal lives to remind us that even in this enchanting world of viral media and mass manipulation, this is a refreshingly human tale, albeit one filled with enough sex, comedy, drama and scandal to quench even the most addictive appetites of today’s audiences.

THE RABBIT WARREN by Vivian Tse PITCH:

CHILDREN OF MEN meets ORPHAN BLACK

LOGLINE:

In a world obsessed with synthetic body enhancements there exists a singular pure human, rumored to be the key to humanity’s salvation. The quest to capture or save this young girl ignites a struggle between governments, warlords, and the few who wish to protect her.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: High concept sci-fi lives and dies by its ability to craft a fully realized and inviting world, and a series of characters that are deeply relatable and engaging in any setting. On both counts, this pilot achieves these masterfully. Packed with dazzling imagery, ambitious twists and a crackling narrative, this story delivers a world filled with irresistibly complex characters, themes and ideas, and allows them to play in a setting filled with dramatic potential. With a concept so grand, thoroughly suspenseful and yet shockingly relatable this series will not only cater to those seeking inventively original sci-fi and deeply human character-driven moments equally, but it will leave them eagerly awaiting new episodes.

RACHEL III by Danielle Evenson & Heather Huntington PITCH:

EASY A meets ELECTION

LOGLINE:

When eccentric, back-brace wearing loner Rachel realizes she’ll never win over the cool kids on her own, she schemes to take over the student council and force them to love her, even if a few accidents needs to happen to those running against her.

GENRE:

Comedy | Teen

WHY TO READ: A brilliantly inventive and comically charming reimagining of Shakespeare’s Richard III. With an eccentrically original, and cleverly comedic anti-heroine lead at the forefront, this series delivers a delightful spin on a classic, while consistently standing on its own. Seamlessly authentic, yet exquisitely over-the-top, this show captures the best aspects of projects like Scream Queens or Juno and brings to life the sex-crazed, pop culture addicted social media world of today’s high school with such command, that you’d think this writer was currently in high school themselves. Providing a fast, fun, and engaging read, this show will immediately connect with its target audience, and has the breakout potential of becoming the show of a generation that offers plenty of and scandalously intriguing drama to last for seasons to come.



READER’S GROUP GUIDE by Amelia Sims PITCH:

MY SO-CALLED LIFE meets THE O.C.

LOGLINE:

A group of hyper-intelligent and overly ambitious freshman struggle to adapt to the shark-infested waters of a high school magnet program where their daily lives are filled with bloated expectations, rumor mills and the never-ending competition to be the best.

GENRE:

Drama | Teen

WHY TO READ: One of the most realistic high school dramas you will ever read. Bitingly original, and honest, this is a series that will not only offer a minimum of four years of powerful and relatable drama, but has the potential to kick start the careers of all those involved in the same way FREAKS AND GEEKS did all those years ago. Masterfully drawn characters offer unique and relatable perspectives as they attempt to navigate this new world, and integrate into the bigger story being told. With beautifully crafted drama, sparkling dialogue, and unwavering emotions, this series will immediately be a favorite among young audiences, and will grow beyond that as the show expands. Briskly told, relevant and poignant, this pilot magnificently tows the line between soapy coming-of-age tale, insightful character study and endlessly entertaining drama.

RECONSTRUCTION by Sarah Kraus PITCH:

MERCY STREET meets NORTH AND SOUTH

LOGLINE:

A revisionist history that sees a post Civil War Confederacy on the brink of dissolving and forced to elect a female president, who not only sets out to broaden their horizons, but to lead a coalition of women and former slaves to rebuild the nation.

GENRE:

Drama | Period | Political | War

WHY TO READ: With the breakout success of THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE already leading the way for revisionist history, this pilot not only sets itself up to follow in those footsteps, but it just may offer a more impactful and dazzlingly inventive drama in the process. By focusing on the Confederate side of the Civil War, this pilot takes a unique and morally complex angle on history, and almost immediately spins it on its head. With an unwaveringly bold female lead paving the way for this story, and a series of explosive decisions forever changing the foundations of what this place in time once stood for, this pilot becomes a tipping point for what is sure to be irresistible drama.

RED RIVERS by Helen Truong & Naomi Baum PITCH:

X-FILES meets TRUE DETECTIVE

LOGLINE:

When a skeptical NYPD detective is transferred to New Orleans, he finds himself forced to team up with a local woman with a history in voodoo to investigate a series of ritualistic murders. But, as the case starts to unravel they find their clues leading them deeper into something even the strongest occult believer can’t imagine.

GENRE:

Drama | Crime | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: The atmosphere of this pilot wonderfully captures a setting so strongly rooted in the occult that one could almost forget how beautifully the writer brings to life a drama filled with suspense and fear. Navigated by two brilliantly crafted leads, this introduces a world familiar but brazenly unique, and provides a series’ worth of supernatural intrigue and complex drama in the pilot alone. This two-handed thriller invites an audience in to see the world through their eyes, as the normal becomes the abnormal, and the discoveries become things of nightmares. Masterfully drawn, the setting merges with the dialogue to offer a riveting and fast paced procedural that delivers enough drama to win you over, but teases more around each corner. Built for broadcast, or cable, this is a series that reminds you that things go bump in the night, and sometimes its best to look for them.



RENTAL by Adam Beal PITCH:

THAT 70s SHOW meets BREAKING BAD

LOGLINE:

With his movie rental shop failing and eviction imminent, a father must fall back on the life of crime he thought he'd left behind.

GENRE:

Comedy, Drama

WHY TO READ: Like so many of the best sitcoms before it, this pilot finds its humor in a fantastic setting packed with wild characters and the potential for even wilder stories. The video rental store in the 1980s not only allows us to indulge our 80s nostalgia, but brings in an absurd ensemble of strange characters to play with. On top of that, this pilot adds in a mysterious criminal backstory for its protagonist, which helps both enhance and elevate this series into the kind of layered comedy any network would love to have.

RIKER by Christopher Lee PITCH:

HOUSE meets HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

LOGLINE:

A renowned criminology professor enlists a team of graduate students to help crack the cases police have failed to solve. But, one criminal he can’t – or won’t catch, just may be the person closest to him.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: An expertly crafted crime thriller that gorgeously blends a familiarly dramatic crime formula structure with that of an intriguing and captivatingly entertaining serial killer thriller that will tee up seasons of proceduralized serial drama. Centered on a lead that delicately balances his inviting appearance with that of his dark fascinations and complex history, this series does a brilliant job of bouncing between the dynamic cast that fills out the ensemble, and the riveting tales being uncovered each week. Suspenseful, haunting, and deeply thrilling, the audience will live on the edge of their seats with each word, and whichever actor steps into the lead role will own a night of television for years to come.

ROOTED by Adam Schneider PITCH:

BLOODLINE meets SIDEWAYS

LOGLINE:

When her estranged family’s winery is threatened by financial ruin, one woman returns to her home to attempt to help her family stay afloat, but upon her return she unearths a decades old mystery that will not only threaten the family business, but the foundations of the family itself.

GENRE:

Drama

WHY TO READ: The pinnacle of successful family dramas, this pilot takes a simple premise and elevates it with a stunning setting and beautiful writing. The diverse ensemble is impeccable, with each and every character distinctly unique and masterfully blended into the storyline. With moral complexities, deftly crafted dialogue, and an unnerving sense that the seemingly idyllic nature of every conversation and every plot point is only moments from veering into the abyss, this story is layered in intrigue, brimming in drama, and consistently teasing to reveal the inextricable ties that bind this family together. With mysteries that unravel like a Russian nesting doll, and character driven examinations of truth, relationships and morality, this show offers an invitingly entertaining thriller intricately dressed up in a relatable family drama.



THE RULES OF BUSINESS by Gary Comerford PITCH:

SILICON VALLEY meets GREY’S ANATOMY

LOGLINE:

When three partners of a fast-expanding tech company disagree on the direction of the company, can their company, let alone friendships and relationships survive the internal bickering, corporate espionage and personal blackmails that threaten to break it apart?

GENRE:

Drama

WHY TO READ: With distinctive, snappy dialogue that perfectly sets up each and every character, as well as creative visual representations of coding and computer language that makes the world invitingly accessible and fresh, this pilot not only entertains on every page, but it somehow makes you feel smarter just by reading it. Mixing the thrills of business competition and the internal debates of what success truly means this story balances the uniquely crafted kaleidoscope of characters with the fun soapy relationships and the intimate betrayals they share to keep every moment entertaining, yet drama-filled. With a clever introduction to a series filled with storylines to mine, this is a show that audiences will flock to, and broadcast or cable could build a night around.

SAM O by Samuel Oh PITCH:

FRESH OFF THE BOAT meets DEAD LIKE ME

LOGLINE:

After a successful brain tumor removal takes him out of school for an entire year, a teen now takes on the “toughest” task of his life – integrating into a new school. Coping with social anxieties, trying to make new friends, and trying not to become the class loser are hard enough tasks, but factor in the fact that he may or may not be seeing the Grim Reaper everyday, and well… it’s going to be a tough year.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama | Teen

WHY TO READ: Endlessly intriguing and vibrantly original, the premise of this series can only be outdone by the writers irresistibly fresh new voice. Built around a character that is charmingly original and yet tragically familiar (for him), this pilot offers a hilarious new spin on your high school years as seen through the deadpan personality, and perhaps exceedingly vivid imagination of our lead. With a masterful mix of comedy and very real emotional beats, this hyper-original tale succeeds in balancing the creepy concepts of death, with witty dialogue, clever jokes, and a creative coming-of-age tale that will capture a youthdriven audience from all walks of life.

SECRET & CONFIDENTIAL by Ben Maraniss PITCH:

THE AMERICANS meets TRUE DETECTIVE

LOGLINE:

In 1976, federal agents investigate the murder of a key witness to the Watergate scandal, but as they interview three other key witnesses, the interweaving tales unearth a series of classified government missions, partnerships between the CIA and the mob, and a secret assassination plot coordinated by the President of the United States.

GENRE:

Drama | Period | Thriller

WHY TO READ: Tensely drawn drama at its finest. With a wonderfully woven series of tales spun together to create mysteries of espionage, political power, conspiracy theories, murder, assassination, and foreign policy, this series is exploding with drama, and lined with some of the most intriguing characters ever seen. From the fast-paced thrills to the slow burn reveals, and all of the complexities in between, this writer provides a vividly detailed, and incredibly well researched story that will immediately become addictive television. Balancing the true story elements we know, with a world full of potential outcomes, and players in the conspiracies provided gives us a delightful glimpse into the what ifs these characters present, and a level of intrigue that will force you to come back for more.



THE SERPENT UNDER’T by Stephen Simpson PITCH:

GAME OF THRONES meets HOUSE OF CARDS

LOGLINE:

Playing out as a prequel to Shakespeare’s classic, a young Scottish nobleman named Macbeth is told that through the dark arts of murder, treachery, and deceit, he will rise up to become king.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: The description of GAME OF THRONES meets HOUSE OF CARDS is so spot on for this one, it’s uncanny. Gorgeously written and spellbinding, this pilot introduces the greatest aspects of Shakespeare’s original and interweaves an easily accessible, and exceedingly entertaining, story full of dazzlingly drawn characters into a captivating drama that’s brimming with plot. As much a drama, as it is a political thriller, and filled with elements of the both the supernatural and philosophical, this story not only succeeds in creating a story that seamlessly bridges the original work, but creates new and exciting angles on the play. Visually stunning, filled with vibrant dialogue, and blooming with mesmerizing characters, this thought-provoking tale not only reintroduces the audience to a tale they’ll know, but it gives them a chance to make it their own.

SHRINK PROOF by Stephen Potts PITCH:

GREY’S ANATOMY meets IN TREATMENT

LOGLINE:

Newly appointed chief psychiatric resident of St. Christina’s Hospital struggles to make her mark as she battles to earn the respect of her privileged and self-obsessed colleagues, keep her marriage together, and try to keep her life from falling back to the impoverished world she left behind.

GENRE:

Drama | Medical

WHY TO READ: With a powerhouse female lead, an intriguing supporting cast, and no shortage of addictively soapy twists to play with, this is the type of medical drama that not only stands out, but becomes a force to be reckoned with on whichever night it airs. Never shying away from politicized issues of mental health, gender, or race, this story is not only timely, but is delivered in such an authentic, honest and clever way that audiences will come for the drama, but stay for the brilliantly crafted moments that remind us that a bigger theme is at play. With more potential drama than a showrunner will know what to do with, this pilot sets up all of the relationships needed to sustain a series for decades.

SIENA by Ariadna Martinez PITCH:

ASSASSIN’S CREED meets THE BORGIAS

LOGLINE:

In 13th century Siena, a secret society of well-trained vigilantes keeps the city safe, but the arrival of the Holy Roman Emperor signals the beginning of an internal plot to bring down the city the love.

GENRE:

Drama | Action | Period | Thriller

WHY TO READ: Majestically visual and masterfully constructed, this pilot delivers a captivating, intimate, and breathtakingly epic tale filled with intelligently complex characters and alarming tense drama that will provide seasons of period drama like none you’ve ever seen. Beautifully choreographed moments of fantastical action, provocative romance and political intrigue play out in this breathtakingly original world. Visited through the eyes of our multilayered female lead, this series aims to showcase the thrills, mysteries, and wonders of a world threatening to be torn apart by new ideas, and one in which these characters must love from afar as part of a secret society. This is the type of series that will slake even the most unquenchable thirst for drama, action, mystery, and depth.



SNARK by Jay Riedl PITCH:

UNREAL meets NEWSROOM

LOGLINE:

To keep their careers, the staff of a gossip news site must suppress what little conscience they have to run the most ruthless stories they can find, because the more despicable the content, the higher the view count.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama

WHY TO READ: If TMZ and UNREAL had a baby with NEWSROOM, this is exactly the kind of comedy you’d expect. Cleverly written and packed with the kind of characters you love to hate, this pilot provides a deeply intoxicating look at the social media madness and celebrity culture our world has bred, and those who find themselves responsible for delivering it on a daily basis. With its fun, yet dark and referential humor, its razor sharp dialogue, and its no-holds-bar social commentary, this is the kind of comedy audiences will tune in to hate watch, and find themselves falling in love with. What UnReal did for reality weddings, this pilot does for every post, list, or link you’ve been click-baited into, but instead of leaving you with guilt and remorse it leaves you with laughs, and desires for more.

SOCIO-PAM by Rowan Wheeler PITCH:

DON’T TRUST THE B* IN APARTMENT 23 meets NIGHTCRAWLER

LOGLINE:

With the help of her sociopath support group, a proud sociopath attempts to use her position as a local news reporter to advance the cause of sociopaths everywhere, but runs into problems when she starts to experience these stupid little things called... emotions.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: From the very first moment you meet the unique and thoroughly compelling lead of this delightfully dark comedic series, you’ll feel as though you’re catching up with an old friend – albeit one who is without a doubt a sociopath. With its biting dialogue, rapid fire pacing, and a premise that promises seasons of laughs, this pilot not only offers multiple roles talent will fight for, but does so in such an originally brilliant way, that the cast, just as the audience, will find themselves mesmerized by the complexity this show offers up. Toying with dark impulses and desires even the most innocent of us has had at least once, and watching as the self-imposed queen of sociopaths is forced to deal with them not only provides plenty of laughs, but the potential for seasons of breakout television.

