eDream
SUSPENSE/THRILLER SCI-FI ACTION CRIME DETECTIVE
Contemporary
James Duffy

TaleFlick Pick!
Logline
eDream is the newest tech phenomenon, allowing users to choose the setting, story, and people within their lucid dreams. But euphoria turns to nightmare when a company insider working for a terrorist regime plans to turn eDream into a weapon of mass destruction.
Genre
Suspense/Thriller,Sci-fi,Action,Crime,Detective
Short Summary
Tech genius Bob Cole develops cutting-edge lucid dreaming software to allow him to reunite with his dead son in his dreams each night. He and girlfriend Nina Russo, a TV science reporter, develop the program into the massively successful eDream device.
A terrorist regime exploits the growing public addiction to dreaming and sends a deadly high voltage pulse into the headsets of millions of users. After a massive battle, Nina and the FBI succeed in sending an "in-dream" warning that saves millions of dreamers.
Setting
Washington DC & Northern Virginia
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Tragedy
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending,Meaningful Message,Philosophical Questions
Mature Audience Themes
Language/Profanity,Substance Abuse
Main Character Details
Name: Nina Russo
Age: 35
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aggressive,Confident,Decisive,Outspoken,Skillful,Strong Moral Code,Charming,Engaging,Educated,Underdog,Heroic,Honorable
Additional Character Details
Name: Bob Cole
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Role: Mentor
Key Traits: Aspiring,Complex,Confident,Faithful,Gracious,Educated,Leader,Modest,Skillful,Secretive,Visionary
Additional Character Details
Name: Scott Williams
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Role: protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Badass,Aggressive,Charming,Confident,Faithful,Heroic,Educated,Honorable,Masculine,Blunt,Outspoken,Skillful,Strong Moral Code,Unapologetic
Additional Character Details
Name: Jonas Darwood
Age: 58
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Aggressive,Complex,Confident,Criminal,Decisive,Desperate,Greedy,Narcisstic,Blunt,Power Hungry,Skillful,Visionary,Secretive,Unapologetic
Development Pitch
What if you could choose the setting, story, and people within your dreams each night? Science reporter Nina Russo is excited about the possibilities, especially after her lover Bob Cole, eDream’s developer, asks her to try it out. But once the program hits the streets, there’s an unexpected backlash. Nina sees signs of mass public addiction developing. To make matters worse, Bob discovers a deadly virus embedded in his software code. Within an hour of the discovery, he’s dead. A company insider working for a North Korean terrorist regime plans to turn eDream into a weapon of mass destruction. After an attempt on Nina’s life and that of FBI agent Scott Williams, who shares her fears, the two must work together to stop the code from activating and slaughtering millions of innocent dreamers in their beds through a high voltage pulse sent to their headsets. With the clock ticking, they learn through aggressive detective work that the code was planted by Jonas Darwood, a trusted member of the eDream team who aligned with the terrorists to grow his own company. After a battle at Darwood’s headquarters, Nina and Scott are able to transmit an “in-dream” warning that saves millions. A film or TV adaptation of this story will allow for some extraordinary visuals in the users’ “dream worlds.” A viral marketing campaign can also be launched where eDream can be promoted as a new dimension in home entertainment... is it a movie or is it a real dream-generating device?
Genre
DRAMA, THRILLER, ACTION
Brief
Bob is a scientist who designs a machine that will let people control their dreams. They can explore their wildest dreams and spend time with people they have loved and lost. The program is a massive hit but the company wants to use to to destroy a large portion of the population. Nina , a reporter, tries to stop the second version from being released to the public.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: EXCELLENT
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: EXCELLENT
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story starts with a sad moment where Bob tries to save his son from drowning. There are many science fiction stories where the catalyst for the experiments are a personal loss.
Possible Drawbacks
The book is very predictable. A new fantastic technology is created and someone wants to use it for devious purposes. It seems like a wonderful product but the population becomes addicted to it. To avoid this, the plot would have to have a different focus. The antagonist could be from inside the dreamscape.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES HEAVILY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Bob has created a way for people to enter and control their dreams, but it is dangerous to the users if the technology falls into the wrong hands. I would watch this movie for the sci-fi elements and the perspective of humans desire to fulfill their dreams.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase if the story were made more unique. Being able to control your dream world or live out your fantasies has been done before. There needs to be elements of the story that are different then a major company trying to use the technology against the users.
Awards Potential
This does not have awards potential. It is not breaking new ground in the sci-fi genre and does not boast extraordinary visual effects.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
THE MATRIX, TOTAL RECALL
What’s New About the Story
The story is somewhat original with the technology. The eDream allows you to be fully aware of your dreams during REM sleep. Then it allows you to connect with family and friends even those who are deceased. Outside of the technology, the story is similar to many others.
Lead Characters
The lead character is a strong female journalist who isn't afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what is right. Bob is a brilliant scientist who suffered from a horrible loss and throws himself into his work. Neither character is unique, but they are developed enough for the roles they play in the story.
Uniqueness of Story
This is a an average science fiction film. It is still entertaining for the mainstream audiences but does not bring anything new to the table. It could be improved by breaking the formula with the antagonist.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Network, TV Series - Cable, TV Series - Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
The story is well written and entertaining. It does not introduce new ideas but is solid compared to other similar stories.