THE STAGE 32 LOGLINES

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THE CASE FILES OF SWEVEN ( SWEVEN*)

By Gregory Barone

GENRE: Fantasy, Mystery
LOGLINE:

After investigating the murder of an archeologist professor who specialized in Roman history, a mysterious ring falls into the possession of a Detective at the crime scene and discovers it allows him to enter people's dreams at night and tries to investigate clues only visible in the dreamscape. To save a woman who is the archeologist's assistant, who is plagued by nightmares of a dark figure stalking her dreams.

SYNOPSIS:

Tormented by his failure to save a young victim, Detective Sam Stafford buries himself in his work, taking on the most difficult cases in hopes of atoning for his past mistake.

When investigating the murder of an archeologist who specializes in Roman history; a mysterious ring falls into his possession at a crime scene, Sam discovers it allows him to enter people's dreams at night to investigate clues only visible in the dreamscape.

His first case using the ring leads him to Sarah who is the archeologist's assistant, plagued by nightmares of a dark figure stalking her dreams. Sam dives into Sarah's mind to confront the threat, realizing her dreams hold clues to solving a string of murders in the waking world. As Sam solves the case, he gains confidence in his new ability, seeing its potential to prevent further loss of life.

But Sam soon learns the ring comes with a cost, as he can only work one case at a time.

When more victims turn up, Sam faces an impossible choice of who to save. His decision leads him to face his most menacing dream antagonist yet in the mind of John Doe, a man with no identity who knows more than he shares.

As Sam races to unravel the secrets within John Doe's dreams before it's too late, he discovers a deeper mystery threatening the very fabric of reality. To stop a sinister force that spans both dreams and waking life, Sam must confront his demons and learn to forgive himself for the past if he hopes to save the future.

CHARACTERS: Detective Sam Stafford: Tormented by his failure to save a young victim in the past.Takes on difficult cases to atone. Struggles with self-forgiveness. Driven to solve mysteries within dreams.

Sarah: Woman plagued by nightmares of a stalking figure. Her dreams hold clues to ongoing murder cases. Serves as Cole's motivation.

John Doe: Enigmatic man with no identity who knows more than he shares. Presents Cole's most menacing dream antagonist. Holds secrets to deeper mysteries.

  1. Writing Tone, Style and Complexity:
  2. Mysterious and suspenseful tone to complement the fantasy mystery thriller genre. A complex yet accessible style suitable for a mature custom audience.

Genre: Fantasy mystery thriller.

  1. Setting and World-Building: A realistic modern world where dreams provide clues to mysteries. Immersive dreamscapes contrasting with the familiar waking world.
  2. Character-driven subplots of Cole confronting his demons and the victims' personal mysteries. Builds tension as mysteries deepen.

8. Character Arcs: Cole transforms from a tormented man to one who finds redemption and purpose through his abilities. Victims find resolution or their mysteries are revealed.

Conclusion: A climactic resolution to the overarching mystery threatening reality, while leaving room for further adventures through dream exploration.

  1. Dreams as symbols and motifs with layered meanings.
  • Grounded realism with fantastical dream elements.
  • detective in wonderland for Adults.

OUTLINE:

  1. Open with Detective Sam Stafford arriving at a suburban home late at night, with police lights flashing. He is focused and somber as he enters the crime scene.
  2. Describe Sam examining the bedroom of Sarah, the neighbor who reported screams. Evidence of a struggle is visible - overturned furniture, blood smears. Sam photographs details.
  3. A flashback showing Sam at a previous crime scene, failing to save a young victim. His guilt and trauma from this experience is evident through body language and facial expressions.
  4. Back to the present, Sam notices an unusual ring on the floor. As he picks it up, he feels an odd energy from it. He pockets the ring for later examination.
  5. Sam interviews Sarah, who describes her recurring nightmares of a stalking figure. Sam is intrigued by similarities to the recent murder cases.
  6. That night, Sam examines the ring further. When he puts it on, he suddenly blacks out and finds himself in a nightmare realm.
  7. Sam realizes he is inside Sarah's latest nightmare. He sees the stalking figure pursuing Sarah and intervenes to confront it.
  8. The figure attacks Sam violently before disappearing. Sam is shocked to find injuries on himself matching those from the fight.
  9. Sam exits the nightmare, now understanding the ring's power. He resolves to use it to solve mysteries within dreams and prevent further loss of life.

THE CASE FILES OF SWEVEN ( SWEVEN*)


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Robin Gregory

Hey Gregory Barone , I love the premise of this! The logline is a bit complex for me to take this away and repeat, it which I'm told is important. Would something like this be easier to remember?

A troubled, private detective discovers a supernatural ring while trying to save the assistant of a brutally murdered archeologist from a sinister force.

Also, in the synopsis, can you go into the motives of the sinister force more explicitly?

Just brainstorming.

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