SON OF THE DRAGON by Steven Jon Whritner PITCH:

DRACULA meets GAME OF THRONES

LOGLINE:

With a journey that begins in the 1400s, as he is sent away to live with the enemy as part of a tribute to the Ottoman Empire, this is a look at the politics, wars, love, betrayals, and bloodlust that would one day forge the man we’d come to know throughout history as Vlad The Impaler, or more commonly - Dracula.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: Beautifully crafted, visually stunning, and immensely entertaining, this is a pilot that not only delivers on the page, but that works its way into your mind the moment you begin reading. By weaving a tale known and unknown, this story provides a big, beautiful cabinet of wonders that is by turns a politically charged thriller, a decisively crafted drama, and an enchanting historical adventure. The display of innocence, and the promise of the darkness to come as our lead ages, is teased with exceptional finesse in the pilot, and will have even the most unexpected audience addicted as they quest to understand, and even rationalize decisions one must make to survive, to save his family, to save his people, or simply to save himself.



SUGARTOWN by Amanda Toye PITCH:

FARGO meets BREAKING BAD

LOGLINE:

A small town is thrown into chaos when a corrupt pain management clinic causes an epidemic drug problem.

GENRE:

Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: With heroin epidemics plaguing many areas of the US, a pilot like this has the advantage of speaking directly to the zeitgeist, and this writer clearly has something to say. Essentially BREAKING BAD if Walter was an entire small town, this pilot brilliantly mixes in aspects of FARGO and TRUE DETECTIVE to create a compelling and unique drama that could be the next big thing.

TARR by Gregory Bernard Hirshland PITCH:

TRUE DETECTIVE meets THE X-FILES

LOGLINE:

A cop looks back on an unsolved case of missing twin girls in Juneau, Alaska when one of the girls mysteriously shows up over a decade later... still alive.

GENRE:

Drama | Supernatural | Crime

WHY TO READ: Combining the moody slow-burn mystery of THE KILLING with the otherworldly sci-fi of THE X-FILES, this pilot is a new kind of supernatural TV drama, which treats genre fans with the same level of intelligence and respect as their more socially acceptable crime drama peers. With an inventive structure, attention to detail and unique Alaska setting, this is the kind of pilot that stands out from the crowd on whatever network it lands on.

THIRD WORLD ROYALTY by Melanie Maras PITCH:

FRESH OFF THE BOAT meets ENTOURAGE

LOGLINE:

A Hollywood publicist who is ready to take her relationship with her boyfriend to the next level has her life overturned when her ridiculous family arrives from Indonesia, broke and needing a place to stay.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: With the recent success of such minority family sitcoms as FRESH OFF THE BOAT and BLACK-ISH, this pilot is a network hit waiting to happen, tapping into the untold experiences of immigrants from the world's fourth-largest country and therefore an enormous underserved market. A new take on the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES story, this fishout-of-water Hollywood romp has no limit to its comedic potential.



THREADS by Dorothy Pecoraro Bertram PITCH:

HOMELAND meets QUANTICO

LOGLINE:

After a deadly terrorist attack takes place on American soil and brings his department under fire, the Director of Homeland Security looks into his daughter's new Muslim boyfriend, unaware that the real threat is his own son, who ISIS may be recruiting.

GENRE:

Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: Upending expectations at every turn, this pilot is a smart, provocative thriller that not only plays into fears of homegrown terrorism, but explores the circumstances that may lead a seemingly innocent person down a path of destruction. With a lead who is every bit as complex, compelling, and clever as any that have come before, and a storyline that offers no shortage of suspense as it delivers enough mysteries, twists, and emotions to keep you on the edge of your seat, and consistently certain of outcomes that disappear in betrayal. Brimming with secrets, evocative writing, fast-paced and fiercely lucid dialogue, this has the potential to become must watch TV the moment the teaser begins.

UNDERTOW by Linda Ge & Travis Reilly PITCH:

THE SOPRANOS meets REVENGE

LOGLINE:

Four Chinese-American siblings are thrust into the world of organized crime after the death of their kingpin father. As they struggle to maintain control of the family business, they find themselves facing threats from the FBI, other members of the family that want them out, and possibly from one another.

GENRE:

Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: An equally fresh, and delightfully compelling new spin on the world of organized crime. Imagine a world where AJ and Meadow from THE SOPRANOS were suddenly thrust into control, but at the same time being attacked from other families, members from within, and a deeply interwoven government agency. With four relatable, yet individually uniquely complex characters steering us through the beautifully vivid and gritty underworld, this is a pilot that deftly maneuvers between the contained intimate dramas and the strategically large-scale outcomes each decision may lead them to. The sizzling dialogue, fast-paced delivery, and consistently smart twists deliver a show packed with potential for any network to tap into, and a storyline with seasons of fun to play in.

UNITY by Lindsay McRae PITCH:

BRAVEHEART meets THE SCARLET LETTER

LOGLINE:

In the bloody wake of the Battle of Dunbar of 1650, a group of Scottish prisoners and two noble English women who've narrowly avoided execution are sent to Boston to work as indentured servants. Upon arrival they are met with harsh conditions, tragic decisions, and an introduction to a new world that is no longer their own.

GENRE:

Drama

WHY TO READ: It could be easy to get lost in such an epic tale, but the writer masterfully presents a primal, elegant, and breathtakingly honest look at an era long forgotten. Unfurling with a broad ensemble of achingly human characters that display no shortage of depth and complexity, this pilot presents a world where nothing is black and white, and every decision will invite audiences to obsess and agonize over. With its visually stunning setting providing an atmosphere sweeping with historical catastrophes, it’s the characters stories, both personal and political alike, that will keep viewers transfixed for seasons to come, and give new meaning to the freedoms we have today. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 32


UNPLANNED by Joanne Lee PITCH:

VEEP meets KNOCKED UP

LOGLINE:

A conservative pundit has to remain a staunch voice representing her party as she struggles with her mother's Presidential campaign, an affair with a liberal Senator, and an unexpected pregnancy. All of which test her political, moral, and ethical ideals in an everchanging world.

GENRE:

Comedy | Political

WHY TO READ: With enough drama to fill a season of SCANDAL, and the biting political humor of VEEP, this pilot takes a wonderfully fictionalized version of Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly and puts her into three wildly different and completely impossible situations all at once, with hilarious results. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the characters are dynamic and funny and the pilot not only does a great job setting up plenty of storylines for the future, but in crafting a series audiences will fall for. In a world where truth is stranger than fiction, there will never be a lack of topics to discuss or shortage of seasons as we watch these character evolve against the absurd, circus-like atmosphere of American politics.

VALEDICTORIAN by Jimmy Mosqueda PITCH:

ELECTION meets PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

LOGLINE:

At an elite high school where academics are everything, a 17-year-old girl schemes to become Valedictorian after the suspicious death of her boyfriend, the former number one student.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama

WHY TO READ: Set in a competitive high school where a high class ranking provides VIP status, this pilot is an absurdist drama, masterfully constructed and darkly comedic; not only clever, but emotionally astute. This is a roller coaster ride of a script with a lead character so complex that she absolutely could have killed her boyfriend just to move up in the class rankings, whether she’s aware of it or not. With mysteries, suspense, and a classic teen angst bent around every corner, this pilot has the potential to be a cross-generational hit. Endlessly relatable without falling too far into the teen soap space, as these are the cutthroat, straight-A kids we rarely see represented on screen, but whom everyone remembers from high school… if you weren’t one yourself.

WELCOME TO LAST CHANCE by Keith Storrier PITCH:

FARGO meets IN PLAIN SIGHT

LOGLINE:

In a small town where most of the inhabitants are criminals in Witness Protection, a soon to be in-over-his-head Sheriff decides to take justice into his own hands, setting off a series of murders, an FBI investigation, and a residential backlash threatening to remind him of who his neighbors really are.

GENRE:

Drama | Comedy | Crime

WHY TO READ: An exquisitely crafted premise filled with offbeat humor, memorably quirky characters and an addictively delightful story are only the beginning of things to love about this pilot. With a wild crime story that elicits similarities to Justified, were it a gloriously eccentric dark comedy, this is a series that captures a world overflowing with opportunities for our characters mysterious backstories, criminal pasts, and violent futures to play out. A thoroughly original tale that is wonderfully engaging and wonderfully observed, with idiosyncratic details that bring the characters to life, and provide the perfect set up for a serialized story to unfold within a procedural structure. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 33


WHALE OF A TIME by Brandon Beck PITCH:

RICK AND MORTY meets PINKY AND THE BRAIN

LOGLINE:

After accidently swallowing a Nazi scientist and his time machine, a good-natured whale obliviously agrees to travel through time to further the plans of the Third Reich, with humorous and unexpected results.

GENRE:

Comedy | Animated

WHY TO READ: Clever, edgy, and teetering so close to the edge of absurdity, that written by almost anyone else this pilot would fall under its own ambitious weight. Instead, the writer does such a brilliant job of beautifully weaving an extraordinarily lush and verdant imagination with a series of over-the-top themes and shockingly insightful moments that it would be impossible for viewers not to find these characters oddly endearing. With no shortage of topics this series can brazenly dissect, this is a show that will provide seasons of misadventures that will remind audiences how thought provoking, philosophical, poignant and even completely bonkers great comedy can be.

WIDOWS by Laura Bensick PITCH:

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES meets REVENGE

LOGLINE:

When four women all lose their husbands in one night to mysterious accidents, the seemingly unconnected widows come together to investigate the deaths and prove their innocence. But, in the process of becoming new BFFs over martini hour, come to discover that one of them may be responsible for their husband’s deaths after all.

GENRE:

Drama

WHY TO READ: Blood is a bitch to get out of silk. Splashy, sexy, soapy and scandalous – primetime drama hasn’t looked this good in a while. With a beautifully complex group of characters – workaholics, trophy wives, perfect moms and party girls, this series not only caters to an incredibly diverse audience, but it showcases one as well. Deliciously addictive, and brimming with sex, murder, politics, and intrigue, this series not only springs to mind delightfully fond memories of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, REVENGE, or PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, but it brings to life a premise, mystery, and series of characters that could go miles beyond those. With its masterfully crafted dialogue and brilliantly dangled suspense elevating every scene, and the tease of the larger mystery at play, this pilot is not only the kind of show a network will build a night around, but it’s the kind that will win awards, ratings, and have talent fighting to be part of it.

WORK RELEASE by Patrick Connelly PITCH:

THE MILLERS meets ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

LOGLINE:

A man's carefully organized life is disrupted when his irresponsible father is released from prison and assigned to a work release program at his son’s job. Now, after spending his entire life rebelling against him, he must accept his father for who he is, or send him back to prison for the rest of his life.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: The perfect sitcom premise – simple, clear, and packed with potential. The dynamic, complex and unabashedly comedic relationship between the two leads of this pilot could win fans and hearts in almost any setting, but it’s the unconventional, yet immensely relatable setting the writer chooses that truly allows the story to shine. With delightfully expressive dialogue, a vibrant supporting cast, and a story filled with no shortage of dysfunctional comedy, this is a series that provides endless opportunity for cleverly drawn laughs, and effortlessly crafted moments of drama alike.


MANUSCRIPTS


A COMPANY OF ROSES by Megan Toogood PITCH:

THE DA VINCI CODE meets GONE GIRL

LOGLINE:

A centuries old clandestine society tries to keep the secret of an illegitimate Elizabethan royal child hidden as a young woman, in search of her missing friend, discovers clues that may uncover the truth. Going down the path of a treasure hunt she never could have imagined, the woman uncovers far more than she bargained for when the investigation leads her into a very dangerous conspiracy.

GENRE:

Adventure | Drama | Mystery

WHY TO READ: Combining a fun action-adventure mystery with the tension and suspense of a conspiracy thriller, this manuscript has a little something for everyone. Anchored by a strong, relatable female lead, this story drips with mystery and historical detail that will appeal to any fans of NATIONAL TREASURE or Dan Brown.The clear central plot of a missing woman helps to focus this manuscript with a pulse-pounding momentum that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Following secret agents, solving ancient riddles, and infiltrating the fascinating and original society at the heart of it is only the beginning.

A FAITHVILLE ALMANAC OF BIBLICAL AND FOLK MEDICINE by Denis Basic PITCH:

THE HANDMAID’S TALE meets TWIN PEAKS

LOGLINE:

A closeted atheist secretly, and illegally, chronicles the goings-on of the hyper-religious cult that runs the dystopian town of Faithville, all while plotting an escape for himself and those he loves.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: A devastating indictment of religious fundamentalism in the form of a creative and detailed dystopia, this manuscript is endlessly relevant and creative. The narrator’s voice is distinct and engaging, with the novel presented as a secret journal disguised as a medical textbook, giving the whole experience a feeling of subversive voyeurism. This brings the reader into his illicit behavior and raises the emotional stakes from the very first page and you get the feeling that you are doing something illegal just by opening the document. The characters are engaging, carefully drawn, and often have intriguing contradictory layers. The commentary on religion veers so far into the dark side of dark comedy that it manages to be disturbing, hilarious, and insightful all at the same time.

A WILDERNESS OF COMFORT by Dan Levinson & Lee Levinson PITCH:

THE WOMAN IN GOLD meets VERTIGO

LOGLINE:

After making a purchase that would save his dying business, an art dealer’s good luck turns to misfortune when the origin of the masterpieces comes to light. Now, with the horrific stigma of the Holocaust looming over the art, he has to discover the truth behind the paintings’ past to bring closure to the original owner, and to save his business, his marriage, and even his life.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery

WHY TO READ: With excellent writing, wonderful dialogue, and a captivating story about family, history, and art, this is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. The writer cleverly cuts back and forth from the past to the present so you can follow the art’s journey and make your own conclusions, only to turn them on their head when the truth is revealed. The main character is complex and relatable as he deals with the threat of losing his business while recognizing the horrible tragedies of the past. It is a complicated and, in the end, touching story that gives a new perspective on World War II while showing how the terror and misfortunes of the past never truly leave us. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 36


A WONDERFUL WORLD by Geoffrey Uhl PITCH:

THE NEVERENDING STORY meets ALICE IN WONDERLAND

LOGLINE:

After her parents die in a natural disaster, a little girl soon finds herself transported to a topsy-turvy world unlike anything she has ever seen. While exploring it with her newfound friends, she discovers that she is in fact the only one who can protect this magical place from an encroaching darkness that threatens its existence.

GENRE:

Adventure | Fantasy

WHY TO READ: This is a well-written, fun, and engaging story, and a whole new take on a classic kid’s fantasy adventure. It draws you into the strange new land the same way that THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, or THE WIZARD OF OZ did before it, but presents its own wonderfully unique world that easily sparks the imagination. This is a manuscript that would feel at home amongst other leather bound books in an old library. The arc for the protagonist is really touching and powerful, and it’s relatable and engaging for children and parents alike. The characters are a joy to read, and the story is a pleasure to get lost in as you read this homage to all of the classic fantasy stories that we’ve grown up with.

