MOTM - February 2015

[Jamison]

MEMBER OF THE MONTH
(FEBRUARY 2015)

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RULES

Create a pitch for a virtual series, containing a plot, characters, as well as a minimum of three episode descriptions!

This contest will be split into categories for which you can choose to center for series around. These categories consist of two completely different TV themes/genres, and your challenge is to combine them in order to make something fresh, and unique.

You may choose from any one of these genre pairings, but you MUST claim your genre before posting your entry! Only TWO people are allowed to pick the same pairing. If a pairing has already been selected by two people, it will be crossed out of the post.

But if all categories are taken by the time you wish to enter by two people, than you will have the opportunity to choose from the complete list.

But to make it a little bit more original, I'm gonna give you all a list of "constraints or limits to choose from. They will be listed separately, and you will have the choice whether or not you want to use them. Again, this is optional.

VOTING PROCESS

At the end of the month there will be a voting stage, where each entry will be put in a poll for the entire community to choose from. The pitch with the most votes, is the winner of this round!

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GENERES:

- Superhero & Western (Like combining "Arrow" with "Deadwood")
Taken by MJ

- Historical & Sitcom (Like combining "Spartacus" with "The Big Bang Theory")
Taken by Darrin McCann

- Fantasy & Crime Drama (Like combining "Game of Thrones" with "CSI")
Taken by Amin

- Science Fiction (Non-Space Opera) & War Drama (Like combining "Fringe" with "Band of Brothers")
Taken by Carey

- Teen Drama & Political Thriller (Like combining "90210" with "House of Cards")
Taken by Chris Davis

- Family Drama & Spy Drama (Like combining "Gilmore Girls" with "Nikita")
Taken by Brady Brown

- Space Opera & Horror (Like combining "Star Trek" with "The Walking Dead")
Taken by Alex Matthews

Constraints (Optional; Choose One)

- Must contain only three characters
- Must contain an ensemble cast (8+ characters)
- Entire cast must be over 40
- Entire cast must be under 20
- Must deal with Time Travel
- Must be Post-Apocalyptic

[Darrin McCann]

It is pretty sad nothing was pitched. Redo for February? What do you guys think?

[Jamison]

I'd be cool with that, if others would participate.

[Brady Brown]

I'd definitely be down.

[Darrin McCann]

Well, I'm definitely in. I would love to do Historical/Sitcom.

[Jamison]

UPDATE: NEW MOTM ROUND! See first post for details!

[peapotmaster]

I would like to join. But I don't know what to try my hand in just yet.

[Brady Brown]

Born in France, Adrien Beaumont (Michael Vartan) was immediately placed into a school for espionage by his parents, Halette (Adrienne Barbeau) and Norris (John Larroquette), two of France’s most infamous spies. Learning several different languages, as well as being severely disciplined to master hand-to-hand combat and advanced weaponry, Adrien showed tremendous promise, and was soon sent on his first foreign assignment - to gather information from the United States of America’s Central Intelligence Agency; however, in doing so, he would need to create a fully established life to infiltrate the facility. He would need to start a family.

Upon arriving in America, Adrien meets Sandra McClain (Rosario Dawson), with whom he forms an attraction to. The two fall in love and marry, but soon following the wedding, Adrien continuously injects memory-repressors into his wife. Unbeknownst to her, Sandra is being trained in an underground French Espionage facility to learn the skills of a true spy; however, her abilities are only to be activated under Adrien’s own trigger - a safe word.

The couple then have three children: Raynard (Roshon Fegan), Camile (Amandla Stenberg), and Gabrielle (Quvenzhané Wallis), all of whom undergo the exact same treatment as Sandra. They have killed, and they fight with the skill of their grandparents.

Now, with his family of spies assembled, Adrien can now fully undergo his assignment, but when the love for his wife and children continues to grow, he begins to question exactly why he is in America in the first place, leading to conspiracies tracing all the way back to his great grandfather. Despite his wishes, Adrien’s family begins to unravel when they must deal with the problems of their everyday lives, as well as learning they have skills they don’t remember obtaining.

AGENTS

Adrien Lucian Beaumont (portrayed by Michael Vartan):



Controller: Officer in charge of agents (a handler).

