THE GRIZZLY
Logline
In Grizzly country, an 11-year-old boy reunited on a weekend fishing trip with a father he fears, scarcely knows, and not seen for years. Their emotions and experiences collide as they work together to overcome their conflict and survive the Grizzly bears of Trapper’s Creek.
Genre
Action,Adventure,Drama,Family
Short Summary
When the father David scarcely knows, arrives to take him on a weekend fishing trip, the eleven-year-old David is unprepared. His parents had separated, and David fears that his, outdoorsman father will put him through test he cannot meet. But it's the wilderness that will be testing them both.
The weekend proves to be a turning point for both father and son. The intrusion of a giant mother grizzly, which chases David up into a tree, turns on Mark and injures him, eats their provisions, and finally puts their pickup truck out of commission. This forces David to take charge, and grow up.
Setting
Lakewood, Colorado and into the back country wilderness of Colorado.
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Other,Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age,Happy Ending,Meaningful Message
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: David
Age: 11
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Complex,Insecure,Underdog
Additional Character Details
Name: Mark
Age: 30
Gender: Male
Role: Mentor
Key Traits: Adventurous,Badass,Charming,Complex,Heroic,Honorable,Masculine,Skillful,Lone Wolf,Heartthrob,Romantic
Additional Character Details
Name: Jeanne
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Complex,Empathetic,Faithful,Gracious,Modest,Selfless,Romantic,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Jeanne
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Charming,Complex,Empathetic,Faithful,Gracious,Honorable,Modest,Selfless,Romantic
Development Pitch
The Grizzly is the coming of age story for a boy who's mother and father have separated for the last six years. When Mark, the father David scarcely knows takes him on a weekend fishing trip, the eleven-year-old David is forced to come to grip with memories from the past. His limited experience with fishing and the wilderness puts him in unexpected dangers. The weekend proves to be a turning point for both father and son. The intrusion of a giant mother grizzly, which chases David up into a tree, turns on Mark and injures him, eats their provisions, and finally puts their pickup truck out of commission. This forces David to take charge. But can he get himself and his injured father out of the forest in time? For this film, the cast is small, and use four locations saving in these areas of production. The cast includes the wife, husband, and son, with three to five supporting characters. Plus female grizzly and her two cubs and an old male grizzly, all will come alive through CG work. The Locations include the country home, a high mountain wilderness valley with a fishable stream running through it. Plus a roadside gas station and city hospital. Some natural bear habitat and fishable stream for second unit work will be necessary. A clean “G” rated production for all ages.
Genre
DRAMA
Brief
David is a young boy whose father, Mark, has left him at a young age to pursue a job. Mark eventually reunites with David years later and takes him on a weekend fishing trip to rekindle the relationship with his son. During the trip there is a struggle to make up for lost time due to the son and father's contrasting personalities. The two find common ground through a dangerous encounter with a Grizzly Bear which makes David mature into a young man Mark would be proud of, and Mark realizing the importance of having a good relationship with his son.
Overall Rating
FAIR
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: FAIR
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: FAIR
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: FAIR
Theme: FAIR
Accuracy of Book Profile
The script profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story is paced well to the point where the protagonist and his father are ready to embark on a fishing trip that will test their relationship in emotional ways and through physical and mental peril.
Possible Drawbacks
The story runs quite long at 137 pages, there is overuse of the flashback device and extensive voice-over of the protagonist that is off-putting.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
A son and his estranged father attempt to rekindle their relationship through a fishing trip that goes dangerously wrong. The premise has an interesting character dynamic that allows for tension to be built internally and externally in the story.
Fanbase Potential
If produced I can see this film garnering a niche to moderate fanbase. This is not a high-concept script, however, it has an interesting character dynamic that could help draw audiences into the story.
Awards Potential
If changes are made to the pacing, dialogue, and characterization of the two leads, I think this story has awards potential because it examines themes of fatherhood, courage, and masculinity in a way that fosters conversation about these subjects.
Envisioned Budget
LOW BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
FILMS SUCH AS "AFTER EARTH", "THE SHINING", AND "BIG FISH" ARE SIMILAR TO THIS STORY DUE TO THE THEMES ADDRESSED AND THE FATHER/SON DYNAMIC WITH THE LEAD CHARACTERS.
What’s New About the Story
Putting the lead characters in a primarily single location in the wilderness to hash out their issues is rather unique.
Lead Characters
Mark stands out in a bad way for being unnecessarily unlikable. I think Mark's personality can be toned down some and still achieve the same effect the author was striving for.
Uniqueness of Story
This is not quite a rare gem yet. Attention to the length/pacing, use of flashback/voice-over, and dialogue would go a long way in helping this story which already has a interesting premise stand out more.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Indie, Film - Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
If the author cuts a lot of unnecessary material and focuses on the core themes of the story, this can be a great story to adapt. It should be noted that the flaws in this story are very close to outweighing the pros and that special attention would be needed to help it reach its full potential.