AMBER BROWN FILES by Lisa Renee Jones PITCH:

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER meets SUPERNATURAL

LOGLINE:

On her 27th birthday a lawyer experiences a power awaken inside of her and she becomes a Seer, a person who can sense and see evil in the world. This awakening changes her life forever as she finds herself in the midst of a life or death conflict between demons and Seers. As her world unwinds, the darkness within her becomes more powerful and she begins to fear she might be one of the monsters she’s supposed to be hunting.

GENRE:

Drama | Romance | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: It’s so easy to see this as a long-running book series that can easily be turned into a television show that similarly runs for years. It follows a classic formula for television that doesn’t detract from the story, but in fact enhances it. You are right there with Amber as she discovers her powers and learns how to use them, creating an instant bond between the reader and the protagonist. And as more and more starts to go wrong for the hero you cannot help but put yourself in her shoes as she deals with the darkness inside of us all. If you’re looking for a procedural series that offers endless opportunities for seasonal arcs, with a cool mythology that’s all its own, look no further.

ANGEL DUST by Rose Lewenstein PITCH:

MR. ROBOT meets MEMENTO

LOGLINE:

Having experienced strange blackouts for the majority of her life, an aimless 20something has embraced the issue as a way to avoid dealing with her past. But when the mysterious cash deposits she receives every month suddenly stop, and her world collides with a thieving stranger, she learns that the money and the blackouts may be more connected than she ever thought possible.

GENRE:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: The writing in this manuscript is strong, effectively capturing the in-the-moment atmosphere necessary for a successful thriller novel. The writer manages to make the reader always feel like part of the action, throwing you in headfirst to the anarchic world of 21st Century London and never letting up. There is a constant sense of mystery surrounding the story and you are always just as invested as the protagonist to figure out the answers. The story presents a hero that truly evolves over the course of the story and you want to be standing right there next to her when she does. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 37


BLACK CLOUD by Landon Crutcher PITCH:

SIRENS meets GREY’S ANATOMY

LOGLINE:

Over the course of eight days, an unlucky paramedic, who seems to attract difficult cases, copes with the ups and downs of his profession.

GENRE:

Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: With the end of NURSE JACKIE there is a big opening for a medical dramedy show like this. There is a true-life feel to this manuscript; its authentic stories pop off the page to engage the reader. It's obviously written by someone who has been there and knows the ropes of the job, which makes you feel like you are there with them over the course of this fast-paced and exciting read. Everything feels real, as the conversations and interactions between the victims, those surrounding them, as well as the medics, nurses, and other staff. They’re intimate, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking, all at the same time. There are an endless amount of stories to be tapped here, as there will always be new emergencies. The two leads are also good men that have a soft spot for those they love, leading to funny and sweet moments between these incredibly relatable characters.

BLOOD SISTERS by John Kuriger & Kristin McGraw PITCH:

THELMA AND LOUISE meets KILL BILL

LOGLINE:

When all the women of a small town who have been victimized by men start acting fearless and violent, they band together to discover the cause while carryout out their revenge on those who have wronged them.

GENRE:

Horror | Thriller

WHY TO READ: This manuscript excels at building suspense. Scenes crackle with a character's darkly funny interior monologue, while the tension of the scene builds around it. The scenes grip you and draw you in from the very first page with writing that is clear, interesting, and purposeful. The premise will draw attention and start conversations, making it all the more captivating and intriguing. The writer effortlessly provides backstory in a way that makes you feel you’ve known these characters for years, which allows them to all have very strong arcs as well. The dialogue feels genuine and unique to each character, and is often darkly hilarious. Overall, the manuscript feels like a Coen Brothers crime flick full of colorful characters, wacky scenes, and amusing dialogue. A must read for anyone looking for a thriller that’s off the beaten path.

BORISLAV THE TERRIBLE AND THE WAYWARD STINK BOMB by Hilary Sierpinski PITCH:

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID meets PHINEAS AND FERB

LOGLINE:

When a supervillain starts controlling the mind of a quiet 10-year-old, he must band together with his friends in order to expel the mad scientist from his brain before they all find themselves permanently grounded.

GENRE:

Coming-of-Age | Family | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: This is a wonderful premise for a preteen, middle school audience. The characters are smart and funny, and every child will be able to relate to having an adult’s voice in their head constantly making them do things that they don’t want to do. The interaction between the characters will have you laughing out loud, and the humor alone keeps you entertained throughout the story. So it is an added bonus that the energy the author infuses into the writing also does an amazing job of keeping you engaged from start to finish. The story is upbeat and clever, which is exactly what’s needed to keep the attention of the intended young audience. From the first page to the last, the author shows ingenuity and originality in storytelling, while keeping up the wit and mysteries at the same time. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 38


BRIDGE OF THE AMERICAS by Evan McNamara PITCH:

SICARIO meets HOMELAND

LOGLINE:

A Homeland Security agent must stop his brother, a recruiter for an Islamic terrorist cell in the Mexican desert, from carrying out an attack on the US Oil Reserves.

GENRE:

Action | Conspiracy | Thriller

WHY TO READ: The premise here sings with drama: two brothers on opposite sides of the border war in El Paso, Texas. The intersection of so many politically relevant topics that are currently at the forefront of the national discussion (immigration, Islamic terrorism, drugs, oil) makes this a very topical action thriller. The writing is informed and intelligent, and the descriptions are vivid. The dialogue is also natural and very smart. This is a very marketable and topical thriller with strong characters and set ups.

CHARLIE ZULU FOXTROT by Troy Nethercott PITCH:

SECONDHAND LIONS meets OCTOBER SKY

LOGLINE:

When an American teenager is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in rural France, he feels lost and alone until he discovers a rusted old plane that he starts to fix up. The project brings everyone together to create the family he has been missing, as they prepare the plane for a flight that will change him forever.

GENRE:

Coming-of-Age | Drama

WHY TO READ: A lean, character-driven story that examines what makes a family a family. This will easily appeal to a four-quadrant audience, as young people can directly relate to the protagonist’s plight, and older audiences will be given an escape from the harsh realities of the world and transported to the beautiful French countryside. This could easily, and with very little effort in the adaptation process, become the feel good movie of the year, packed with laughs and heart. This is a coming-of-age story that is reminiscent of all the best family stories, put in a new setting with likeable characters and a climax that will be all too much fun on the big screen.

COMPLETELY INCOMPLETE by Jeffrey Hirschberg PITCH:

ANALYZE THIS meets DRINKING BUDDIES

LOGLINE:

A male psychiatrist and female psychologist who are longtime rivals are forced to team up and move in with a wealthy couple to provide joint counseling, or face being fired.

GENRE:

Comedy | Romance

WHY TO READ: This is a fast-paced comedy with banter that will remind you of the rom-com classics of yesteryear. The characters are easy to see, and they’re all vividly described both inside and out. They all have interesting quirks and telling ticks that make you feel like part of this world. From the moment you pick this up you already know these people, and you want to see more. But it's the twist of the story that sets this manuscript apart. The therapy technique that has the protagonists moving in with their patients for several weeks, so they can see the problems firsthand, is a fresh, innovative approach, and makes for endless amounts of funny and dramatic scenarios.



CONSEQUENCE by Connor Eyzaguirre PITCH:

BLADE meets THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

LOGLINE:

After a gang of vampires murder his wife and son, a Union soldier spends the next eleven years tracking them down, leading him to Consequence, where he helps defend the town against the demons of the West.

GENRE:

Horror | Supernatural | Western

WHY TO READ: While the combination of vampires and Westerns sounds like it could be odd, this manuscript bucks all your expectations and is one of the most fun horror thrillers you can get your hands on. The writer is not only adept as creating horror, suspense, and tension, but injects just the right amount of humor into the story as well. The lead character of Carter Nash is charming and fun, especially with his various aliases and his inability to keep track of them. The writing is great, as it seamlessly jumps back and forth between Carter, the townspeople, and the vampires, and creates a world that is fully fleshed out. The plotline is clear from the beginning and you are ready and willing to follow Carter to the bitter end.

CURE FOR PAIN by David Vienna PITCH:

NASHVILLE meets SWEET HOME ALABAMA

LOGLINE:

A rising country music star returns to her small hometown to film a reality show, but reconnecting with her high school boyfriend makes her rethink going back to the LA limelight.

GENRE:

Drama | Music | Romance

WHY TO READ: This manuscript is a classic romantic comedy with a fun country music twist. The two lead characters are well-defined romance archetypes, the aloof small town guy and the superstar trying to return to her roots, and they work perfectly in this context. The supporting cast helps flesh out the town and world this story lives in, partially due to the surprisingly effective detail of having Malcolm work at a vacuum repair shop, which both undercuts his air of superiority and makes him feel very relatable. The writing is great, and perfectly fits the style and tone of the piece. This could easily be turned into a commercial romantic movie for any young star pairing. There are strong markets for country music and for this genre, so mixing the two is an obvious homerun.

DAVID RHODES – THE VITRUVIAN MAN by Scott Poiley PITCH:

MINORITY REPORT meets ZODIAC

LOGLINE:

In a world where reincarnation is a reality, a detective hunts down a serial killer who has been murdering people over countless lifetimes.

GENRE:

Crime | Sci-Fi | Thriller

WHY TO READ: A knockout concept in the vein of the Denzel Washington film FALLEN, this manuscript clearly sets itself apart from the pack by including the reincarnation angle and totally integrating that element throughout the future society. The concept is infused in the characters organically, with the basic idea of this narrative paying off again and again by demanding complex characters and utilizing unique spins on traditional detective story beats. This is a fun and interesting sci-fi mystery that keeps you guessing and makes you need to see the end. Unlike any other mystery story you have ever read.



DEADLEGS by Cardy O'Donnell PITCH:

THE FINEST HOURS meets DEADLIEST CATCH

LOGLINE:

In the 1970s, a young fisherman struggles not only with proving himself against two of his shipmates – his more physically imposing brother and the father of his girlfriend's unborn child – but the elements themselves as they battle ruthless waters in Arctic winter.

GENRE:

Action | Drama

WHY TO READ: A character-driven drama heightened by the contained setting of the fishing boat, this manuscript is a master class in subtle tension. The set up forces the protagonist to confront his rivals while working alongside them, and it’s incredibly effective. Add to that the fact that they are all attempting an illegal fishing activity and the tension becomes palpable. The writing is dynamic and descriptive, painting a vivid picture, while the regional dialogue is pitch perfect, and the plot moves along at a perfect pace. The characters and relationships are intensely layered, in part due to the flashbacks effortlessly integrated into the high stakes action on the boat. With life and death stakes, the difference between failure and success teetering on a knife’s edge, and love and friendship being closely examined, this manuscript is as intense as it can get.

THE DISTANCE OF MERCY by Shelly Drancik PITCH:

BROOKLYN meets THE PIANIST

LOGLINE:

An Austrian girl who grew up in the Russian occupation of Vienna following WWII undergoes culture shock after moving to America to attend college in Chicago. There she meets an African American woman whose friendship will ultimately save her.

GENRE:

Drama

WHY TO READ: With extremely strong writing, evocative imagery, and prose that is concise and beautiful, this is a great read for any drama fan. We get great insight into the characters, and the historical setting is compelling while also lending the perfect tone for the subject matter. Nicolette's journey to America creates a ton of drama, and her burgeoning friendship with Tillie following her move is just as compelling. Every character feels alive and you can’t help but want to stick with them to the end.

THE DIVORCE DIET by George Gier PITCH:

GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO DIVORCE meets THE BIGGEST LOSER

LOGLINE:

After being diagnosed with Type II diabetes, a morbidly obese woman decides it is time to make a change when her husband leaves her. With the help of her closest friend, she embarks on an epic weight loss journey that leads to her own reality TV show and subsequent fame.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama

WHY TO READ: While there are so many potential places to go wrong when dealing with a sensitive subject matter like this, this manuscript carefully toes the line and is incredibly empowering. Much of this can be attributed to the strong character work, not only with the protagonist, Cassie, but with the supporting characters as well. Tons of tiny, perfect details add depth to her character, making her feel as real as your best friend. Cassie is as complex as they come as you watch her go through all of the ups and down of divorce, disease, and at weight loss. You feel for her, but also understand that she needs a strong push to make a change. The manuscript gives her that push by combining multiple life events at once and adding the morally complex idea that she might need to separate from a husband she cares about in order to make a big, and necessary, life change. This is a book that will inspire those who read it. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 41


EMBALM THE MARMOT by Ryan Holly PITCH:

ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH

LOGLINE:

A man travels between the totalitarian surface and a magical underground world in search of his grandfather’s body, forcing him to confront fantastical creatures, time travel, and a decades-old conflict.

GENRE:

Drama | Fantasy

WHY TO READ: Taking all the trappings of a traditional children’s novel and twisting them completely to make a commentary on the idea of the inner child and immaturity in adults, this manuscript has no shortage of creative, intelligent, and esoteric ideas. The writing is fascinating, taking a unique non-linear approach to the subject matter and presenting universal themes of childhood, aging, and finding the joy in a scary world.

EMBER by Amanda Keener PITCH:

DIVERGENT meets MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN

LOGLINE:

When a teen learns she has the power to control fire on her 16th birthday, she must move to a special Academy that will teach her control over her new gift. While there, she discovers that there's more too the Academy's altruism than meets the eye, and her and her new friends need a way out.

GENRE:

Drama | Supernatural | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: This is a very cool premise, as it takes familiar beats from X-MEN but adds in its own unique elements. This really is familiar idea that comes at the problem from a completely new and interesting angle, which is hard to do. The sinister edge to The Academy is in line with other, popular YA fare, and it’s so easy to see this as the start to a series, as well as a movie franchise or hit TV show. The mystery is set up well from the beginning, and the scenes are cinematic and engrossing. There is a lot here for young adults to relate to, as it deals with being in high school and feeling different from everyone else. Anyone interested in the next YA franchise has everything they need here.

THE END OF VIOLET AND ABBY by Scott Kearney PITCH:

JENNIFER’S BODY meets HEATHERS

LOGLINE:

When her best friend dies in a tragic accident, and immediately comes back, a teenage girl is just happy to have her BFF returned. Until boys start turning up dead, ravaged by a creature both terrifying and familiar, and now it's up to her to save herself and her best friend from an ancient evil that threatens them all.

GENRE:

Horror | Supernatural | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: The rare horror story more concerned with characters than cheap thrills, this manuscript succeeds on the strength of its fully fleshed-out leads and their detailed and layered relationship. A fascinating look at female friendship, this story takes place in a believable and subtle high school world that never falls into cliché, and instead feels scarily real. The writing is clear, atmospheric, and does a brilliant job of integrating flashbacks, memories, and asides into the narrative to further anchor the scares in character and emotion.



ESCAPE FROM MOUNT CHAMPLAIN by Mark Trenteseaux PITCH:

MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN meets X-MEN

LOGLINE:

A young boy reeling from the death of his parents, for which he feels guilty despite having no memory of the accident, is sent to a fantastical, futuristic rehabilitation center, but he soon suspects there's something more sinister at play.