Dangle: A person sent by the intelligence agency of his or her own country who approaches an intelligence agency in the hope of being recruited as a spy so as to allow a double agent operation for the purpose of intelligence collection or disinformation.

Born to follow in his parents’ footsteps, Adrien was one of the strongest agents his espionage academy has seen. Possessing the skills of a multilingual tongue and tremendous hand-to-hand combat, Adrien is a force to be reckoned with. He is passionate about his cause to infiltrate the CIA, but he begins to question his blind faith when he realizes his true love for his family, which could lead to devastating circumstances from France. Determined, hard-headed, and loyal to his lineage, Adrien will kill for his cause, but will also kill for his family.

Sandra McClain Beaumont (portrayed by Rosario Dawson):



Sleeper: Agent living as an ordinary citizen in a foreign country; acts only when a hostile situation develops.

Swallow: A female agent employed to seduce people for intelligence purposes.

Having her future planned to be a lawyer, Sandra did not expect to fall in love with anything other than her job. Even though she notices her husband’s peculiar behavior, Sandra decides to ignore this in order to keep her marriage a happy one; however, her life begins to spiral out of control when she wakes up with her body covered in someone’s blood. Caring, motherly, and fierce in the courtroom, Sandra will soon have to balance her work and the mysterious dreams of murder and seduction she has been having.

Raynard Darryl Beaumont (portrayed by Roshon Fegan):



Raven: A male agent employed to seduce people for intelligence purposes.

Being programed to charm the ladies of Stillwell School for Young Men and Women, Raynard has been used to having at least one female wrapped around his arm. How he developed this irresistible nature he does not know; however, what he does know is that he can’t escape the attraction to one of his other classmates - a male. Being an 18 year old boy may be challenging for Raynard, but these hidden feelings, as well as his strange ability to disarm dangerous thugs, has his mind spinning.

Camile Therese Beaumont (portrayed by Amandla Stenberg):



Provocateur: An operative sent to incite a target group to action for purposes of entrapping or embarrassing them.

At 16, Camile has already had her fair share of rebellious behavior, even going as far as to spending the night in a jail cell. She craves the feeling she gets when she causes chaos amongst people due to the constant bullying she receives; however, when she unwillingly strikes down one of her classmates, Camile starts to worry as to what she is becoming.

Gabrielle Jacqualine Beaumont (portrayed by Quvenzhané Wallis):



Pattern: The behavior and daily routine of an operative that makes his or her identity unique.

Only just starting middle school, Gabrielle’s cover, unbeknownst to her, is one she uses to her advantage. Despite being a friend to everyone who she crosses paths with, Gabrielle cannot shake the undying feeling of wanting to physically harm those whom she believes treats other unfairly. And when she discovers classified information under her bed, her questioning only grows from there.

Norris Felix Beaumont and Halette Adalene Beaumont (portrayed by John Larroquette and Adrienne Barbeau):



Spymaster(s): The leader(s) of espionage activities, and an agent handler extraordinaire.

Two of France’s most infamous spies, Norris and Halette met while on assignment in Italy. Both show pure resilience to anyone who stands in their way, as well as the greatest loyalty to their country, leaving no room for love towards their family, especially their son.

Dax Stuart Falvo (portrayed by Daniel Gillies):



Babysitter: Bodyguard; protector.

Having gone through the espionage training with him, Dax is Adrien’s oldest friend, and also knows the most about him. Because of this, Norris and Halette assign Dax to watch over and protect their son as he infiltrates the CIA; however, the feelings Dax begins to develop towards Sandra, as well as the ones he’s always had for Adrien, begin to blind him of his duties.

ASSIGNMENTS

1.01 - Clandestine Operation: “An intelligence operation designed to remain secret.” After settling into the United States with his new family, French spy Adrien Beaumont continues his assignment to infiltrate the CIA. Meanwhile, Sandra begins to question her husband's suspicious behavior, while her children go through troubles of their own at school. Also, through flashbacks, Adrien is enrolled into an espionage academy and given his first foreign assignment by his parents.

1.02 - Flaps and Seals: “The tradecraft involved when making surreptitious openings and closings of envelopes, seals, and secure pouches.” Using his safe word on Gabrielle, Adrien plants on a document on her and assigns her to break into a government facility; however, when she becomes trapped, Raynard must go and save her. Meanwhile, Camile shocks herself when she subdues a bully, and Dax, the Beaumont bodyguard, arrives.

