City of Tomorrow (Arrow & Flash verse)

[Antwan Eley]

Metropolis

PLOT

Clark Kent is just your ordinary young man trying to find his way within the world, a man who is anything but ordinary...despite that being his one greatest desire. No Clark Kent isn't ordinary but extraordinary. Having grew up in the small town of Smallville, Clark is a simple farm boy who now finds himself in the big city after the death of his father now searching for his own place in the world. Lana Lang formerly the most popular girl in Smallville High, beautiful, simple and intelligent...she is a girl who once dreamed big but that all changed three years ago she having survived the massacre of Smallville Prom of '12. Once with dreams of following in her father's footsteps of biochemistry now finds herself living as a shell of the person she once was working as a waitress within Metropolis and lastly Alexander "Lex" Luthor, resident of Suicide Slums and the newest scientist to be employed by Lang Enterprises...meek and well mannered with a brain unlike no other...Lex is a man hell bent on making his own destiny...three souls on different paths finds themselves brought together in a city full of promise, glamour and crime....and this is their story.

CAST & CHARACTERS


Clark Kent (Brett Dier)


The last son of Krypton and the adoptive son of Jonathan and Martha Kent. A loner who always felt as if he was on the outside looking in throughout his whole life, Clark Kent may be on the strongest individuals alive but in a way he is one of the most human and affectionate young man that you would come across. Along with Lana Lang and Pete Ross, Clark is a survivor of the Smallville High Prom Massacre of 2012 and has been riddled with guilt of his unwillingness to expose him and put a stop to the meta-humans which claimed so many lives that day. And now fulfilling his father's wish to live and be the man he always wanted him to be, Clark finds himself leaving behind the farm for Metropolis to find his own way in the world.


Alexander Luthor (Evan Peters)


A native of Metropolis and growing up in the forgotten neighborhood known as the Slums, Lex is the son of an drunk and an ill mother, the older brother of Lena Luthor and a young man who made a promise to himself to be somebody, to make it out of the Slums and make a name for himself. Extremely hard working and intelligent, Lex may have been a punching bag for various bullies in his life but now he is moving up in the world and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. With views more black and white than gray he finds his values tested as he begins his career working for Lang Enterprises and a man who will stop at nothing to gain control and order through his science...


Thomas Lang (Julian McMahon)


One of the greatest scientific minds within Metropolis and the father of Lana Lang, Thomas is a corrupted politician who happens to be on the richest bachelors of today. A man who lost his first born due to an uncontrollable genetic mutation, Thomas is a man who has made it his life mission to understanding, controlling and eliminating the 'meta-gene' which lies dormant within these special individuals which was like his son. Believing that the world needs protection and he is the only one capable knowing what is out there, he hunts down these special people and have an uneasy yet valued relationship with the government...having numerous resources at his disposal.


Lana Lang (Nina Dobrev)

Beautiful, brainy and headstrong.Traits all which screamed Lana Lang...or traits which once described the former cheerleader. Lana is a tortured young woman who finds herself just trying to pick up the pieces of her life having lost so many she cared about that fearful night of her senior prom. Having been traveling the world since, Lana pushed away those who were closest to her including her then boyfriend Pete Ross and now can be known only as promiscuous wild child who is clearly running from her past. The teenage girl with a love of science long gone or just buried beneath all the pain...Lana finds herself in Metropolis with her assets cut off by her father and forced to land on her own two feet within the real world...she holds a secret close to her heart out of fear, curiosity and lack of understanding...a secret which could change Clark Kent's life forever.

Lois Lane (Jessica Stroup)

The intrepid and obnoxiously outrageous private investigator dedicated to exposing the freaks of the world, her mother having been killed by a man with unnatural abilities. Lois is an army brat who refuses to back down and finds a kindred spirit within Pete Ross. Stubborn and dedicated to her own cause while secretly longing to just be taken seriously...the world may not be ready to know of 'freaks' but she knows they are out there and will die before she bends to her father's will and stop running head first into these ridiculous claims of her's. She finds her core beliefs rattled one night after being saved by a mysterious figure with unnatural abilities.

Pete Ross (Michael B Jordan)

The former high school jock of Smallville High and high school sweetheart of Lana Lang, a rookie cop for the Metropolis PD.A young man who made a promise to help to make his second chance at life meaningful, Pete is a young man who is more than vocal about his views on meta-humans and believes that the streets not only need protection from criminals but dangerous freaks as well. Taking it upon himself to prowl the streets at night, moonlighting as a vigilante meta hunter...Pete may be in over his head though he isn't about to become a victim again and his own personal vengeance just may get him killed but he'll go down fighting at least.