GENRE:

Mystery | Sci-Fi | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: At a time when seemingly every incarnation of the future has been put on the page, this manuscript manages to paint the picture of a completely original future world, which never falls into dystopian clichés or Jetsons-style prognosticating. A skillfully structured conspiracy thriller populated with young teens, this story sets up intriguing mysteries against a backdrop of cool gadgets, futuristic technology, and intricate politics. The charming and likable lead has a fascinating backstory, while the supporting characters jump off the page. With the visually stunning setting of a castle in the Oregon Cascades, this manuscript practically screams out for a vivid and creative adaptation.

EVERYTHING YOU WANT by Kirsten Alexander PITCH:

BLOODLINE meets THE KILLING

LOGLINE:

After covering up a hit-and-run accident, a brother and sister’s lives are changed forever when they discover that the woman they left for dead was their soon-to-be stepmother. Now, with the effects of their actions playing out right in front of them, their personal lives and mental stability slowly begin to erode.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery

WHY TO READ: The writing is descriptive and vivid, and the writer has a solid grasp of the setting and a clear vision for the story. The writer knows Australia and it comes through on the page, as the manuscript is imbued with authenticity thanks to the various places, customs, dialects, flora, and fauna of the Land Down Under. The chapters alternate between the two leads, providing insight not only into their own heads but also into how others are perceiving them, squeezing out every possible ounce of complexity from this fantastic premise. Self-discovery, self-loathing, redemption, and condemnation – these internal conflicts permeate these pages, to the point that these characters feel so completely real that the reader will stick with them until the very end, no matter what happens.

THE FALL OF DREAMS by Ryan LaSalle PITCH:

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH meets HANSEL AND GRETEL

LOGLINE:

Terrorized by fear thanks to his vivid, horrific dreams, a young insomniac finally succumbs to sleep and is taken to a place where his imaginings come true. Trapped in a mysterious world filled with eccentric characters and hungry witches, he struggles to find his way home.

GENRE:

Adventure | Coming-of-Age | Fantasy

WHY TO READ: The prose for this manuscript is remarkably well-crafted, as the creatures, characters, and world truly jump off the page. The vivid and imaginative writing draws you in from the start, and the characters and dialogue keep you invested. Where the book manages to differentiate itself from the other fantasy tales of parallel or alternate dimensions is the slightly darker tone. There is a real fear at play here with the protagonist, and the exploration of fear and what he needs to do to overcome it is fascinating. There are clear arcs for the characters and so much potential for a franchise. Anyone who loves fantasyadventure tales owes it to themselves to pick this one up and take a look. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 43


THE FAMILIAR by Jonathan Marx PITCH:

THE CLEANER meets iZOMBIE

LOGLINE:

A small town mortician spends his nights working as a Familiar, a crime scene cleaner hired by supernatural creatures to clean up their messes and hide their existence. Despite his dual life, he manages to keep both businesses running smoothly, until he's drawn into a mystery involving disappearing corpses, werewolves, and a former girlfriend.

GENRE:

Crime | Fantasy | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: There is some fantastic character work at play here. Not only is the lead strong and fun to watch, but also the supporting cast is clever and interesting. In addition, the writing is witty and humorous, and the story flows really well. The premise of a cleaner for supernatural creatures is so enjoyable and original, and this does a really good job of combining the supernatural drama with the procedural. All of this is mixed in with a captivating mystery, which has personal stakes for the protagonist and a ton of twists and turns. This could easily be the pilot episode for a comedy-drama supernatural procedural.

FAST FORWARD by Elizabeth Stevens & James Bruner PITCH:

CAPTAIN AMERICA meets LIFE ON MARS

LOGLINE:

After being captured by the Nazis, an LAPD detective fighting in World War II wakes up in 1985 Los Angeles not having aged a day and with no memory of how he got there. He must work with his now elderly friends and family in an attempt to get back to where he belongs.

GENRE:

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: A lively and engaging action manuscript with fun and interesting twists and turns. The story creates tension through the central mystery of how and why McCain ends up in 1985. This is a wonderful aspect to the story, because for once in a time travel story, the protagonist is just as lost and confused as the audience. This creates an easy bond between the reader and the protagonist that only gets stronger as the story continues and we learn even more about him. In addition, the “fish out of water” twist a la, BACK TO THE FUTURE or CAPTAIN AMERICA provides a lot of fun and comic relief to a story that could have easily been all too serious. McCain has such a strong determination to stay alive that you easily believe it when he gets himself out of sticky situations by sheer will power alone. With a strong lead character, interesting premise, and unique take on the time traveler tale, this will fit right into any sci-fi adventure library.

FILICIDE by Danny Newell PITCH:

THE HUNGER GAMES meets THE PURGE

LOGLINE:

When all of the parents in a remote island community start to murder their children for no apparent reason, a 17-year-old girl fights to save her younger brothers from the people who are supposed to love and protect them.

GENRE:

Conspiracy | Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: Although a heavy and haunting premise, this is also part of what makes this manuscript so extremely compelling. This is a horror tale with a truly horrific idea behind it that is not based on monsters or extraterrestrials. The idea behind the book is so simple and so relatable, that it is impossible for it not to be terrifying. There is so much dark thematic material to play with here. If a convincing premise and story wasn’t enough, the writing is very strong, the action scenes are compelling and filled with tension, and the characters feel real and multi-dimensional. Molly is a great protagonist and her journey is not only filled with twists, loss, and suspense, but self-discovery and redemption. This is very promising overall and it’s very easy to see this manuscript as a series of books and films. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 44


THE FINAL GIRL by Scott Thomas PITCH:

JUNO meets HALLOWEEN

LOGLINE:

When a tough, snarky 16-year-old moves with her distant, psychologist father to the down-on-its-luck Colorado town of Black Ridge, she learns the bloody history of the town as her father studies the patient responsible for the infamous rampage. Little does she know, the killer has been waiting for someone like her to carry on his legacy.

GENRE:

Coming-of-Age | Horror | Thriller

WHY TO READ: This is a horror/thriller manuscript that is a genuine pleasure to read. The writer has a clear voice that permeates the pages, with the protagonist's wit, teenage angst, and cynical attitude coming through at all times, and never making her remotely unlikable. Her voice carries us through, and the story is compelling. The amount of detail in setting up the world is impressive, and Max's relationship with her father feels realistic and well thought out, with little details making a big impact on the believability of the characters. Similarly, the town of Black Ridge has a thorough and layered history that the writer gets across easily without losing the reader's attention. This is all around a great manuscript that deserves and lends itself to a big screen version.

FOOTAGE by Lex Snowe PITCH:

THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE meets THE BOURNE IDENTITY

LOGLINE:

In the future, under the guise of brain surgery, the FBI uses advanced technology to turn American citizens into unwitting spies. With covert, and unaware, operatives all over the country, the program is working better than ever, until one of the subjects rebels against the system and attempts to bring it all down.

GENRE:

Conspiracy | Sci-Fi | Thriller

WHY TO READ: A manuscript that shines with professionalism, this well developed premise is unique and accessible for all levels of sci-fi lovers and action lovers alike. It hits on current fears of identity theft, hacking, and government overreach into our private lives, as well as the rising threat of domestic terrorist attacks. The material would work as a series of films, and also presents the possibility for a gritty cable drama or even broadcast serial. There is also plenty of room for a franchise in the vein of the BOURNE series. The story is structured to provide excellent payoffs, and any questions that linger are answered in due time, giving you a reason to stay engaged. The characters are well developed, and we are immediately aware of their gifts, insecurities, and flaws. There’s a ton of potential here for action-thriller fans to take advantage of, and a female protagonist to boot.

FRIGHTFUL by Kristin Kirby PITCH:

KRAMPUS meets GREMLINS

LOGLINE:

When a demonic monster is unleashed on a small town at Christmastime, an eager K-9 cop teams up with a hotshot city detective to destroy the beast before it kills again.

GENRE:

Horror

WHY TO READ: This is a great piece for any fan of horror and the supernatural. The writing in this manuscript is clear, straight forward, and easy to follow, yet elevated and focused on character building. We learn the inner workings of all the characters, and the in depth study into these people’s minds really propels this story into interesting territory. Everyone has a secret, and you want to know the answers. While the premise feels similar to a traditional murder plot, a la Fargo or The Killing, the writer infuses the horror element seamlessly into the story. The strong setting, the snowy woods of the Pacific Northwest, creates an eerie, almost fairytale feeling that not only fits perfectly, but enhances the horror as well. The pacing and very high stakes make this a thrilling ride from start to finish, and any horror fan will love it. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 45


GHOSTS OF FLAME AND SHADOW by Shardae Rudel PITCH:

ERAGON meets BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER

LOGLINE:

A young woman and her best friend, both of whom possess magical abilities, struggle to make ends meet while on the run from an assassin who targets those with powers, including her family.

GENRE:

Adventure | Fantasy | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: From the first lines, this pulls the reader in with its beautifully crafted imagery, which is all at once dark, horrific, and haunting. The writer creates a fully fleshed out world and somber atmosphere that only increases the tension. Starting with the main characters on the run in a strange land, this story immediately sets itself apart from most high fantasy, maintaining the creativity, scope, and high stakes, but grounding the story in character, emotion, and tone. Blaise is a fantastic protagonist, as her anger management issues and rebelliousness align with her overflowing magical power, complicating her work as an assassin. Her struggle to keep everything in check is compelling, as is her relationship with her loyal and patient best friend Alana, a fully realized character in her own right. You won’t want to stop reading about these two amazing protagonists in this sinister world.

GOING RENO by Elizabeth Quinn PITCH:

BOARDWALK EMPIRE meets BETTER CALL SAUL

LOGLINE:

In 1930s Reno, divorce was a booming industry for people looking to run away from their mistakes. But, when one woman discovers her husband has already found a way to cheat her out of everything she owns, instead of running back to an old life she never truly loved, she decides to reinvent herself in a city that still honors its frontier roots and vices.

GENRE:

Drama | Period

WHY TO READ: By utilizing a unique setting, time period, and story to tackle themes of gender, marriage, and the endlessly relatable idea self-discovery, this manuscript not only entertains, but does so in such an intoxicating manner that readers will be clamoring for more. A fantastic female lead guides us on a journey that balances the seedy underbelly of Reno’s crime and prostitution with that of the personal dramas and romances of the new life she’s trying to make for herself. With great dialogue, strong characters, and endless opportunities for drama, this will have everyone falling for Reno.

GOLDEN GATE RESCUE by Joseph Anderson PITCH:

THE O.C. meets BAYWATCH

LOGLINE:

A group of wealthy high school students volunteer with the Bay Area Search & Rescue Unit, risking their own lives to save people lost in the wilderness, all the while navigating the no-less-difficult pressures of high school.

GENRE:

Action | Drama | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: An action-packed premise with plenty of tension and drama set in the visually stunning wilderness of the Bay Area, this is the next big teen series waiting to happen. Practically begging for a TV adaptation on The CW or Freeform, this manuscript deftly combines the teen soap with the action thriller, raising the stakes of high school angst in the way that all the best coming-of-age stories do. The fantastic cast of characters stands out as they try to navigate community service with pressure to succeed and the advantages and disadvantages of financial privilege, providing no end of thematic content to mine for future books. Combining this with engaging writing and a realistic and creative high school setting, this is the rare teen drama that feels completely fresh and original. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 46


THE GRIM by Scott Leddy PITCH:

I AM LEGEND meets THE MAZE RUNNER

LOGLINE:

In a post-apocalyptic future, a disease has swept the world, killing much of the population and leaving some of the survivors unnaturally ruthless and bloodthirsty. A teen born into slavery to these evil masters meets a mysterious girl whose biology might hold the key to curing the disease, and they set out to save humanity, both from the plague and from its own darkest impulses.

GENRE:

Action | Sci-Fi | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: This manuscript succeeds largely on the merits of its exceptional protagonist, a young man who is strong, smart and empathetic, but has learned to downplay those traits in order to survive in the brutal world. He’s forced to kill in order to survive, but doesn’t relish it as some others would, making him stand out within his own world, but also in the world of YA fiction leads. His relatable journey will immediately draw the reader into the expertly crafted dystopian world that the writer has created. The writing is descriptive, thoughtful and evocative, demonstrating a clear voice and vision that extends from visual descriptions to tone, atmosphere and even dialogue. This immersive experience elevates the perfectly paced high-stakes storyline to a truly cinematic experience, taking the reader on a journey that will terrify and move them, but above all, make them think.

GYRE by Robert Sheppe PITCH:

THE SHALLOWS meets LOST

LOGLINE:

A reluctant teenager dragged into a family vacation boating off the coast of Hawaii struggles to save herself and her family when a monster attacks mid-trip.

GENRE:

Horror | Thriller

WHY TO READ: A thriller anchored in character just as much as in vibrant set pieces, this manuscript combines an inventive high stakes creature feature with a touching and nuanced comingof-age story in a way that portends an adaptation that is sure to be a hit. With a tone of mystery and paranoia sure to remind fans of the CLOVERFIELD series, this manuscript is practically screaming to be made into a movie, what with its vivid setting off the coast of Hawaii, contained locations, and cinematic action. A great teen protagonist who is forced not only to save her family but also to deal with feelings of insecurity around the new woman in her father’s life, all readers will be able to sympathize with this complex lead as well as the fully-fleshed out supporting cast. With a rollercoaster’s worth of twists and turns as well as a truly memorable conclusion, this is an exceptionally executed ride.

HAUNTED HEART by Robert Herold PITCH:

PENNY DREADFUL meets SUPERNATURAL

LOGLINE:

In late 19th Century America, a mismatched group of academics and psychics travel the country solving supernatural mysteries. But when they add a new member just as they prepare to tackle one of their toughest cases, it threatens to change them forever.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: The perfect introduction to its large world, this manuscript features a group of endearing characters who have their world rocked by the addition of a discordant member on their finely tuned team. The classic TV pilot set-up, this is the absolute best way to start the story and promises plenty of banter, conflict, and emotion as these characters encounter new and dangerous adventures in a countless number of sequels. There’s no end to the story possibilities, setting this up to be a successful long-running book or TV series. The post-Civil War setting provides a unique look at American history as well as plenty of drama by way of the racial tensions on the team. This is not just a traditional horror story, but something much deeper and more character-driven. Still, the tone and atmosphere are pitch perfect, the plot thrilling and perfectly paced, and the writing both gripping and insightful. A horror/thriller that you will not want to put down. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 47


HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS WITH FISTS by Lex Wilson PITCH:

SUPERGIRL meets BUFFY

LOGLINE:

Three teenage girls struggle not only all with the normal problems of high school, but the annoying fact that they're superheroes who must save the world.