1.03 - Playback: “To provide false information to the enemy while gaining accurate information from him or her.” Raynard flirts with a new classmates, making way for his newest assignment - to obtain information for the girl’s father. However, when he tries to hold back his true feelings for his male classmate, Raynard may become compromised. Meanwhile, Adrien and Sandra are called to a meeting with the principle about Camile’s recent behavior. Also, through flashbacks, Adrien sends Sandra to underground training and her first assignment.

NOTES

My category was "Family Drama & Spy Drama (Like combining 'Gilmore Girls' with 'Nikita'" and I also attempted to add one of the constrains by making this an ensemble show (8 or more characters). I see this as including several spy aspects, but the family drama aspects would primarily focus on the tension between Adrien and Sandra, Raynard's sexuality, and Camile's rebellious nature. This was really fun to do, and I hope you enjoy!

[MJ]

Sooooo I'm kinda getting back into VS and therefore lurking on all the sites again but I saw this and I just couldn't not participate. I love pitch competitions and you guys always make for good competition so I was wondering if I might be able to pinch a spot for the Superhero/Western genre?

[Jamison]

Feb 7, 2015 15:50:48 GMT -6 peapotmaster said:

I would like to join. But I don't know what to try my hand in just yet.

Great, and don't worry about it. You've got plenty of time to choose.

Feb 7, 2015 19:17:21 GMT -6 MJ said:

Sooooo I'm kinda getting back into VS and therefore lurking on all the sites again but I saw this and I just couldn't not participate. I love pitch competitions and you guys always make for good competition so I was wondering if I might be able to pinch a spot for the Superhero/Western genre?

It's good to see you popping in, MJ! Of course you can; I was hoping someone would pick that genre. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

[Carey]

If you don't mind, I'd like to give Science Fiction & War Drama a try.

[Jamison]

You got it, Carey. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

[Alex Matthews]

may I please take Space Opera/Horror?

[Jamison]

It's all yours, Alex!

[Amin]

Fantasy/Crime Drama for me, if possible.

[peapotmaster]

I got an idea how about Animated/Sitcom/Live Action?

[Darrin McCann]

The whole idea is to pick from the genre combinations listed above, Peapotmaster. You should give it a try! It's a lot of fun.

I'm currently working on my pitch and all I can say is that I am rusty at this. Lmfao! Hopefully it will be posted tonight.

[Darrin McCann]

The night low-end, Victorian, street-walker, MINNIE ST. CLAIR (Melissa McCarthy) meets the young poet, FRANCIS THOMPSON (Will Arnett) is the same night she kills 'The Whitechapel Murderer'... well, sort of. When Assistant Commissioner of Crime, MELVILLE MACNAGHTEN (Ron White) shows up with questions for the dolly-mop who was last to see Mr. Thompson, Minnie and her band of misfit street-ladies take it to the roads, disguised as aristocratic fair-ladies, with hope of escaping their ill-fate and the promise of America.

RIPPER GIRLS is a half-hour long historical sitcom.

| Melissa McCarthy as Minnie St. Clair |

'If this boat sinks that'll be a blessing in disguise. Well, for most of us. I'm sure the air between Pearl's ears will keep her a float for at least three days.'

Minnie is a woman of many talents. She's a smart, savvy con-woman who uses her assets to her advantage and has a way of turning negatives into positives, despite the many odds. Minnie dreams of a life bigger than her own, this causes her to do death-defying stunts in order to pursue that fading rainbow and the pot of gold beneath it.

| Will Arnett as Francis Thompson / The Narrator |

'Minnie and the gang were on a road to nowhere, literally. If I had to guess I'd say they took a wrong turn around pride and prejudice.'

Francis Thompson is the infamous Jack the Ripper; the Whitechapel Murderer; Leather Apron. Whatever you call him it all means the same thing. Well-mannered Francis Thompson is a killer. When his name is brought up as a suspect Francis skips town where one night he meets his next victim, Minnie St. Clair. But unfortunately accidents happen and Francis finds himself concussed and floating in the river. After the Pilot, Francis becomes the Narrator who opens and closes every episode.

| Ron White as Melville Macnaghten |

'So, what you're saying is you haven't see a heavyset, dolly-mop, named Minnie St. Clair, who may even be hiding behind that door over there staring at us having this conversation?'