Nathan Michaels (Dylan O'brien)

A runaway with psionic abilities who finds himself in Metropolis, Brandon is a kid who hardly trusts and would rather go alone in life then to let those around him close enough to hurt him. A kid who can know the very secrets of those he touches, Brandon finds himself pulled into the dangerous meta community of Metropolis. A kid in search of why he can do the things that he can do and needing answers...he just may not like the answers that he finds.

EPISODES


1.01 "Pilot" | In this action pack series premiere, a dangerous gang of super powered meta-humans target Metropolis finding residence in the Daily Planet forcing the Metropolis PD to jump into action to save the various workers within the Planet. A masked crusader surfaces within Metropolis with unnatural powers and Lois (Jessica Stroup) makes it her mission to unmask and find out the identity of this freak. Meanwhile, Lana (Nina Dobrev) struggles to find own way in the world finding strength in a female masked vigilante who offers her a bit of womanly advice. BRANDON RAUTH GUEST STARS IN THIS PREMIERE.


1.02 "Leech" | Thomas and Lex works on a soldier dieing from terminal cancer and creates a energy absorbing meta-human, Lana begins her first day of her first job and learns that strippers at the Metro Strip are being picked off one by one. Clark begins his first day of Metropolis University and gains a job as a bouncer at the Strip. Meanwhile Pete sets out to stop this dangerous energy sucking leech alongside Lois who finds themselves in over their heads. 


1.03 "Manhunter" | When an intergalactic manhunter shows up in Metropolis on a manhunt for the Crusader, Clark realizes that he may not be the only alien out there and is in for the greatest fight of his life as he is forced to prove his innocence. Nathan Michaels (Dylan O'brien) finds himself hunted by a meta-human task force formed by Thomas and Lex meets a beautiful red head scientist by the name of Pamela Isley who develops an unhealthy obsession with the Luthor.  

1.04 "Haunted" | When Thomas decide to hold a fundraiser for the families which lost their children in the massacre three years ago, Clark, Lana and Pete are pretty much forced together and forced to relive that horrible night forcing a painful reconnection between two of the three. Nathan learns that his mother may be a patient of Belle Reeve and with Anissa Pierce (Kat Graham) help he sets out to break into the prison which was built to keep those like himself inside.  


1.05 "Family" | Lois finds her father is in town and he isnt along...with her cousin Chloe Sullivan in toe. Lois can't help but feel as if she isn't good enough compared to her perfect and beautiful cousin and when Pete gets upset that she doesn't introduce him...he is forced to reeavulate their relationship. While Thomas invites Lana and Lex over for a dinner with an important announcement that could change Lana's life forever and triggers Thomas's curisoity about Clark who Lana invites to join her.  


1.06 "Helpless" | Clark and Lana continue to grow closer and Lana begins to question if she is doing the right thing or not when she meets with a woman from her past. Lex begins an experiment on his mother with the help of Pamela using a new serum that Pamela develop to help his mother recover from her sickness. Meanwhile while battling a metahuman with solar absorption powers, Clark finds himself powerless and helpless to protect the city from the dangerous meta as a new viglante surfaces offering a helpful hand.    


1.07 "Identity" | Lois begins to throw herself into harms way to gain the attention of the crusader and begins to suspect that maybe Pete is this crusader as he begins to keep a secret from her. Lana meets a new worker at the Metro Strip by the name of Diana who doesnt seem to be who she says she is and fears that Clark's secret may be at risk. Meanwhile Nathan learns a shocking and terrifying limit to his power which forces him to wonder...is it safe for anyone if he lives. 


1.08 "Titans" |   When Roy Harper travels to Metropolis following a lead on someone from his past in Starling, he teams up with Nathan and Anissa to help take down an old friend of his which happen to have develop an intense psychotic idea that it is his destiny to cleanse the world of crime and corruption and targets Thomas who he believes is the most corrupt of them all. 


1.09 "Freak" |   When Lana finds herself targeted by the Suicide Squad she learns that it may not be as easy to say no to Amanda Waller as she thought and Clark learns the secret that she has been hiding all this time which forces him to see the woman he loves in a whole new light. Lex begins to push away Pamela and begins harboring a darkness within him that he fears he...may like. Meanwhile Lois sets her sight on exposing Lang Enterprises as the corrupted organization which she knows it is forcing an uneasy alliance with Arsenal and his forming team of Titans.


1.10 "Intergang" | With the Crusader having left the city it seems and with crime at an all time high, it looks like the Metropolis PD has their work cut out for them as the force is targeted by an newly reformed Intergang. Pete finds himself fighting for his life in Metropolis Gen and Lois's feelings for him come back to bite her in the ass. Meanwhile, Lex begins to work on an project that could make his career and Clark finds the answers that he seeks...learning that he could be the last of his species.  