GENRE:

Action | Comedy | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: BUFFY by way of Diablo Cody, this imaginative manuscript has a hilarious and edgy voice that never quits, crafting a wildly irreverent spin on the reluctant hero narrative that manages to feel wholly original and relevant while playing with genres and plot points that you may have thought had been exhausted. The perfect blend of iconic high school angst with genuine emotion and the unpredictable twists of the best action comedies, this story will speak to anyone who has felt left out or overwhelmed and wishes they could just punch their problems away with super strength. There’s no knowing what’s around the corner in this exceptional and tightly plotted story, whether it be a pop quiz, an attack on the city, or a boyfriend turning into a monster. As the reader, you get to go along for the ride while our heroine deigns to look up from her phone and save the day.

HOTEL GRAMERCY PARK by Max Weissberg PITCH:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL meets THE ROYAL TENNENBAUMS

LOGLINE:

A man chronicles the true story of his family who owned the famous Gramercy Park Hotel in New York for decades, interacting with the rich, famous, and crazy on a daily basis.

GENRE:

Drama | Memoir

WHY TO READ: Based on the critically acclaimed documentary of the same name, this manuscript has already proven itself as a fantastic and successful story, one which is deserving of a wider and more diverse audience. Anchored by the author’s boyhood experiences living in the hotel, this manuscript is a window into a fantastic cast of characters, from the zaniness of the family members to a revolving door of celebrity guests ranging from rock stars to the Kennedys. Combining drama, comedy, tragedy, suspense, and everything in between, this manuscript has a little something for everyone, and is primed to be made into a serialized drama series. It’s easy to see these anecdotes transformed into weekly episodes making the best use of the contained hotel setting and connection to all the power players of the time. Add in the legend of a “curse” that causes family members to die, and you’ve got a truly powerful story that will keep people’s eyes on the page.

HOW TO KISS LIKE A MOVIE STAR by Leslie Nipkow PITCH:

NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL meets CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND

LOGLINE:

Based on her real-life experiences, an award-winning soap opera writer details her life as a "real-size" girl breaking into the entertainment industry, telling stories of love, sex, family secrets, illness, and more.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama | Memoir

WHY TO READ: A series of sharp and insightful essays, this memoir shows off the considerable writing skills of the author. She has a clear voice, a gift for prose, a sardonic wit, and a skill with integrating hilarious pop culture references into her writing. The memoir delivers a strong, relatable message to its readers about how to take control of one’s own life and destiny and how to gain confidence in a world where you feel like an outsider, achieving both irreverent comedy and inspirational messages in a single breath. All the ingredients are here for both a juicy showbiz memoir and a fun, intelligent television series adaptation, either a sitcom or a dramedy in the vein of CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND. It is also easy to imagine that the writer has another book’s worth of stories for future memoirs. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 48


HOW TO MAKE AND KILL THE PERFECT MAN by Sarah Archer Moulton PITCH:

MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES meets SIMONE

LOGLINE:

An engineer desperate to find a date to her sister's wedding creates a lifelike robot who turns out to be the perfect guy for her, which makes things difficult when the time comes to shut him down.

GENRE:

Comedy | Romance | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: This is a stellar premise, anchored by a capable, smart, modern young woman whose life is a little out of control. This has all the trappings of an old-school studio rom-com mixed with the raunchy female-led humor of Amy Schumer or BROAD CITY. The writer does a fantastic job of crafting a relatable protagonist and putting her through a story that feels both classic and modern, touching and incisive, and humorous and emotional. Intimacy in the age of technology is a topical discussion in film and television today and this story offers up a nice twist on trying to find love in the modern era that still feels perfectly timeless. Intelligent and funny, this manuscript is told in a distinctive and intriguing voice supported by sharp, efficient writing.

HUMAN RESOURCES by Robert Batten PITCH:

WORLD WAR Z meets THE STRAIN

LOGLINE:

After a zombie apocalypse, corporations run by vampires create heavily guarded citystates to preserve the human race - as a subjugated food supply.

GENRE:

Sci-Fi | Supernatural | Thriller

WHY TO READ: It can be difficult to find a truly inventive supernatural premise in a fiction landscape overrun by zombies, vampires, and werewolves, but this manuscript has done just that. It combines classic tales and timeless archetypes into what is not only an exciting supernatural thriller, but also an intelligent commentary on the dangers of corporate control. Cinematic and thrilling from page one, this manuscript is written with gripping attention to detail, superior visuals, and memorable characters. Not only does this make for an exceptional novel, but it has the potential for endless sequels and adaptations. We truly have been introduced to the next great creative premise, a supernatural chessboard where the author can play out important games of politics, violence, and survival.

HUMAN, ANEW by Irina Ivanova PITCH:

I, ROBOT meets MR. ROBOT

LOGLINE:

While investigating a suspicious death, a detective in a futuristic city discovers a massive conspiracy involving the artificial intelligence robots used by the police force to recreate the personalities of the recently deceased in order to consult with them in solving their murders.

GENRE:

Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

WHY TO READ: An undeniably fresh and topical premise that engages with themes of corruption, law enforcement, and the dangers of technology, this manuscript feels wholly of the moment despite being futuristic, and its thrills and twists are timeless in their execution. Using aspects of noir, conspiracy thrillers, and sci-fi in crafting its sinister and paranoid tone, this manuscript deftly creates the perfect atmosphere to enhance the tension and keep the reader enthralled. Electric writing and vibrant descriptions paint a vivid picture of this wholly original futuristic city, grounding the narrative in a strong, engaging setting. The writing is fast-paced and clear, while the characters have distinct personalities and a fun rapport. The combination of the fascinating sci-fi crime investigation premise with this great detective duo suggests a network TV procedural adaptation in the making. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 49


THE IMMORTAL LADY by Roy Rocha PITCH:

FOREVER meets TWILIGHT

LOGLINE:

An immortal woman living in secret in a New York City convent meets a strangely alluring man who turns out to be a vampire, causing her to become trapped in a war between rival clans vying for control of the city.

GENRE:

Fantasy | Romance | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: This manuscript has all the makings of a great fantasy romance. Written with the eloquence of Anne Rice and the twists and turns of TWILIGHT, this story manages to be a mature and original take on these classic ideas. The prose in this manuscript is absolutely masterful, its concise and beautiful use of language resulting in a captivating narrative that deftly captures the atmosphere of the world as well as the depths of the protagonist and the nuance of its compelling central relationship. The story is packed with twists and high stakes, effectively combining action and romance into a thrilling, sensual ride whose appeal will cross genres.

INTO COVERT WATERS by James Hawes & Mary Ann Koenig PITCH:

ARGO meets CHE

LOGLINE:

The true story of a young CIA agent sent to the Congo in the 1960s in order to secretly stop a Communist rebellion led by Che Guevara.

GENRE:

Action | Drama | True

WHY TO READ: This manuscript presents a first hand account of a previously unexplored chapter in American Cold War history. Packed with famous figures, exotic locations and innovative espionage tactics, this is like nothing you have read before. The narrative is gripping, the visuals ambitious and cinematic, and since the protagonist was a major resource in writing the book, the historical details have an effortless authority and authenticity. By combining the trappings of an espionage thriller with aspects of politics and war stories, there’s no end to the excitement and drama, while the historical relevance has the potential to elevate any adaptation right into the thick of the awards race.

JOHN WILKES BOOTH AND ME by Staton Rabin PITCH:

MERCY STREET meets LINCOLN

LOGLINE:

A young girl befriends the famous actor John Wilkes Booth just before he assassinates President Abraham Lincoln.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Based on the story of a real young girl caught in the middle of a seminal event in American history, this manuscript tells a timeless story of romance, betrayal and doubt. The writer even elevates this inventive premise by infusing the feel of a national epic through the distinctive Civil War setting, infamous character, and the insightful and nuanced take on one of history’s great tragedies. Equal parts coming-of-age story, unrequited romance, conspiracy thriller, and road movie – the writer manages to combine the best aspects of many genres into a gripping story grounded by strong character work and filtered through the sympathetic and relatable lens of a misguided 12-year-old girl. You’ll never look at this famous story the same way again.



KILL CREEK by Scott Thomas PITCH:

THE CONJURING meets THE SHINING

LOGLINE:

A publicity stunt sends four bestselling horror writers into a legendary haunted house on Halloween. What starts out as a simple exploitation of their popularity becomes a dangerous proposition when the house's supernatural history turns out to be all too true and they find themselves all writing the exact same sinister book upon returning home.

GENRE:

Horror | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: The kind of storytelling that will make you angry every time you have to turn away, this manuscript is completely engrossing, combining an inventive premise with genuine scares, a creepy atmosphere, and effortlessly distinctive and three-dimensional lead characters. This is psychological horror at its best, with each of the leads set up with unique fears to exploit, organic backstories, and believable arcs. The writer is adept at delving into the minds of the characters and presenting their unique points of view in an engaging way through elevated, literary prose that never skimps on the thrills and exudes a thorough knowledge of the horror genre. Combining modern self-aware horror like THE CONJURING with clear inspirations from classics of the genre, this is a well-executed, original premise with a ton of commercial potential.

KING’S DAUGHTER by Julia Bobkoff PITCH:

VIKINGS meets ELIZABETH

LOGLINE:

The daughter of Danish king Harald Bluetooth must lead her people amidst a Scandinavia at war after her father is killed in a battle against her usurper brother.

GENRE:

Drama | True | War

WHY TO READ: There is no shortage of drama in this thrilling female-led true story. The family politics, the naval battles, the epic scale – all provide a great foundation for this manuscript. Not to mention the fascinating protagonist in Thyra, a world-weary young woman forced to step up and take control. She will be the next great literary heroine as she shows strength and intelligence in all aspects of her life. The characters are complex and layered, and the writing is stark, beautiful, and evocative, with imagery that will stay with you long after the last page. The period details are pitch perfect, immediately immersing the reader in this world of Vikings, kings, and religious conflict.

KREEP WHURLD by Hampton Flint PITCH:

THE WALKING DEAD meets DEADLIEST CATCH

LOGLINE:

After an invasion by violent insect-like creatures that carry a dangerous disease, a teenage fisherman from North Carolina faces the challenge of her life when she is hired by one of the infected to escort him along the Atlantic coast to Baltimore.

GENRE:

Sci-Fi | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: This manuscript does the impossible – creating a dystopian YA world that feels completely fresh, original, and believable. The story is perfect in its simplicity, an aquatic spin on the dystopian road trip movie. There’s no overload of new terminology or useless novelties to make the world seem cool, instead this manuscript does more with less and places us in a world that feels so natural, so close to our own, that there’s no distance between us and the fantastic lead. Stevie is a great protagonist with clear motivations and weaknesses, and whose drive to help her family is endlessly relatable. The stakes are high, the writing is packed with action, and the insect-like monsters are original and terrifying. The next big YA franchise that will have the same effect as watching JAWS – you will want to stay out of the water. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 51


LAGOON SWIMMER by Matthew Bookman PITCH:

ANNIE HALL meets OFFICE SPACE

LOGLINE:

After being fired for incompetence, a high-level PR exec with no real skills struggles to find his way in the world, moving from one odd job to the next.

GENRE:

Comedy | Drama

WHY TO READ: An undeniably fun read. The writing is top notch, keeping its humor subtle enough to not feel forced. The dialogue is very distinct and enjoyable, and the sheer amount of randomness crammed into just a few chapters makes this feel like one of those postmodern novels you read in a college class and enjoyed too much to actually mind writing the essay. Skip is a rough, crafty character whose gullibility and bad luck make him an appealing lead and a joy to follow. He’s an intriguing example of a certain kind of corporate ladder climbing attitude that resonates across industries - the "creative" networker who never does any actual work. He is ridiculous, but only about one step above the types of people you meet in real life, meaning that his journey will resonate with every reader, whether they sympathize with him or not.

LANCE & ART by Noah Sanders PITCH:

MAN ON FIRE meets TAKEN

LOGLINE:

An aging ex-con who works as a bodyguard for the heir of a Chinese crime family in San Francisco will stop at nothing to get the boy back after he is kidnapped.

GENRE:

Action | Crime | Drama

WHY TO READ: This manuscript is a highly commercial and traditional action-packed thriller with a ton of original ideas, clear stakes, fleshed-out antagonists, and plenty of twists. Lance is a great lead character, the kind of aging action hero with a distinct voice that would appeal to an actor looking for an exciting role. The vivid San Francisco setting alongside such fun details as the idiosyncrasies of the Chinese mobsters or Lance’s parole officer helping him with his criminal activities give this story a distinct edge that keeps it fresh while its kidnapping story hits timeless, thrilling beats. A non-stop action thriller that will keep you rooting for the protagonist until the grizzly end.

LANDFALL by Adam Aresty PITCH:

INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS meets QUANTICO

LOGLINE:

Investigating terror attacks becomes near impossible after an alien invasion uses telepathy to control the minds of humans and force them into groups with the sole purpose of taking as many lives as possible.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: The central premise of this manuscript – an alien invasion prepping the Earth for submission by taking over people’s minds and forcing them to kill as many humans as possible – is stunning in its simplicity and dramatic potential. The implications for terror investigations, politics, and the eventual war are endless. This great premise is anchored by a fantastic set of characters representing an admirable cross-section of society. These aspects help to ground the science fiction story in real emotion. This is primed for a television adaptation that could easily combine aspects of an investigative procedural with the overarching alien conspiracy, the kind of genre-bending idea that has been dominating the networks of late. At the very least this will be an engaging and captivating series of sci-fi thrillers that will have readers coming back for more. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 52


LAZARUS by Maryanne Melloan Woods PITCH:

VERONICA MARS meets GHOST

LOGLINE:

A police chief’s daughter and her boyfriend make the perfect small town detective team. The only problem? The boyfriend is a ghost and the town is in the thick of a murder spree.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: This manuscript has a fantastic premise that could easily be adapted to a procedural TV series, utilizing its ghostly mythology and creepy atmosphere to tell truly engaging stories. The central mystery, related back to the unsolved murder of our protagonist’s mother, is undeniably compelling, packed with unpredictable twists and a pervading creepiness. Still, the relationship between the two leads is so realistic, relatable, and emotional that it’s hard not to feel at home while reading. Their love, problems, and conflicts are touching and nuanced, and it only helps that they are surrounded by supporting characters that also feel distinct. All of this adds up to a world that feels fleshed out and real, utilizing a Prairie Gothic sensibility to examine the wide open landscape and the dark, seedy underbelly of the haunted town.

LIFE WITHOUT by Robert Giordano PITCH:

OZ meets SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

LOGLINE:

A private investigator, serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife, gathers his allies to uncover the identity of a serial killer who has been killing both inside and outside of the prison.

GENRE:

Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: Anchored by a truly compelling premise - the search for a serial killer inside a prison, this manuscript excels on the strength of its writing. Told in a unique voice and packed with evocative dialogue, the writer adeptly writes in dialect without slowing down the narrative or creating confusion. The fantastic dialogue imbues life into the script and the characters, so that each one stands out from page one, allowing us to sympathize with them despite the fact that they are all violent criminals. This is practically built for a television procedural, with the protagonist helping with a new problem each week while seeking out the truth behind the killer as an overarching storyline. The fast-paced and engaging prose round out a manuscript that is absolutely the complete package.

