Scripts
 
 
Men Without Shadow
 
A.M.O.K. :: 651
 
Coriander Malt
 
Belching Dragon
 
You're Next
 
Works in progress
 
Projects Wanted
 
Screenwriting Links
 
Pen For Hire
 
Contact
 

Coriander Malt :: Synopsis
 

Logline

Same actors. Same sets. Same budget. Different movie.

A life-altering terrorist attack causes reflection even in Hollywood.

Short Synopsis

Days after a shattering world event, A-list Hollywood screenwriter Douglas Leigh grudgingly struggles to retool the partially shot action film "Berserker" into a romantic musical comedy called "Enchanted Evening."

Struck dumb by writer's block and single malt consumption, Douglas is forced to partner with Bollywood ringer, Dana Karachi.

Can an old dog learn new tricks? Does a new dog even care?

Long Synopsis

Act One

A-list screenwriter Douglas Leigh's single malt consumption is on the rise as he succumbs to writer's block under the unfamiliar pressure of turning Berserker IV - the latest from the outrageouly successful Berserker franchise - into a - musical!- comedy.

Rewrite means balancing the insecurities of Anthony Fergus, the aging, non-singing, non-dancing, action hero and star of the Berserker franchise, with the ambitions of his female counterpart, the younger, driven, voluptuous and musical Mexican soap star, Rita Santiago

Rewrite also means Douglas has to deal with the life and death pressures coming from Spike Ritts, ridiculously young, sleek black studio executive; Max Stern, perhaps Douglas' only friend and the man who made producer an honourable word; and Harper Lee, ambitious and talented Hong Kong director/cinematographer.

On top of that, Douglas's daughter, Amanda is missing somewhere on the other side of a precarious world. At least, that's got he and his former wife, Felicia, almost talking.

Unable to get even beyond the title page for a musical comedy called "Enchanted Evening", Douglas is forcibly introduced to his new partner, youthful ringer and Bollywood screenwriter, Dana Karachi.

Act Two

First Douglas belittles and ignores Dana, then refuses to collaborate until Spike confines them both to a run-down motel where they will not be released until they deliver.

Reluctantly, grudgingly, Douglas and Dana work on Enchanted Evening until they learn to marry styles, personalities and music. Douglas discovers feelings for Dana when Bollywood idol Kaspar Jivan serenades Dana at a surprise curry dinner delivered by Dana's mother and family.

Meanwhile, Spike and Harper make backroom deals. Max plays high stakes golf with Spike. Anthony learns how to dance. Rita beds Anthony and then Crystal, Anthony's agent. And shooting on Enchanted Evening begins.

Douglas, Dana and the others are excited, even inspired until Spike walks on set and drops a bomb: seems the viewing public is back to its old habits. Back to the original  Berserker.

Dana is now out of a job. Douglas returns to the bottle and the old Berserker IV script, except that now, neither satisfies him.

After some sober self-analysis, Douglas realizes his need to pass on a sense of hope.

He convinces Dana to be his Berserker IV writing partner but also, to clandestinely help him make Enchanted Evening. Together, they set about enlisting Max, Harper, Rita and Anthony to film the romantic musical comedy behind Spike's back.

Act Three

But Spike isn't fooled. He bets his career that he can deliver two hit films for the price of one. To test Enchanted Evening, Spike slips in scenes at a Berserker Marathon.

Amidst initial audience boos and catcalls for their lost hero, Douglas loses confidence and tries to stop the screening. Rita reduces Anthony to a simpering mess on the lobby floor. Dana hopes she fails up and Spike releases ownership of Enchanted Evening to Max.

Then the audience turns and embraces Enchanted Evening!

Spike is forced to keep his commitments. Max, Harper, Douglas and Dana have created a new genre. Action star Anthony has a renewed career as a romantic lead. Rita is on her way to the top.

Now, Dana must choose between Douglas and Kaspar.

Douglas wins Dana over Kaspar, wins Dana and they ride off in the sunset.


 


® 2006 Synchronium Consulting Group Vancouver British Columbia Canada