I just polished a 12-episode dark, character-driven crime/drama series, and I’m exploring how it might appeal to serious financiers or producers.
Question for the community:
If you were looking to acquire a full-season property with strong hooks, twists, and cinematic potential, what would you want to see from an opening scene to feel confident in investing?
Here’s a taste of mine (Episode 1 – opening scene snippet):
Episode 1
EXT. PRISON – DAY
A grim concrete fortress rises against a gray sky. Wind rustles dry leaves across cracked asphalt. A bus rattles toward the gates, wheels crunching over loose gravel, leaving a trail of dust. Barbed-wire fences sway slightly in the breeze.
INT. BUS – DAY
Jake sits alone, hunched, restless, eyes darting across empty seats. The bus jerks to a halt, metal screeching. He grips the seat in front of him, knuckles white.
JAKE (V.O.)
I once heard… love is the answer to life’s problems. Not mine, I guess.
Two guards step aboard, boots thudding heavily.
GUARD 1
Jake Turner?
Jake doesn’t respond, staring ahead.
GUARD 2
(grabs Jake’s arm)
C’mon. You fucked up. Deal with it.
Jake nods mechanically.
JAKE
Thanks.
GUARD 2
Hurry up, Houdini.
They approach the checkpoint.
GUARD 1
Special precautions?
GUARD 2
Why would this junkie need special treatment? Judge already chose him. Criminal by choice.
JAKE
No… I didn’t. Why would I choose this?
GUARD 2
Shut up, scum.
Guard squeezes Jake’s arm briefly. He flinches but keeps moving.
CHECKPOINT GUARD
Flight risk. Keep him away from dealers or violence.
GUARD 1
Wing?
CHECKPOINT GUARD
3B.
JAKE (V.O.)
I tried to love… guess love didn’t try back.
Guard 2 shoves him through heavy metal doors.
I’m genuinely curious what seasoned financiers and producers think, and any insights would help me refine the pitch and potentially open discussions about full season rights or collaboration.