THE LION AND THE DEAD by E.S. Dahl PITCH:

DEAD LIKE ME meets SLEEPY HOLLOW

LOGLINE:

A man who digs up people killed in wars so they can come back to life and tie up loose ends brings back a Civil War soldier who forms an unbreakable bond with the woman now living in his old home.

GENRE:

Drama | Romance | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: This is a well-paced and emotionally written supernatural drama, with aspects of romance and tragedy that makes great use of its Southern setting and well-developed characters. The premise and story engine are perfectly set up for a procedural television adaptation in the vein of SLEEPY HOLLOW, with a case of the week as Walt helps a new soldier gain closure and return him back to his grave. As a standalone novel, the writer has chosen a truly tragic and memorable premise, as the touching relationship between the soldier and the woman now living in his home taps into universal themes that will leave the reader reeling. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 53


THE LONDONI by Sultana Choudhry PITCH:

WHITE TEETH meets SINGLE WHITE FEMALE

LOGLINE:

A Bangaldeshi woman travels to London to live with her cousin, and will stop at nothing in order to stay in her new home, no matter the consequence of her actions.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: This manuscript has such a unique cultural perspective on London, anchored by a wellcrafted protagonist whose naiveté comes across effortlessly in the prose, making her both relatable and genuinely flawed at the same time. The writer speaks with authority on these topics of immigration and race, and the juxtaposition of cultures is fascinating. By adding in the aspects of family rivalry and the trappings of a thriller, there’s no shortage of drama and tension to be had. This is a gripping bestseller in the making.

THE LONELY PIXEL by Martin Sturrock PITCH:

BLACK MIRROR meets DIVERGENT

LOGLINE:

In a world where everyone works for one of three major corporations who control their employees' lives with virtual reality eyewear, a teenage girl joins a rebellion after she is caught up in a terrorist attack against her corporation.

GENRE:

Sci-Fi | Thriller | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: Packed with effective and creative visual imagery, this manuscript crafts a believable and incisive dystopian world where everyone is controlled and guided by virtual reality technology. As these devices become more and more commonplace in society today, this is a relevant and important premise full of smart ideas and insightful warnings. Leila is a character that any teenager can relate to—she’s smart but disaffected, she feels misunderstood by her friends, and she yearns for more autonomy. Zach’s clear arc from blind loyalty to skepticism is fascinating to read, and perfectly executed. With strong characters, a great premise, vivid writing, and an action-packed plot, this is the ideal YA conspiracy thriller.

THE LORD OF THE WOLVES by James Matlack Raney PITCH:

WHITE FANG meets THE LION KING

LOGLINE:

After the violent death of their parents, a lame wolf pup must step up to lead his siblings as they run from the murderous wolf looking to finish the job.

GENRE:

Adventure | Coming-of-Age | Family

WHY TO READ: A great morality tale for children, this manuscript is packed with themes of family, survival, and persevering against the odds. The protagonist, the disabled runt of the litter, provides a great example for children about what you can achieve with intelligence, leadership, and loyalty, and that being the biggest isn’t always being the best. All of the characters are distinctive and sympathetic, and the emotions are potent and effective. While this could easily become a best-selling book for children, there’s also plenty of potential to become a four-quadrant animated hit.



LORETTA OF THE LAMP by J.R. Manawa PITCH:

I DREAM OF JEANNIE meets THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

LOGLINE:

After breaking into a museum, a London teenager is sucked into an ancient genie's lamp and goes on an adventure through a desert fantasy world.

GENRE:

Adventure | Fantasy

WHY TO READ: In Loretta’s journey through the world inside the lamp, we get to see a new side of this classic magical phenomenon in a visually stunning land reminiscent of the most captivating of children’s stories. Loretta is an iconic and gritty protagonist, with her lockpicking addiction and working class London upbringing making her stand out amidst the plethora of stock stand-ins that tend to populate these sorts of fantasy stories. Between the fantastic lead, her will-they-won’t-they romance with the standoffish genie, and the sheer epic scope of her adventures, there’s nothing this superior modern fantasy doesn’t accomplish with skill and originality.

THE LOVING WRATH OF ELDON QUINT by Chase Pletts PITCH:

DEADWOOD meets THE REVENANT

LOGLINE:

A farmer takes his recently deceased son across the country in order to bury him next to his wife. He must deal with the worst of humanity and nature as he makes the arduous journey while being mistaken for a dangerous criminal, but things only get worse when he arrives at his son’s final resting place to discover that his wife is alive and well.

GENRE:

Drama | Western

WHY TO READ: A masterfully crafted ensemble of characters populates this ambitious and exceptional Western. The characters all have rich, distinct voices, individual personalities, as well as clear goals and faults. As their storylines intersect across the great canvas of the West, the reader will be absorbed into the writer’s vivid world, trusting to the evocative and literary prose to take them on a tireless and emotional journey to find out how everything comes together. Transcending Western tropes through sheer skill and attention to detail, this manuscript packs more drama, suspense, mystery and heart than any other book of its kind. Easily adaptable into a prestige TV drama, this manuscript should be top of the list for anyone who is a fan of the Western genre or great storytelling in general.

MANY BRAVE HEARTS by Virginia Slachman PITCH:

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD meets UNBROKEN

LOGLINE:

A love story of a couple who met while serving in WWII and the battle to keep their love alive as they face the destructive toll of PTSD.

GENRE:

Drama | Memoir | Romance

WHY TO READ: The captivating story of a family brought together and destroyed by the Second World War, this manuscript uses its Midwestern setting, military content, and midcentury trappings to create what already feels like a classic American tale. A combination of memoir and interview, the manuscript performs a delicate balancing act alternating between interviews in the author's father's own words, and her eloquent and memorable account of growing up in this family always on the verge of breaking down. The juxtaposition of these competing voices creates a stunningly compelling novel that feels both intelligent and emotionally raw at the same time.



THE MARK by Kirsten Boswell PITCH:

WARCRAFT meets THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS

LOGLINE:

A young girl trains to be a soldier in a war against a race of fire demons invading her land, only to be unwillingly named their next leader when a mysterious mark appears on her arm.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: A fantasy epic centered on a fascinating young female character put in an impossible moral dilemma, this story is a clear start to an action-packed series. Written with incredible and vivid detail to bring the unique fantasy world to life, this manuscript presents a fully visualized setting complete with distinctive dialogue employing its own slang, rules, and dialects. The world is epic and absorbing, and all its own, immediately drawing you in. Brilliantly paced, every chapter ends on a cliffhanger or an emotional beat that guarantees the reader won’t be able to put it down.

MAXINE STARR: LAST VANGUARD OF THE ZODIAC by Kane Wheatley-Holder PITCH:

TOMORROWLAND meets HARRY POTTER

LOGLINE:

After moving to Singapore following her father's death, a teenage girl gets kidnapped by aliens and brought to an elite military academy in space. Upon discovering that her father founded the school years earlier, she unravels a web of secrets and gets dragged into an intergalactic conflict.

GENRE:

Sci-Fi | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: A manuscript that's not afraid to tackle a lot of themes, this is chockfull of a plethora of original, fun ideas - such as how zodiac signs are anthropomorphized as various alien races. The protagonist is an intriguing and strong female lead, with a relatable multicultural background and her struggles to adapt to a new home, both of which are drawn directly from the author’s own childhood experience, so the lead feels genuine and grounded, even in such a high concept sci-fi world. Her world is deeply explored and visualized, and it jumps off the page, immersing the reader from page one.

MEMORY ROAD by Martin McSweeney PITCH:

ASSASSIN’S CREED meets THE MAZE RUNNER

LOGLINE:

A group of teenagers with historically important ancestors are kidnapped by a criminal mastermind and forced to take a drug that allows them to enter their ancestral memories and change the past.

GENRE:

Sci-Fi | Thriller | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: A fun and inventive new take on the time travel genre, this manuscript combines the trappings of a YA novel with a fascinating and intricate historical backstory. The underground setting of the Library adds a tense, contained element to the story and forces the characters to interact in ways that push them to their breaking points, illuminating the darker sides of their natures. The main characters are all well-crafted, with distinct personalities, clear arcs, and immediate tensions. With plenty of twists and turns, this will keep you turning the page, trying to unravel the mystery. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 56


MITTEN HAND by Jody Giardina PITCH:

PERSEPOLIS meets SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

LOGLINE:

After being exiled from her community, a young Iranian girl with leprosy moves to a leper colony in Karachi, where an aid worker helps her obtain entry into the United States, only to discover that the company sponsoring her trip has ulterior motives.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: This manuscript is undeniably powerful, following a complex young woman who we get to see grow into an amazing adult. The story has a unique, vibrant voice at its center in Rey, which grounds the piece in a dry wit - a much needed relief from the heavy subject matter and intense drama. The world building, character work, and storytelling are all fantastic, and the reader will not be able to stop reading, despite all of the tragedy in Rey’s life. The descriptions are thorough, intense, elaborate, and beautiful, bringing the reader into these strange places and making them feel familiar and understandable, an amazing feat that allows for the themes of cultural difference and ostracism to come through with intelligence, subtlety, and even humor.

MR. & MRS. AMERICAN PIE by Juliet McDaniel PITCH:

WE’RE THE MILLERS meets MISS CONGENIALITY

LOGLINE:

After her husband leaves her unexpectedly, a 1960s housewife moves to Arizona where she befriends a closeted gay bartender, and the two scheme to enter a national pageant for the most perfect American couple.

GENRE:

Comedy

WHY TO READ: With a riotously funny premise, great characters, and plenty to say about gender, sexuality and race, this is the rare book that manages to be laugh-out-loud funny, emotional, and insightful all at the same time. Maxine is a hilarious lead with a ton of depth, while the supporting characters are no less complex. The writing is clear and efficient, the dialogue is realistic and funny, and each character has a distinct voice. The midcentury American setting comes across perfectly, while the plot of a divorcee and gay man staging a hostile takeover of a “perfect couple pageant” is packed with hilarious twists and turns that the reader won’t see coming.

NIGHTSONG by M.J. Rhodes PITCH:

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN meets WITNESS

LOGLINE:

A woman witnesses what she thinks might be a kidnapping, but doesn't come forward until after the child is reported missing. Now a pariah due to her inaction, she sets out to solve the crime herself and find redemption.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Female-led psychological thrillers are dominating the bestseller lists and the box office right now, and this manuscript has a fantastic take on this successful genre, one which speaks to deep-seated fears in all of us. The drama behind a person seeing something terrible happening and not realizing it in time to stop it is very powerful and relatable. We’ve all seen something strange but decided not to get involved. By expanding this to the worst case scenario and examining the protagonist’s mind as she attempts to make amends, this manuscript taps into viscerally human themes. Can you make things right after doing nothing to stop them from going wrong? With strong character work and writing to back up this thematic complexity, the manuscript has both the heart and the suspense to be a successful thriller. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 57


THE NINE GRAVES OF GERALDINE GREY by Namina Forna PITCH:

PARANORMAN meets SHADOWHUNTERS

LOGLINE:

A young girl tasked with helping souls from a Louisiana cemetery pass to the other side must fight a powerful witch for control over the gate to the underworld.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: This middle-grade novel delves into the eccentric world of the Southern Gothic and provides the perfect blend of fun and creepiness for a young audience. Geraldine is a unique, engaging protagonist with a pure heart and a strong work ethic, and she is the perfect role model for readers of any age. The fact that her job is to oversee the ghosts buried at her ancestral family home only adds originality and humor to an already wonderful tale. These well-written pages smoothly unfold a deeply realized world of Creole magic and mayhem, and the writer’s voice is pleasantly peppered with French phrases, bringing this Louisiana landscape to life. The perfect set-up for a children’s supernatural book series, this manuscript has atmosphere and character to spare.

THE NOWHERE WITCH by A.R. Cook PITCH:

ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN

LOGLINE:

A witch summons six famous warriors from across history to a hell dimension, where she forces them to fight to the death to determine humanity's greatest fighter, whose blood she needs for a sacrificial ritual.

GENRE:

Adventure | Fantasy | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: Packed with recognizable historical figures and set in a fantasy world where anything is possible, this manuscript has more cinematic potential in each page than most books have in their entire length. Beyond that, the writing is strong and engaging, packed with action, while the voice of the Nowhere Witch permeates every page and adds to the sinister tone. This is a visually stunning fantasy epic that will appeal to lovers of action, history, fantasy, and suspense. With an antagonist as developed as the heroes, this is a well-rounded, fun, and entertaining ride.

OPERA RATS by Courtney Silberberg & Jacquelyn Kinkade Silberberg PITCH:

GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING meets THE INVISIBLE WOMAN

LOGLINE:

The story of painter and sculptor Edgar Degas and the young dancer he fell in love with at the Paris Opera House, who inspired his most famous works of art.

GENRE:

Biopic | Drama | Romance

WHY TO READ: Based on the life of one of the world’s most famous artists, this is a deep and layered story, packed with intrigue, sadness, art, fame, love, and the beauty of Paris. This is the sort of prestige manuscript that will garner attention for its love of the subject matter and depth of knowledge into real life events. This is the sort of biopic that fills the theaters every awards season, employing a successful romantic structure and atmospheric descriptions. The combination of appearances by plenty of other famous artists as well as the beauty of the opera house make this a cornucopia of visual and historical splendor. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 58


PASCAL LE PIGLET - TRUFFLE HUNTER EXTRAORDINAIRE / HEAD OF THE PIGLET RESISTANCE by Sebastian Loden PITCH:

FANTASTIC MR. FOX meets REDWALL

LOGLINE:

After an invading army captures their parents, a group of young French animals form a resistance to fight back and rescue them.

GENRE:

Animation | Family | War

WHY TO READ: The first installment in a terrific children's book series or film franchise, this manuscript is unbelievably cute and fun, while still telling an important story from history. The fact that it's a direct allegory for the French resistance in WWII is especially compelling, because it's a part of history that many Americans aren't overly familiar with, meaning that children and their parents will both have something to learn as they read. Pascal's struggle is relatable, and the characters are all lovable, while still remaining distinct. The tongue-incheek writing is enjoyable and packed with fun animal puns. This is THE WIND AND THE WILLOWS for a new generation.

THE PHANTOM FOREST by Liz Kerin PITCH:

THE HUNGER GAMES meets PAN’S LABYRINTH

LOGLINE:

A young girl is accidentally transported alive to the underworld during her village's human sacrifice ritual, and ends up teaming up with a demon to return to her world and save her little brother.

GENRE:

Drama | Fantasy | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: The dystopian, fantasy, dark fairytale world of this manuscript could easily be adapted to either film or television. Seicha is a strong-willed and fierce young woman who entertains and enthralls the reader. The power struggle between the people in the forest and those in the city has plenty of drama and tension, while the pseudo-religious undertones of the sacrificial ritual allow the manuscript to examine themes of religion and culture under occupation. This is a complex tale that goes well beyond a simple “escape from” scenario to offer multifaceted moral dilemmas for both the characters and readers alike.