1.11 "Rise" | Lex brings Pamela into his secret project and to her horror she learns that Lex's genius just may be too much for her forcing Lex to choose between her or a groundbreaking discovery. And Thomas begins to suspect that Lex may not be as loyal as he seems and targets his sister. Lana and Lois team up to discover who this mysterious heroine is and the Crusader returns to a city that has turned against him.  


1.12 "Justice" | When Lex's project turns disasterously wrong...Metropolis and the world finds that it is in danger of an alien invasion that could destroy everything. The heroes of the Earth must come together to protect it or lose it forever...and Nathan's search for answers come to an head in this mind stopping and dramatic season finale and a great loss is gain...  







CREATORS NOTES

(I am planning for this to tie in with the Arrow/Flash CW series as well as be a kind of Man of Steel/hbo more mature series then the traditional Smallville and Adventures of Lois and Clark series. Totally excited and looking for writers if anyone are interested. Will have this complete in a few days.)

[Jamison]

At first glance, I wasn't so sure about this one. Just because we've seen Superman's origins done so many times, but the fact that this would tie into the Arrow/Flash universe is what's drawing me in. That and you seem to have changed up some of the mythology, to work better with this version. Establishing a darker, more mature tone appeals to me, even though I loved Smallville and its lighter tone and universe. I like the write ups for your characters and really like the lineup you've got; with an original character thrown into the mix as well.

On a casting note, I'm not too sure about Jamie Dornan playing Lana's father. He's only six years older than Nina Dobrev. That being said, I can probably overlook it because Nina can pass for 18-ish, if that's the age you wanted her and the other characters to be. It was just something that stood out to me.

Anyway, you've got my attention. I'd be interested in seeing a pilot for this one.

[Mike]

I'm interested in this show. How do I become a writer on this show?

[Antwan Eley]

Thanks so much for the feedback Chris! I'm working on the episode summaries and trying to get it all together now as we speak haha. I was thinking the same thing about Jamie Dornan for Thomas well. I am thinking of casting Julian McMahon instead possibly. Yeah the Superman story been told so many times and i was unsure of approaching it again as well but i plan to make this not just an Superman story but a more adult hero drama and bringing a more fresh and new look and feel to the series as Lois most likely won't be with the Daily Planet yet and Clark is far from that bumbling glasses wearing reporter and i won't even get started on Lana and Lex. Nathan is my baby and i have high hopes for him and his success as well as leading up to an Justice League episode eventually...as for when no idea don't wanna rush it ha.

[Antwan Eley]

Hey there Michael do you have much experience with writing and virtual series? You can message my account and we can see from there. i never really worked with anyone with writing before so i'm new to it *nervous laugh* ha. 

[Jamison]

Just judging by those episode descriptions, this series seems very fast paced. So many big characters coming in, and big events happening so soon. "Justice" seems like a season finale episode. It's got me wondering what the actual finale would look like.

Fast pace storytelling can work well, but my main concern would be there being very little time to introduce/build the characters, set up their relationships with one another, and properly establish the overall universe before getting to the big, plot-heavy arcs. The payoff happening so soon could make it less effective.

Or, it could be the total opposite and something quite refreshing. It may be too soon to tell. I'll wait to see what you have in store for the back half of the season (if you planned on revealing those episodes in the pitch), but episodes 4-6 could probably work just as well as episodes 10-12.

Edit: Also, Julian McMahon sounds like a great choice for Thomas Lang.

[Antwan Eley]

Yeah i want it to have that kinda flash pace which Flash have yet i don't want to jump the gun too quickly. I wasn't planning for that to be the mid season finale or for Lex to kinda grow into that villian we know he could become so quickly. Haha it does feel awefully fast but hmm i think by the opener of the second half of the season it could fit and by episode 12 everything will have it's come to completion. the finale will set things in motion and the second half of the season will deal with the aftermath and lead more into the villain then actually introducing the villian in that half of the season. Your feed back is really helpful and as your work with Trinity so have the upmost respect for you. And hmm i just may rewrite the first half. i don't want write myself into a hole ha. moving the Justice episode to the season finale could work just as well and lead more to a build up.

Loove julian mcmahon and him as a villian yet kinda not the villain is fitting i am thinking hehe.

[Jamison]

If you're definitely for having that fast pace, and have a plan to tie it all together by the end, I say go for it. In the long run, it's your show and you should have the final say. Like I said, I think it can work, as long as the characters are strong and constantly growing and being developed as the episodes go on. It's one of those things were you won't really know until you're writing/reading the episodes. But yeah, my main advice would be to just write the show you'd want to watch. And you seem to have a great passion for this project, so you're on the right track.

