Filmmaking / Directing : Approaching final development — A political sci-fi feature exploring power and control by Tomás Daniel

This sounds like a fantastic and timely project—political drama with sci-fi elements is such a rich space for asking uncomfortable questions about power. The fact that you've focused on emotional core and character arcs before moving outward is exactly the right foundation. Wishing you all the luck as you prepare for the next stage. What's one question the film asks that you're most excited for audiences to wrestle with?

Sam Rivera Thank you, I really appreciate that.

One of the central questions I’m most interested in is:

What happens when the systems we build to protect us become more invested in their own survival than in the people they were meant to serve?

The film explores how decisions that seem “reasonable” at the time can slowly distance us from our humanity, until we no longer recognise the cost.

I’m especially interested in how far someone can go in the name of stability before they realise they’ve become part of the very thing they once questioned.

Would love to hear your thoughts on that as well.

This is an intriguing project. Presenlty, I am over 2/3 of the way through Leszek Kolakowski's massive, 1,200-page tome, "Main Currents of Marxism", and it's striking how a philosophy that advertised uplifting the oppressed wound up becoming one of the most oppressive in human history. (Kolakowski himself was a card-carrying Communist in Poland, who, like Richard Wright in America, was eventually 86'ed from the Party for asking too many questions. He'd wind up defecting to the West and teaching at Oxford.)

Also, if you've not read it, yet, I recommend checking out "Anatomy of the State" by Murray Rothbard: https://cdn.mises.org/Anatomy+of+the+State.pdf . It's only 62 pages long.

Colin Hussey Thank you, I really appreciate this perspective.

That tension you’re describing — where systems or ideologies that begin with the intention to protect or liberate can gradually become rigid, self-preserving, and ultimately oppressive — is very much at the core of the film.

What interests me most is not a specific political ideology, but the human tendency to justify decisions that feel “necessary” in the moment, and how those decisions accumulate over time.

At a certain point, the system no longer needs to be enforced — it sustains itself.

I’ll definitely take a look at the references you mentioned. Thank you for sharing them.

Hi Tomas Daniel, I like your project, do you have a Logline?

Paul Rivers Hi,

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

Yes — The Weight of Power is a character-driven story that explores how power shapes identity, loyalty, and moral boundaries. It follows individuals placed in positions of influence where every decision carries personal and societal consequences, forcing them to confront who they are versus who they need to become.

At its core, it’s about the cost of power — not just politically, but emotionally and psychologically.

I’d be happy to share a more detailed synopsis if you’re interested.

Tomás Daniel

I really connect with what you shared especially the part about polishing and micro-polishing. That stage is honestly one of the most demanding parts of writing, because it’s where everything starts to either fully click or feel slightly off, even when the story itself is already strong.

It’s interesting how much work happens there that most people don’t see small adjustments in wording, rhythm, and structure can completely change how a scene lands emotionally. Especially in a story like yours, where you’re dealing with power, control, and psychological depth, those subtle refinements can really shape how clearly the audience feels the intent behind each moment.

I also really respect the fact that you’re being intentional about not just finishing the script, but making sure it actually expresses everything you want it to say. That kind of care usually shows in the final work.

I’d love to connect and follow how it develops from here.

hey man, this amazing, i love your project

great job

Andrew Crutcher Thank you, I really appreciate it.

Still refining and learning through the process, but it means a lot to hear that.

Abidoye Ezekiel Hey, thank you — I really appreciate that.

I’m glad it connected with you. Still shaping the project, but feedback like this definitely keeps me going.

What kind of projects are you working on?

Natalie Brooks I really appreciate this — you captured that stage perfectly.

It’s exactly where things become both clearer and more fragile at the same time. Like you said, the story is already there, but it’s the rhythm, the phrasing, the subtle shifts that determine whether it truly lands or not.

And I’ve been realizing that those small adjustments are not really “small” at all — they’re what define how the audience experiences the story emotionally, especially with themes like power and control.

I’m glad that came through. It means a lot.

Would love to stay connected as well and follow your work too — what kind of stories are you developing?

Tomás Daniel This sounds like a strong and timely concept the blend of political themes with psychological and sci-fi elements is very compelling.

I like that you’re focusing on the emotional core and character arcs, especially for a story dealing with power and control that’s what really makes these ideas resonate.

Wishing you the best as you move into the next stage, it definitely sounds like a project with solid potential.

Abhijeet Aade Thank you, I really appreciate that.

For me, grounding the story in the emotional experience of the characters was essential — especially in a narrative that deals with systems and power, where it’s easy to lose the human perspective.

I’m glad that aspect comes through.

Wishing you the best with your projects as well.

This looks intresting... Can You tell more of your project??

Tomás Daniel That really comes through in your concept keeping the emotional core alive in a system-driven world is what makes it resonate.

It’s easy for stories like this to lean too much into the idea, but grounding it in human experience is what gives it weight.

Wishing you the best with it as well would love to see how it develops.

i'd love to act in this film.

Sachin Moyal (SMED) Thank you, I appreciate that.

The Weight of Power is a character-driven story that explores how power influences identity, loyalty, and personal morality. It follows individuals placed in positions where every decision carries consequences — not just politically, but emotionally and psychologically.

At its core, it’s less about power itself and more about what it does to people over time.

I’m currently refining the structure and deepening the characters, but I’d be happy to share a more detailed synopsis if you’re interested.

Abhijeet Aade I really appreciate that — and I’m glad that came through.

That balance between idea and human experience is something I’m constantly trying to stay aware of. It’s easy to get lost in the concept, especially with themes like power, but without the emotional core, it doesn’t truly connect.

For me, the challenge is making sure the system never overshadows the people inside it — but instead reveals them.

Thanks again for the encouragement, and I’d love to follow your work as well.

Kristia Nakhoul Thank you, I really appreciate your interest — that means a lot.

I’m still in the development stage, focusing on refining the story and characters, but it’s great to know the project resonates with you in that way.

I’d be happy to stay connected and keep you in mind as things progress. Feel free to share any of your work as well — I’d love to see it.

Best,

Tomás

Tomás, this sounds like a compelling and timely concept, especially with that blend of political drama and sci-fi grounded in character. As you move into this next phase, we recommend leveraging Stage 32 pitch sessions and networking opportunities to connect directly with producers aligned with this space, and we’re always here to help guide you every step of the way!

Tucker Briggs Thank you for sharing this — I really like your approach, especially the focus on refining without losing the writer’s voice.

That “almost there” stage is exactly where I am with my current project, so I understand how important it is to have the right kind of feedback at that point.

I’m currently doing a lot of internal refinement, but I’d definitely be interested in learning more about your process and how you usually work with writers.

Let’s stay connected.

Laquan Copeland Thank you, I really appreciate the support and guidance.

That’s exactly the direction I’m aiming for — continuing to refine the project while building the right connections around it. I agree that finding producers who align with the tone and scope of the story is key.

I’ll definitely be exploring the pitch sessions as I move forward. In the meantime, I’m focused on making sure the project is as strong and clear as possible before presenting it.

Thanks again — looking forward to being more active here.