THE PILLARS OF ELLONDRA by Michael Coon PITCH:

THE LORD OF THE RINGS meets GAME OF THRONES

LOGLINE:

In the kingdom of Ellondra, a massive barrier keeps the people safe from dangerous creatures until a breach forms in the wall, threatening the entire kingdom and forcing the next queen to dive head first into a devastating war.

GENRE:

Adventure | Fantasy | War

WHY TO READ: Well-written fantasy that manages to be easily accessible despite a complex plot, the world of Ellondra is clearly laid out and distinct from other fantasy realms you may have visited in the past. The writing flows from one page to the next and the plot is primed for a series of books. Meanwhile, the characters that populate the kingdom jump off the page and become all too real and relatable. Sierra is a great female lead as she must shoulder the responsibly of so many. With plenty of action, adventure, fantasy, dynamic and unique characters, and even a great romance storyline, this is a four-quadrant hit waiting to happen.



PLANETFALL by Nate Shepherd PITCH:

THE STAND meets THE BOOK OF ELI

LOGLINE:

In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a young refugee becomes a messiah when he finds the map to a mythical spaceship that offers salvation to what’s left of humanity. As more and more people begin to follow him, he realizes that the hope he wields is the most powerful weapon left on the planet, and could easily corrupt him.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: Post-apocalyptic science fiction by way of a Russian novel, this manuscript takes the intellectual approach to its subject matter. The writing is very skilled, providing evocative and detailed descriptions that immediately capture the reader’s attention and bring them into the expansive world of the story. Elias is a likable and strong protagonist, and the novel’s choice to send him on a descent into power hungry madness provides a truly captivating character study and examination of morality in difficult circumstances.

RA by Ben Gentile PITCH:

SUNSHINE meets BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

LOGLINE:

Years after the sun went supernova, the space station that shields the Earth and provides heat and light to humanity finds itself the center stage for a rebellion.

GENRE:

Sci-Fi | Thriller

WHY TO READ: This manuscript is full of fantastic elements that keep your eyes glued to the page. Whether it’s the space station keeping the Earth alive, the backstory of the war and the UN's use of slavery to build the ship, or even the use of the artificial sun as a weapon, this sci-fi tale brings it all to the table. This is a manuscript that takes full advantage of its genre and packs the story with great moral quandaries and conversations regarding government, war, politics, and religion. This is what the genre was built to do, and this writer takes full advantage. Meanwhile, the action-packed opening will leave you breathless as it sets up a story filled with twists, turns, and thematic depth. This is easy to see as the next great space opera, with its sprawling ensemble and endless dramatic material.

RELEVANT WITCH by Desiree Proctor PITCH:

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH meets MEAN GIRLS

LOGLINE:

After the untimely death of the most popular girl in her class, a teenage nobody takes her shot and gets the lead in the school's production of The Crucible, only to find that the subject matter brings forward her own latent magical abilities.

GENRE:

Dark Comedy | Supernatural | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: This manuscript is a fun YA premise that promises both a supernatural high school plot as well as an intelligent look at popularity in the age of social media. The "Relevants," with their social media followings and drama club leanings, feel very current, and the fight over the lead role in the musical does a good job of creating inherent conflict in the early chapters. This is a high school story that feels like it could actually exist today, which is a truly unique accomplishment considering the supernatural elements at play. Combining horror, teen drama, and plenty of sarcasm and snark, this hits the perfect tonal sweet spot to be fun and engaging for everyone. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 60


RETURN TO SUMMERLAND by Noushin Jahanian PITCH:

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS meets THE CRAFT

LOGLINE:

While coping with the tragic death of a friend, a teenager tries to piece together her fractured memories of that fateful night, and soon discovers that she’s actually a witch and that her friend was killed in an act of dangerous black magic. Now it is up to her and her newfound coven to stop the vengeful spirit they mistakenly released.

GENRE:

Mystery | Supernatural | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: With a great premise and a rollercoaster ride of a plot, this manuscript truly shines when it comes down to character. The characters all feel realistic, unique, and well-rounded, and the girls have distinct, believable relationships. Lark's erased memory makes for a lot of great suspense, and the way they are all haunted by what happened to Beth helps raise the emotional stakes again and again. A fantastic allegory for grief and guilt, the skill and originality of the writing and premise makes this stand out from the crowd, leading to a YA series that young women will respond to in droves.

RETURNING THE GOLDEN-EYED GIRL by S.G. Meine PITCH:

DIVERGENT meets ELYSIUM

LOGLINE:

Thirty years after a deadly virus swept the surface of their planet, a girl is accidentally transported to a floating city in the sky thought long-abandoned. When she finds out there is an entire population living disease-free, she soon finds herself fleeing from a government that doesn't want its citizens to know about life on the surface.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: This is about as clear as you can get when it comes to a young adult sci-fi franchise starter. This manuscript has all the ingredients of a successful series while putting its own spin on all the genre conventions. From the amazingly cinematic setting of a floating city to a great female lead, the world and characters captivate from the first page to the last. Add in a believable love triangle and a protagonist who bucks the trend of the “chosen one,” by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and you have an instantly relatable story and personal journey. The combination of a down-to-Earth protagonist and the floating city in the sky make this one of a kind ride.

SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Robert Sheppe PITCH:

STATE OF PLAY meets MOON

LOGLINE:

A journalist investigating a private space company is invited to take a trip to the first ever moon colony, only to discover that there are already astronauts living there, and they don’t want any company.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: Mixing the fun of a cloak-and-dagger mystery with the grandeur of space and the intelligence of science fiction, this manuscript expertly crafts its conspiracy with strong characters, great writing, and plenty of shocking twists and turns. The dark backstory of the other astronauts on the moon is a satisfying way to create conflict and danger throughout the story and incorporates an original alternate history that plays into decades of moon landing conspiracy theories. This is a well-researched piece that utilizes just as much fact as fiction in creating its world. Meanwhile, the reader will immediately sympathize with the protagonist’s curiosity and determination, making this the complete package. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 61


THE SECOND LOOK by Wendy Simon PITCH:

PRISONERS meets TRUE DETECTIVE

LOGLINE:

After the violent death of his grandson, a US Marshall travels to a small town haunted by two similar murders from 10 years ago in hopes of finding a possible connection between the crimes.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery

WHY TO READ: An intimate portrait of a small town reeling from the aftermath of a tragedy, and how that tragedy impacts families for years to come, this manuscript deftly combines a murder mystery with nostalgia for American values that not only works for the story, but will also keep the reader thinking. The world that the writer creates is three-dimensional and authentic, while the characters that inhabit it are emotional and complex. Rather than give into thriller and conspiracy elements, this manuscript takes a more meditative and artistic approach that creates an eerie but realistic tone. The quality writing and artistic strength of this piece will certainly attract attention.

THE SECRET LIVES OF DEAD PROM QUEENS by Marina Richards PITCH:

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES meets THE GIFT

LOGLINE:

Living a perfect life, a suburban housewife's past comes back to haunt her when the body of the prom queen she killed in high school is found and an investigation opens. Now she must choose what she is willing to do in order to keep her decade-old secret from coming out.

GENRE:

Crime | Drama

WHY TO READ: This is a well-written thriller with a lot of great dramatic twists and turns. The protagonist is authentic and nuanced, with her suburban housewife malaise and reluctance to revisit her past. You’ll love to hate her and hate how much you love her. The upper class Massachusetts setting is perfectly (and accurately) drawn to provide great social commentary as well as a twinge of cynical humor. The writing is so good, the details so impeccable, that you are transported into the story with ease, and before you know it you’ll be hurtling towards the thrilling conclusion. With all of this backing up one of the catchiest titles you’ll ever find, this is a best seller waiting to happen.

THE SEVENTH MARK by Shannon Kelley PITCH:

THE LORD OF THE RINGS meets OUTLANDER

LOGLINE:

When a ghost ship crashes into the harbor of a small town, a manhunt ensues for the mysterious figure seen fleeing from the wreckage. As rumor and lore builds around the event, one young boy befriends a powerful stranger who is being blamed for the tragedy.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: A world described in such effortless detail that you’ll know it as well as your own neighborhood before the end of the book. This tightly written manuscript has a little something for everyone as a young boy deciphers the truth between fact and fiction. Never a slave to the obvious route, this manuscript is packed with shocking but believable twists and upends the reader’s expectations at every turn. The lead characters are complex and compelling, while the scenes are packed with tension. There is just the right amount of action, adventure and drama to keep the plot well-paced and always moving forward. This is a fantasy adventure that ignites the imagination. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 62


SHADOW KING by Susan Hamilton PITCH:

LOST GIRL meets THE DEPARTED

LOGLINE:

In an alternate version of Boston where mystical creatures live alongside humans, a fairy mobster fights to keep control of the city and expand his empire just as he falls in love with an enigmatic fortuneteller.

GENRE:

Crime | Drama | Fantasy

WHY TO READ: This is a fun combination of a crime drama and supernatural book series that adds a bit of levity to a dark genre. A great piece for television adaptation, the plot is tense and suspenseful, while the supernatural twist on the mob drama is a nice subversion of the gritty crime stories audiences have been exposed to for over a decade. The city of Boston comes across clearly in the prose, feeling authentic and giving a distinct cultural air to the story due to its mob history and its Irish influence, which plays into the mythology and helps build the lush fantasy world that is living just beneath our own. The writing is strong throughout, creating complex characters and situations that keep the pages turning. Seireadan and Aohdan have instant chemistry and are great co-leads for the story, providing an endless number of potential sequels.

THE SHADOW WITHIN by Mark Stoner PITCH:

GAME OF THRONES meets THE LORD OF THE RINGS

LOGLINE:

In a fantastical medieval realm, a prince takes control of his kingdom from his comatose father, a young guardsman kills a slaver, a young girl is kidnapped by a mysterious demonic cult, and a noble-born teenager flees an arranged marriage.

GENRE:

Adventure | Fantasy | War

WHY TO READ: This is an ambitious medieval fantasy epic, which effortlessly balances competing storylines across the vast and creative landscape. The writer has created an entirely new world and made it feel real, dangerous, and engaging. The people and places are rich and vividly described, with intriguing alliances, magic, and difficulties unique to each aspect of the story. There’s no end to this universe and there are countless tales to be told over any number of books the author would like. The story unfolds at a perfect pace, consistently holding the reader’s interest and teasing new developments. The characters are engaging, with clear motivations and personalities that draw the reader in. You won’t want this manuscript to end.

SHADY PLACE by David Byrne PITCH:

GRUMPY OLD MEN meets HOT FUZZ

LOGLINE:

When a former detective reluctantly moves into a retirement community, he discovers that his neighbor is an ex-mobster he caught years ago and is now in witness protection. Not only does he have to overcome his hatred to compete for the affections of a woman they both want, the two men must team up to solve a series of murders affecting the residents of this sleepy town.

GENRE:

Comedy | Crime | Mystery

WHY TO READ: This is a hit comedy in the making. The manuscript taps into the underserved senior audience with a creative premise, tons of laughs, and a collection of fantastic characters, making this a read for anyone who enjoys a good comedic mystery. If that wasn’t enough, should this ever be adapted, these are the roles that any aging star would kill to get their hands on. The added fun of the retirement village helps give this a unique POV with a lot of laughs. Still, the writer does not neglect the emotional aspects of the situation and deftly taps into the mind of the protagonist, effortlessly and effectively conveying his grief and frustration. Meanwhile the plot is chock full of great, unexpected twists, and high stakes to keep the reader engaged. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 63


SMALL ON THE MAP by David Laurie PITCH:

ENEMY OF THE STATE meets SNOWDEN

LOGLINE:

When a peaceful protest turns deadly, a young British woman finds herself caught in the crosshairs as a witness to murder. Unsure of the truth, she is forced to reach out to a team of white hat hackers who are being framed for the terrorist act.

GENRE:

Conspiracy | Thriller

WHY TO READ: With all the right ingredients of a perfect conspiracy thriller, this manuscript handles hotbutton issues like hacking, surveillance, and dangerous political movements with an intelligence that makes it extremely relevant. Bella is a great lead, as her average person status is quickly destroyed and she is thrust into a world of lies, betrayals, murder, and cover-ups. This is easily the start of a political thriller series as Bella will be changed forever by the end of the story. With so much to offer in regards to character and story, this is a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat page after page.

THE SPY WHO LOATHED ME by Chris Westphal PITCH:

HAIL, CAESAR! meets THE AMERICANS

LOGLINE:

A Russian spy enlists the help of an amateur screenwriter to produce a script on the leader of the Communist Party, Leonid Brezhnev, all while being monitored by an FBI agent who is madly in love with her.

GENRE:

Dark Comedy

WHY TO READ: A postmodern farce in the style of Thomas Pynchon or David Foster Wallace, this manuscript deftly combines Cold War anxieties and Hollywood satire into a truly wild and unpredictable narrative. The writing is very strong, and the writer has a subtle and detached voice that ends up providing hilarious commentary on international relations, the entertainment industry, and much more. The trio of main characters each have intricately drawn backstories which enrich and inform who they are in the present, preventing this from sliding so far into the comedic as to lose sight of the emotional core.

SUPERKID by Matt Harry PITCH:

SPY KIDS meets KICK-ASS

LOGLINE:

When a teenager discovers his baby sister has super powers, he and his best friend become her babysitters and sidekicks. They soon learn that saving people is not as easy as it seems, and that their whole world has been turned upside down.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: This is a fun and engaging read that sets up a young adult series that will connect to and entertain teens across the world. The writing is smart and witty, with a clear, consistent voice that makes reading the book a joy on so many levels. The voice is funny, selfdeprecating, and relatable, and really enhances all of the other aspects of the writing. Young kids everywhere will relate to Ravi’s character, as he feels like a bit of an outcast but has an opportunity to do something great. There is also a lot to learn from this story as it is about responsibility, discovery, and family. In addition, the dialogue is great, with lots of little character details that really let us know more about these people and their lives. The idea of a baby superhero is also really funny and after so many serious, gritty superhero tales, it’s enjoyable to read something more lighthearted. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 64


TALLOK by David Luz PITCH:

GAME OF THRONES meets MISTBORN TRILOGY

LOGLINE:

In a world where a winged race has enslaved humans for centuries, a human resistance arises, led by a young princess.

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: This manuscript is the start of the next big fantasy franchise. The writing is active and engaging, combining beautiful prose with detailed world-building. The characters explode off the page, each one distinct and relatable, combining wonderful attributes with clear flaws. In particular, Princess Grasdin, who has all the GAME OF THRONES’ Daenerys Targaryen qualities you could hope for, while still remaining incredibly distinct. This dichotomy in each character extends throughout the manuscript, allowing each side of the conflict both positive and negative traits, creating a true moral complexity that only the best of fiction can achieve. Packed with explosive action, exciting conflict and political intrigue, this book has something for everyone.

THE TAOS HUM by Troy Nethercott PITCH:

THE SIGNAL meets THE CHERNOBYL DIARIES

LOGLINE:

A documentary filmmaker teams up with an army vet whose husband is missing in order to investigate a mysterious sound heard by residents of a small New Mexico town, unearthing a dangerous government conspiracy along the way.

