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SERIOUSLY SHADY BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE YOU CAN BARELY TRUST

SERIOUSLY SHADY BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE YOU CAN BARELY TRUST
By Warren Bouchier

GENRE: Action, Comedy
LOGLINE:

A TV actor, desperate for new material, uncovers an intriguing cold case, unaware that the murderer is the corrupt cop who inspired his on-screen character.

     

SYNOPSIS:

“SERIOUSLY SHADY BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE YOU CAN BARELY TRUST”

by Warren Bouchier

LOGLINE - A TV actor, desperate for new material, uncovers an intriguing cold case, unaware that the murderer is the corrupt cop who inspired his on-screen character.

HIGH CONCEPT ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – 110 Mins GENRE Comedy / Action

WHY IT WORKS - A slick, punchy, comedic narrative with action, snappy dialogue, and high tension, broadly set in the tone of ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ with ‘Pulp Fiction-esque’ twists and turns.

SYNOPSIS – Big-shot TV star Rex Baxter plays Eddie Finch, a tough, gung-ho detective in a cop drama. He lives alone in a swanky penthouse, has expensive tastes and superficial relationships, and has a high opinion of himself. While hosting his own birthday drinks, he hears that his show may be cancelled due to the lame storylines. Desperate to keep it going, he recruits writer Kyla Graham, who is direct and sarcastic. The next day, they visit Eric Bernard, a retired detective who previously consulted on the show, hoping to glean a few juicy anecdotes. Instead, Eric reveals details on an unsolved and compelling murder case that still haunts him. Inspired, Rex and Kyla decide to snoop around, posing as researchers for a crime documentary.

Despite early signs of mutual chemistry, Rex’s flashy, fast-talking irritates Kyla. They spiral into bickering and pettiness, triggering the attention of drug dealer Wayne Wilder. With a shipment of cocaine due, Wayne alerts his boss, Malcolm Driver. Together, they despatch the last witness linking them to the murder, Dale Gannon, an unreliable member of their crew. Distracted by his infatuation with his assistant, Tina Farr, Wayne becomes the target of both an undercover Police operation and, at the same time, a gang of incompetent car thieves. Eric receives a visit from his former colleague, Detective Malcolm Driver, who advises him to call off Rex and Kyla.

The next day after filming, Rex receives a visit from his agent Lenny Musgrove, who informs him that his former wife, a Broadway producer, “Still respects you as an artist” and ‘if the show tanks’ he’ll have him covered. Even more determined, Rex begs Kyla to help him again, as she is the brains. They find Dale’s apartment unlocked and sneak in, recovering two clues. Rex takes it too far with his risky improvisation, infuriating Kyla, who tells him that he makes every situation worse and that off-set, he’s a walking disaster. Angry, they split up, each taking one clue.

Wayne sends Bodine, his thuggish brother, to take out Rex, but he’s arrested after blowing open the undercover operation headed by Tina. With Kyla's words still ringing in his ears, Rex gives Tina the slip. Posing as Bodine to learn the drop-off location but is discovered by Malcolm. They fight, and Malcolm escapes, taking Rex’s prop gun. Kyla pieces together the whole case. Rex uses yet another stolen prop from the show to save himself. The police raid Wayne's car repair shop and discover Malcolm’s drug empire. Eric leads the police to Malcolm’s hideout. The police kill Malcolm in a shootout. Rex and Kyla reunite with respect and a more profound magnetism for each other. They leave the crime scene, knowing they have the material to save their show.

MAIN CHARACTERS TRAITS

As a relatable underdog, Rex Baxter is determined to save his best-ever acting role. His journey thrusts him into situations where he faces seemingly insurmountable challenges. He tries too hard to impress Kyla instead of getting to know her and working to earn her trust.

Kyla Graham still carries the scars of her previous relationship, which ended when her boyfriend and writing partner stole her ideas and negotiated a fat contract for himself. She’s smart, plans things out carefully, and prefers to work alone. Rex and his spontaneous antics infuriate her.

MAIN CHARACTERS:

REX BAXTER (37). A Broadway song and danceman who plays a ruthless cop on the TV show ‘Deep Blue,’ a role that has made him famous. He’ll do anything to keep the show alive.

KYLA GRAHAM (35). ‘Deep Blue’s’ most talented screenwriter. She’s witty, a tad cynical, and stand-offish. She is also self-driven, logical, and secretly a little starstruck by Rex.

ERIC BERNARD (65). A retired cop who can’t let it go. He is obsessed with finding the answers to his last unsolved case. He engages with the world with wisdom and kindness.

WAYNE WILDER (35). Owner of a car repair shop, which is a front for his drug dealing business. He's a tough guy with the devil in him, and he doesn't care who knows it.

MALCOLM DRIVER (50’s). A terrifying drug dealer with a badge. He won’t hesitate to break the law to pursue money and power. Craves the lifestyle, sophistication, and celebrity of Rex Baxter.

TINA FARR (33). An undercover cop working as Wayne’s assistant and the object of his cringe-worthy affections. Furious with Rex and Kyla’s clunky snooping, which threatens her case.

SERIOUSLY SHADY BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE YOU CAN BARELY TRUST

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