THE STAGE 32 LOGLINES
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FREE MONEY
By Nelda De La Paz
Stuck living in a basement after losing their jobs, a couple’s broken relationship faces a final test when a million-dollar lottery ticket takes them on a storm-ridden journey that could either mend or tear them apart.
Free Money is under consideration for a writing gig posted on ISA (International Screenwriters' Association). ISA Top Reads, Spring 2025: https://www.networkisa.org/scr...
SYNOPSIS:
Maxine and Gus find themselves living in Maxine’s mother’s basement apartment after COVID and inflation make New York City too expensive. Both lost their jobs during the pandemic — Maxine, an aspiring screenwriter, now works as a production assistant, while Gus, formerly a teacher, is stuck waiting tables. Their relationship has become a constant cycle of fights, fueled by their frustration with life, each other, and their dashed dreams.
During a heated argument on a snowy night, Gus impulsively buys several scratch-off lottery tickets and then forgets about them. The next day, Maxine discovers one of the tickets is worth a million dollars. Convinced that the money will fix their marriage and further her screenwriting career, Maxine persuades Gus to drive upstate to claim their prize.
The trip quickly becomes a trial as a snowstorm traps them in their car and later in a motel. As they face the storm outside, the money that once promised salvation now threatens to tear them apart, forcing Maxine and Gus to confront the growing divide in their marriage.
Free Money explores the strain financial pressure puts on relationships, the illusion of material salvation, and the deeper conflict between love and personal ambition.
*This is a copyrighted script. Any unauthorized use of logline, synopsis, and screenplay is strictly prohibited. You must get permission from the writer.
FREE MONEY
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1 person likes this
I like the concept, Nelda De La Paz! I think your logline just needs one change. Change "Maxine and Gus’s broken relationship" to something like "a dysfunctional couple's broken relationship." Names in loglines are usually for biopics, well-known stories, and franchises (like Mission: Impossible). Other than that, solid logline.
1 person likes this
Thank you, Maurice!
You're welcome, @Nelda.
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2 people like this
Nelda De La Paz your logline presents a relatable and emotionally charged setup, with strong stakes for both the relationship and the characters’ futures. The contrast between being “stuck in a basement” and the sudden chance at a million-dollar escape adds natural tension and opportunity for transformation. The phrase “storm-ridden journey” suggests both literal and metaphorical turmoil, which is compelling. To enhance the logline, consider clarifying what kind of journey this is (physical road trip, emotional reckoning, or both?) and what the ticket complicates: trust, loyalty, survival? A touch more specificity would give the conflict even more weight.
1 person likes this
Thank you, Ashley!