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mood
I want to make films about the human condition,
what we're doing to the world and ourselves.
Ridley Scott
Nature is the miracle. There is so much we don't understand.
My films pay hommage to Nature's complexity.
James Cameron
The script has many strengths that could set it on path to incredible
success moving forward. A distinct vision for the film is evident on the page,
which makes the environment that Pris and Wade inhabit come to life in extraordinary ways. The script wonderfully allows the locations to reflect the moods and tones of the story in an unbelievable way, and the stunning visuals and cinematography will undoubtedly elevate the quality of the film on the screen. There's a lot of material to work with, from Wade's unique backstory involving his robotic limb to Pris' complicated relationship with Duke and the subsequent storyline involving M.A.C. The screenplay wonderfully weaves them all together convincingly and achieves a high level of cohesiveness that is often difficult to establish in this medium. The relationship between Duke and Wade and their unique history adds significant layers to their scenes, making their interactions some of the most riveting moments in the screenplay. Wade and Pris' connection beautifully anchors the script in authenticity. The script shows proficiency and mastery over dialogue, producing rich and distinctive voices that help
to make this a true ensemble narrative with heart.
Black List Reader (March '24)
ENGINE does a lot of things really well. To start with, it has a
great visual writing style. It’s specific and engaging. It feels like the script knows this world well and each word feels carefully chosen. Right from the beginning I really want to know more about this world. I’m intrigued and totally in on the mystery. In addition, the dialog is great. The script makes really good use of subtext. The action scenes are well written as well. Scene structure and pacing work together to create a strong visual and cinematic feel that make the reader “see” the scenes playing out before them. It’s so well written that I would like to see it also break new ground, thematically. But overall it’s an exciting and satisfying story
and the characters and dialog are sharp.
Nicholl Reader (Top 15% '23)
ENGINE is told with a rich sense of specificity, and the writer's voice
comes across as distinctive and is unquestionably drenched in the fabric of the narrative. The most striking element of the story is how the script excels in building an immersive setting, entrenching the audience in the world's intricate details, and fostering a strong connection between the narrative and the audience. In a story like this, the mood works when the visuals deliver at a high level, which the script does in striking ways while driving home the micro and macro stakes. The writing has a knack for set pieces, as there is plenty of adrenaline coursing through the veins, which makes this more commercially accessible. M.A.C. draws out the most intrigue, as the writing takes big swings at technology, identity, corporate greed and justice on a philosophical level while putting real effort into personalizing the journey through Wade and Pris. It all adds up to a well-told story that crescendos into a ferocious third act, paying off enough emotions accumulated throughout the story. The writer's passion for the story arena is visible on every page, and a
literary manager who handles sci-fi should champion the material.
Black List Reader (April '24)
Invent intruments that don't exist.
Invent sounds that don't exist.
- Don't let the machine control you.
Hans Zimmer