[Antwan Eley]

thankies! i may push it all back a little. i don't want it to be too live action and suck the drama out of it ahha. there is a lot to get into and that is just the characters and their history together. Clark, Lana and PEte mainly as i so want to get into their history in smallville and whole event which change their lives and then there is lex and he is just epic to get into and so much more. would u like to be on my team?! aaand you dont have to write if you don't want too and itll be nice to have someone experienced!

[Antwan Eley]

Here is the teaser for the pilot. Probably just a roughdraft but here it is!

1x01 - Pilot (Teaser & partial Act 1

((Edited: Teaser and some of act 1 is now up for viewing!))

[Jamison]

Took a look at the updated episode guide. I like the changes. Seems to have more of a 3-act structure. A clear and beginning, middle and end. I'm excited for a lot of those episodes, and the prospect of Pamela Isley being a recurring character throughout the season is really fun. Can't wait to see where that leads; maybe she ends up taking her villainous persona by the end of the season. I'm also interested in Nathan's character. He seems to have some cool stuff coming.

I may not be able to write, since I've pretty much swore off writing anything to do with the DC Universe after canceling Trinity, but I may be able to help you brainstorm ideas; be someone for you to test ideas out with. I'm gonna have a look at the teaser you posted and leave you some feedback in a little bit.

[Jamison]

Before getting to the story aspects, one thing that I noticed is the font. I could see it being hard to read for some people. The Courier New, 12 point font is what most people have grown used to, and it might make the script less distracting. The least amount of distractions, the better. Also, out of curiosity, what software are you using the write with?

[Antwan Eley]

I'm using word doc and thanks. it looked pretty small to me but then I thought it look to big and that font is quite better. thanks! yeah Pamela is a character that I wanted to introduce as a love interest for lex and originally was gonna be pretty eek and geeks like but wanted to take another route. hehe only just the beginning for Nathan didn't want to reveal too much but spark curiosity.

((sorry if it takes a bit to reply at work and on my lunch break now Hehe
hehe))

[Jamison]

Another suggestion. Every action in your script should be happening in the moment, as the reader is going through it. So make sure you're writing present tense actions.

Instead of:

"The force of it threw Nathan off his feet and rolling out of the alley sliding to a half with a painful outcry as he grabbed his side which was bleeding and had an shard of debris embedded."

You'd have:

"The force of it throws Nathan off his feet. He rolls out of the alley, sliding to a half with a painful outcry as he grabs his side, which is bleeding with a shard of debris embedded."

So, keep that in mind. Is it okay if I do a little editing, and add some notes directly on the script, then send it back to you?

[Antwan Eley]

totally fine. this is the first script I ever seriously wrote so here to learn haha

[Jamison]

Here is the edited script: www.vpntv.net/uploads/6/8/3/8/6838324/metropolis_-_pilot_-_edited.pdf

I only changed the formatting a little bit to make it look more clean. I didn't touch the story and character elements much at all.

If you'd like to be able to use that edited format with more ease, there is a website called WriterDuet. It's a free, web-based, scriptwriting software, that lets you import pdf and final draft files. It also works great for if you want to write a script with multiple people at the same time. It's basically a free version of Final Draft.

Or if you'd rather stick to what you know (which is totally fine), here's a Microsoft Word document that can serve as a template: www.vpntv.net/uploads/6/8/3/8/6838324/metropolis_-_pilot_-_edited_(3).docx

General Script Notes:

- Ease up on the parentheticals. They should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. In most cases, it's better to create an action line to describe the state of the character, in between dialogue, instead of the parenthetical.

- Present-tense rule. Already mentioned that one.

- I do like your use of flashbacks so far, to introduce characters and tell us where their heads are at before pressing forward with their present-day story.

Other than that, all I can say is keep pushing on. I'm interested in seeing where the story goes. I can't comment too much on the story/characters, because it's only just getting started. My main notes were more focused on the boring, technical stuff.

[Antwan Eley]

omfg that looks so much better and professional. yeah I Def have to check that out as it will prob be easier. thanks a lot for the help. I am considering making it a 22 episode series instead of 12. I feel like I could tell and bring out the characters if I had more episodes in the season to deal with? what do u think?

[Brady Brown]

Hey Antwan,

First off, this is a fairly well done pitch. I really like the cast of characters you've chosen, and the way it's going to connect to the Flarrow-verse has me very intrigued. I pretty much echo all of Chris' comments.

I will say though, that wanting to expand it into a 22 episode season is a daunting task. I would recommend starting of with just 12 or 13 to get your feet wet, especially if this is your first series. But, if you think you can handle it, then by all means go for it. It's all about what you think you can take on.