GENRE:

Conspiracy | Drama | Thriller

WHY TO READ: Based on a fascinating and mysterious real life phenomenon, this manuscript effortlessly taps into pervasive fears of surveillance and government control while grounding its twists and turns in the gritty excitement of a conspiracy thriller. The documentary bent to the story helps increase the paranoia and the feeling that you’re along for the ride of uncovering this mystery, placing you right in the heart of the action. With a pair of fantastic, mismatched leads, there’s an emotional core to this manuscript that other such stories often forget, raising the stakes even higher. This is the next low budget found footage horror hit waiting to happen.

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING by Kirsten Maron PITCH:

QUANTUM LEAP meets THE FAMILY MAN

LOGLINE:

A man must deal with having the uncontrollable "gift" of his spirit jumping randomly into other people's bodies, while managing the rest of his life, which is falling apart due to his periodic absences.

GENRE:

Dark Comedy | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: This high-concept manuscript is anchored by a fantastic protagonist, who is given depth and complexity even outside of his supernatural “gifts.” The tension in Nick's relationships with his family, friends, and wife all feel natural and realistic, raising the stakes for the body-swapping, rather than vice versa. The body swap scenes are fantastically written, providing intriguing challenges and plenty of opportunity for thematic examinations of the possibilities of empathy. This is an original take on the bodyswapping story that will both entertain and educate.



TREV by Val Mote PITCH:

SKINS meets THE WIRE

LOGLINE:

Three friends from a poor London estate have their lives overturned when they witness a gang hit outside their apartment building.

GENRE:

Crime | Drama | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: This manuscript captures a unique voice and experience with unparalleled detail and care. This is a coming-of-age story in a world that many people are not familiar with, that of lower class London. The world-building is incredibly impressive, effortlessly conveying the umbrella of hopelessness and danger that these kids live under 24/7. If that wasn’t enough, the story also expertly analyzes the dynamics of gender, race, age, and class that permeate lives on every continent. However, the real strength in these pages is the fantastic character work. Trev, with his artistic ambitions, Ali with his beat boxing, and Stu the quiet genius are a great lead trio. We care so much about these kids that once they are placed into the dangerous and thrilling position of being witnesses to a ganginspired murder, it’s impossible to turn away.

VICTORIA THE FIRST by Bill Osinski PITCH:

SUFFRAGETTE meets THE KING’S SPEECH

LOGLINE:

The true story of Victoria Woodhull, who goes from sham psychic to prominent political activist, leads the suffragette movement, and becomes the first woman to ever run for President of the United States.

GENRE:

Drama | Political | True

WHY TO READ: With the 2016 election having the first ever major female presidential contender, this is a story that will be in the zeitgeist for years to come. This is a thrilling fictionalization of the life of one of the most fascinating, and unknown, American historical figures. She was not only a woman of fantastic contradictions and questionable character, but also had a hand in just about everything going on in late-1800s America. There's a biopic bursting out of these pages. It's perfect for adaptation, and this is a character that any actress would kill to play. This manuscript deftly elevates her eclectic experiences to the scope of a national epic while interweaving modern day themes and social issues that have been plaguing our country for more than 150 years. The writing is strong and intelligent, capturing Victoria’s voice and the time period with wit and emotion to spare.

VINCENT ISLAND by Amelia Fergusson PITCH:

12 YEARS A SLAVE meets DEADWOOD

LOGLINE:

The inhabitants of a Caribbean island in 1845 are a mixture of freed British slaves and white colonists, struggling to find their place in a post-slavery world filled with race, class, and religious conflict in their lawless outpost of the Empire.

GENRE:

Drama

WHY TO READ: This manuscript combines strong, literary writing with a fantastic setting absolutely filled with thematic and dramatic potential. The vivid island setting occupies a fascinating untold chapter of history, with its racial and class divides, religious conflict, Wild West style law enforcement, and strange position as a colony of free blacks close to pre-Civil War America. The writer’s skill for prose captures many characters quickly and efficiently, immediately drawing you into the world. The voices are strong and the plotlines are all set up with a bang. This is not only compelling as a novel, but also has all the makings of a great premium cable drama series. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 66


WE JUMPED ANYWAY by Katelynn Dey PITCH:

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS meets ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES

LOGLINE:

Just before their high school graduation, six friends are caught in a devastating fire that leaves one of them in a coma and the rest struggling to understand what happened, and where to go from there.

GENRE:

Coming-of-Age | Drama | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: This manuscript has incredible forward momentum, with each scene leading into the next with suspense and tension. The intricate structure preserves the mystery of the central tragedy until the very end, where everything pays off in an organic and cathartic conclusion. The ripple effect of the fire on all of the main characters results in so much emotion and tension that you are instantly invested in their lives and relationships. The dialogue is spot-on, the writing evocative, and the coming-of-age themes universal. This is an all-around powerful and emotional read.

WEST OF WEIRD by Harrison Cheung PITCH:

WHITE OLEANDER meets FRESH OFF THE BOAT

LOGLINE:

A 15-year-old Caucasian in foster care is adopted by a single Chinese-American father and has to adjust to the cultural shift, unwittingly becoming involved with a sexually sadistic neighborhood couple in the process.

GENRE:

Coming-of-Age | Drama | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: There’s an undeniable force and power in this story of an adoption across racial boundaries that speaks to modern ideas of family, race, and identity through the lens of a simple and emotional character-driven tale. Charlie is a fantastic protagonist, with his unique point-of-view coming across effortlessly in the writing. Readers will be completely invested in seeing him warm to his slightly strange but well-meaning adoptive father. The best part of this story is its potential to be adapted in almost any way you could imagine: the indie comedy-drama film, the quirky sitcom, or even a darker drama focusing on some of the sexual undertones of the manuscript are all viable options.

THE WHITE CROW by Paula Rogers PITCH:

MERCY STREET meets MEDIUM

LOGLINE:

After she sees a vision of her brother on the day he dies thousands of miles away fighting in the Civil War, an epileptic woman follows a charismatic medium into his Spiritualist commune where she struggles to find the truth in a faith built on séances and sleight of hand.

GENRE:

Drama | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: This is unlike any Civil War story you have ever read before. Tapping into the fascinating cult of Victorian spiritualism, this manuscript makes the most of its setting to create drama and atmosphere without resorting to any clichéd war tales. Anna is a compelling protagonist as she deals with both external and internal torments. The grief over her brother’s death mixed with the implications of her epilepsy makes her complex and relatable. It is the overlap of mental illness and the supernatural that speaks so loudly from this project. In addition, this manuscript manages to do the near impossible, create a love triangle that does not feel exploitative, but instead a believable one with thematic force behind it. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 67


WORLD WAR 2.1 by Mark E. McCann PITCH:

THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE meets FREQUENCY

LOGLINE:

A young man accidentally opens a portal to 1943 Germany after tinkering with a Nazi artifact brought back by his grandfather from WWII. What begins as a fascinating trip to the past quickly turns into him causing significant changes in history that could turn the tide in favor of the Germans.

GENRE:

Adventure | Sci-Fi | War

WHY TO READ: From its cinematic opening in World War II to the intimate scenes between our characters in the present day, this manuscript has a clear idea of its themes and goals, and tells a complicated and thrilling story anchored by a fantastic sci-fi premise. The writer’s gift for creating vivid action scenes and complex characters helps elevate this alternate history story above others of the same ilk. The best thing this manuscript does however, even beyond its well-executed twists and turns, is providing intelligent meditations on generational differences and the way that we communicate with those we love.

WORLD WAR METAL by Luke Preston PITCH:

I, ROBOT meets ZOOLANDER

LOGLINE:

When all the world's robots rise up to destroy humanity, a supermodel will stop at nothing to find her son in the chaos, and might just end up saving the world along the way.

GENRE:

Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi

WHY TO READ: This is the kind of fantastic sci-fi comedy premise that manages to be pure fun in a way that few other stories can accomplish. Abigail is a fantastic protagonist, remaining strong, witty, and intelligent as the world around her falls apart. Her relationship to her son is the emotional core a story like this needs, while her supermodel looks juxtaposed with Mad Max-style action heroine grunge make her original and hilarious. The writer has packed this manuscript with unique ideas and an unrelenting sense of humor. Practically begging for a great cinematic adaptation, this book is a page-turner in its own right, managing to do the hardest job in fiction – making a book laugh-out-loud funny.

WRECKAGE by James Morris PITCH:

LORD OF THE FLIES meets PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

LOGLINE:

After six prep school students survive a plane crash in the Amazon, they must struggle to live in the jungle with little hope of rescue. Only one girl makes it home alive to tell the story, or, at least, her version of it.

GENRE:

Drama | Thriller | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: The sheer definition of a page-turner. This manuscript deftly combines the survival thriller with aspects of a young adult romance story. The result is an intriguing and powerful book that provides layered mysteries ready to unfold and tons of high-stakes action. With a fantastic and complex cast of characters all surrounding our protagonist, who is a brilliantly-written unreliable narrator, this manuscript manages to take a genre everyone is familiar with and give it a new teen soap twist that is as modern as the story itself is classic.



YARDELL CHRONICLES by Lisa Renee Jones PITCH:

JESSICA JONES meets SHADOWHUNTERS

LOGLINE:

A young woman with the ability to speak to spirits is charged with guarding a portal to purgatory as she works alongside her friends at a paranormal investigation agency in San Francisco.

GENRE:

Drama | Mystery | Supernatural

WHY TO READ: This manuscript has a distinct, foreboding atmosphere that enhances the tension and suspense of the supernatural procedural formula. Practically made for a network television adaptation, this has all the necessary ingredients: high stakes, a great protagonist, a fun supporting cast, the antagonistic cop love interest, and that greatest of story engines – the detective agency. The supernatural bent and San Francisco setting only elevate it, combining darker story elements with plenty of sarcastic comedy to strike a foolproof tone. Perfectly balancing a timeless story formula with a wholly original premise, this is a genre success waiting to happen.

YUAN FEN SHANGHAI TORAH by Briana London PITCH:

SHOAH meets LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA

LOGLINE:

As World War II erupts, a young Jewish scribe flees Lithuania with his most prized possession – his in-progress copy of the Torah – setting him on an unusual collision course with a family of Chinese calligraphers living under Japanese occupation.

GENRE:

Drama | War

WHY TO READ: Effortlessly balancing the epic and the intimate, this tale of intertwining destinies at the apex of human conflict feels like it should already be on your bookshelf alongside other classic explorations of the human experience. As the story unfolds like the most intricate of historical fiction novels, this writer intelligently engages with themes of religion, family, nationality, and the power of the written word. This story is packed with complex and unique characters that jump off the page and into your heart, with no role too small to be treated with depth and personal care. Anchored by well-researched, organic, and powerful writing, this manuscript is a true literary accomplishment.

ZERO ECHO SHADOW PRIME by Peter Samet PITCH:

EX MACHINA meets ORPHAN BLACK

LOGLINE:

A brilliant teen programmer dying of cancer is saved by a tech mogul's risky cloning procedure, only to awake and discover that the mogul separated her into four separate entities, each of which she must fight to gain freedom while figuring out how to become whole again.

GENRE:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Young Adult

WHY TO READ: This manuscript stands out in a world filled with dystopian YA novels, as it grounds its story in a realistic and familiar future with a compelling protagonist. This is a story centered on complex characters, presented in a new and interesting way. The protagonist is the kind of role that any young actress would love to play in an adaptation, a science prodigy who must look inside to pull the various aspects of herself back together – it’s the kind of role that launches a career. This is a thematic and dramatic goldmine, one which prioritizes the personal, intellectual, and emotional elements over loud explosions and contrived rebellions. To top that all off the writing is superb, with a strong voice and realistic dialogue that capitalizes on its fantastic premise at every turn. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 69

TB RECOMMENDS


THE ARDENWORTH FILES by Peter Limm PITCH:

ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN meets HOUSE

LOGLINE:

A prickly tween genius runs her own detective agency with the aid of her best friend and sidekick.

TYPE:

Pilot

GENRE:


WHY TO READ: This extremely well-constructed TV pilot focuses on a thirteen year-old child prodigy who runs her own detective agency. It perfectly combines the teen world with noir detective undertones and storylines and in doing so creates something fresh and interesting. The character work is brilliant, especially the dynamic between our main character and her supporting cast. This is exemplified in the superb dialogue that manages to capture the voice of a teenager who is smarter than most adults, but who still speaks like a teenager. There is most certainly a place in the market for such a story with VERONICA MARS-like investigations each week combined with SIMPSONS-level humor. The script is a highlyentertaining read and would be equally fun on screen.

CLUB LAVENDER by Sylvester Ada PITCH:

CABARET meets MASTERS OF SEX

LOGLINE:

The pilot depicts disparate perspectives on communist fear and organized crime in the 1960s, as seen through the eyes of a transsexual cabaret singer tasked with infiltrating a gay club run by a communist gangster.

TYPE:

Pilot

GENRE:

Crime | Drama

WHY TO READ: Extremely well written this pilot script, offers a rich and textured story world that would look amazing on screen. It compares very favorably with many TV series such as BOARDWALK EMPIRE yet does more than enough to stand out from the crowd. The world here is so specific and distinct, with the writer finding fresh spins on some of storytelling’s classic tropes, weaving elements of thriller and mystery into an intensely personal story. Seamlessly combining threads about transgender society in the 1960s, the fear of communism in Cold War America, and the way that both interacted with organized crime, this story remains relevant and poignant for modern audiences only now beginning to wrestle with these important issues.

RADICALIZED by Bandar Albuliwi PITCH:

HOMELAND meets QUANTICO

LOGLINE:

An unassuming Arab-American college student gets recruited by the FBI to infiltrate a suspected terrorist cell on his campus, only to become radicalized himself in the process.

TYPE:

Pilot

GENRE:

Drama | Spy | Thriller

WHY TO READ: A strong pilot, with confident, clear writing from a professional and experienced writer, memorable visual imagery, and a provocative premise that’s sure to get people talking. The writer’s depiction of Muslims is extremely even-handed, and while it does seem hard to imagine rooting for a terrorist, the writer flawlessly manages to pull it off, as he consistently demonstrates his thoughtfulness, intelligence, and talent in this story. The pilot is extremely versatile and could work at nearly any broadcast network, cabler or streaming service. TO READ ANY OF THE PROJECTS LISTED USE THIS LINK http://www.tracking-board.com/read/LP2016/ THE TRACKING BOARD | 71


ONWARD, THROUGH THE NIGHT by Dan Benamor PITCH:

JOHN WICK meets THE RAID

LOGLINE:

After learning that he is dying from cancer, a former hit man, physically haunted by the souls of people he’s killed, takes revenge on his boss who he blames for the degradation of both himself and his city.

TYPE:

Feature

GENRE:

Action | Thriller

WHY TO READ: A thrilling script set in a unique setting, with memorable visual elements and exciting action, written by a writer with a strong voice. The writing is confident, capable, and demonstrates a clear vision of a fully realized world. The script flawlessly unfolds flashy and stylized action, while maintaining a high level of originality with both set pieces and the exploration of the scripts theme.


I H T D REA

T S I L S ’ R A E SY

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