Melville Macnaghten is hunting Jack the Ripper. Every lead, every whisper is helpful to him. When Francis Thompson's name comes up it seems like for certain that he's the killer. But, when Francis mysteriously disappears the same night he meets a group of street-walkers, Melville questions whether he had help in the whole thing. Now dubbed Ripper's Girls, Melville will track down our lady gang all over God's green Earth if he has to.

| Wanda Sykes as Bessie Melbrooks |

'Bessie? Bessie? Are you serious? Why not call me Old Heifer? Milk me dry and ship me off to pasture.'

Mother-figure, Bessie, is the oldest and wisest of the group. She guides the other girls with harshness and backhanded comments. But what she lacks in compassion she makes up for in sarcasm. Although she'd never admit it, she sees the girls as family, the only family she has.

| Leslie Mann as Pearl No-Last-Name |

'I've done that. And that other thing. Oh and that too. Nope, I've never done that...wait, what is it? Oh yeah, I've done that.'

Flighty Pearl is ignorantly blissful to the dire situation the girls find themselves in. She sees the whole thing as an adventure, a trip, a game. The world is full of possibilities to Pearl even when the future seems bleak. Her stupidity drives the girls to the brink of insanity but her world view leaves them envious.

| Sarah Silverman as Clara Freeman |

'...'

Clara Freeman is mute and uses a special form of sign-language to communicate with her fellow comrades. Jolting her entire body into what some would deem as inappropriate, lewd, suggestive positions only to mean things like 'box-car', 'chesterfield' and 'lollygag'. No one knows for sure how Clara lost her tongue but that doesn't stop Bessie from asking if it was any of her outlandish scenarios.

| Chelsea Handler as Ida Smit |

'This is never going to work. Why? Because we're not classy people. Classy people certainly don't drink and I'm drunk right now.'

Loud-mouth, Ida is bossy, lazy, and frankly doesn't give two sh**s. She is not afraid to express how dumb she feels a situation or action is. A simple look or sigh says it all. Unlike the other girls, Ida wasn't born into poverty but simply choice to live on the streets. She was born a blue-blood but found the life dull and full of pompous jackasses, a secret she can't keep from the girls for long.

| Margaret Cho as Chi Meng |

'If I can survive dysentery, lockjaw, three rounds of syphilis and the common cold, I can survive this. Now help me up on this horse.'

Chi Meng plays the Asian stereotype well and to her advantage, even though she was born and raised in England. It's got her out of many sticky situations with the local authorities. Melville sees right through her façade the moment they meet. Chi is a control-freak and when something is not done right, or she feels is not being done right, she'll do it herself, usually leading to more trouble than it's worth.

1.01 - Pilot | Riptide Ripper

After winning spots on the S.S. British Princess bound for America, Minnie St. Clair's luck turns sour when she accidentally kills a(n), unbeknownst to her, killer. Fearing the repercussions, Minnie and her friends change their identities and flee town in search of the ship to freedom.

1.02 - Up Smit's Creek Without A Paddle

When the girls end up guests to a party for the elite, Ida struggles to hide her past from her friends. But Madam Penelope Smit, Ida's mother, is going to have no part of that. Betty White guest stars as Madam Penelope Smit.

1.03 - It Oswald, It Ends Well

Pearl meets a man named Oswald who claims to have a ship to rent for a good price. But when the boat turns out to be a death-trap waiting to happen Minnie and the gang discover whether they can sink or swim.

I chose Historical/Comedy knowing full well I was going to pitch a comedy centered around Jack the Ripper. It was the first thing to pop into my head when I saw the genre combination. I see this as a 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' type comedy show where the humor is raunchy and borderline criminal. My vision is that the main cast is very modern in their dialogue which gives great contrast to the people and environment around them. Each episode will revolve around them trying to leave England but always ending with them unsuccessful. As the story progresses we discover that Melville is not the only man hot on their trail. I tried to hit two of the optional constraints: 1) Must contain an ensemble cast (8+ characters) and 2) Entire cast must be over 40.