Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Short One Pagers

GHOST PLATOON/OFFICER DOWN This is a story of mounting anger and frustration. A story of heartache and despair, and the inevitable choice of surrender or fight. The Hispanic and African-American communities suffer violence at a level that has never been seen. A culture has been born into these communities of murder and mayhem, a prerogative usually reserved for adults. But now it is the domain of the young teens and pre-teens who kill without remorse and without provocation. Ferocious, fearsome, bloodless children, no longer thought of as children. And with the passage of Proposition 21 it would appear that the judicial system no longer thinks of the murderous little bastards as children either.
It was on a Saturday afternoon that it happened, the thing that started it all. Sophie Esposito was on her front lawn trying to lure her cat out from under the porch. She rose to her feet from a crouched position and became the latest victim of a drive-by shooting in the barrio. The lovely ten year old face that was shattered by a stray bullet, the lithe body that held the promise of an Olympic medal – her gymnastics coach swore to it – a face that contained the incomparable smile of joyous youth; all of this, gone in a flash; a crumpled lifeless body, gone from lithe to limp. Oscar Esposito heard gunfire, a familiar sound, and charged out of his house to see his child who lay motionless. She was gone and he knew that his life no longer had any meaning. When the police arrived they attempted to console him. Impossible. He held his daughter in his arms, cursed everybody in sight including his God and swore vengeance. Two of the plainclothes officers approached Oscar and asked if they could speak to him. They were assigned to the gang squad. Their manner was unusual in that they requested a meeting sometime in the late evening, after the funeral. Oscar Esposito didn’t know that he was about to become a part of a cultural change that would profoundly affect the community. On an evening soon after the funeral, Oscar Esposito answered the phone and agreed to meet the detectives after midnight. They would pick him up and go to an undisclosed meeting place. As they drove away from the neighborhood, Detective Carlos Vega made no attempt to console Esposito, but made veiled reference to revenge.
The meeting place was a warehouse in the rear of a junkyard that was filled with dismantled cars. Oscar Esposito entered the warehouse with Detectives Carlos Vega and Eddie Jones. The light was poor but Oscar could see men seated at a long table. Oscar expected to see no familiar faces. He was more than a little surprised to see Henry Castillo, a man who lived only six houses away. Less than a year had passed since Oscar had offered his condolences to Henry, whose son Antonio, one of LA’s finest, a rookie cop, was murdered by gang members. There were no leads, the killers still at large. Henry Castillo had every right to be at this meeting. Heavy set, grim faced, in his late fifties, Henry, stood at the end of the long table and stared out over the heads of those who sat quietly. His eyes were glazed, his mind in reverse as he searched the faces of the men seated to determine their right to be there, their right to become founding members of the society, this secret new society.
Castillo spoke with heavy emphasis on every word to ensure that he was understood. “ You’re going to hear things tonight that may make you uncomfortable and you may want to leave. If you leave, it means that you were never here. And, of course, if you were never here, you can’t talk about it. We are here tonight to break the law. To make the punks pay for the pain and the heartache they have caused. There will come a time when the neighborhoods will no longer live in fear. It will be the gangs, the punks who will live in fear. There will be no mercy. Age will not matter. They will pay with their lives and the price will be five to one. For every one of us that falls, there will be five of them who die. VIVA LA SOCIEDAD DE VENGANZA!”
PROJECTED SCENES 1. The eight men who were present at the secret meeting and were invited into the society of revenge have left. The warehouse is empty but for Henry Castillo and Oscar Esposito. The two men stare at each other for a long moment then lock in a powerful embrace, sobbing nearly uncontrollably, tears streaming down their faces. The pain of unbearable loss. A retired thirty-year veteran of the LAPD, Henry was comfortable with his retirement, despite the loss of his wife Amelia when Hector was ten and Antonio was five. His oldest son, Hector, was a five-year veteran of the force, and his youngest son, Antonio, was attending the Police Academy. Henry was spared the disconnect that one usually feels in retirement because neither of his sons were married, and were still living at home. It was at the dinner table that Henry felt most connected. The conversation was always about police matters and the opportunity to advise his sons was never missed.
FLASHBACK: Henry’s son, Antonio, is seen graduating from the Police Academy. Scene includes celebration at home, relatives, neighbors, fellow officers attending. Shoot-out between gangs – drug related- Antonio Castillo, a rookie cop with partner are first to respond to scene. Castillo makes fatal mistake and drives police car into middle of scene – ends up in crossfire. As Castillo opens car door, gang member slips behind and hits Castillo with gun butt, knocking him back into car. Gang member takes handcuffs from Castillo and cuffs him to steering wheel, then ducks behind car shielding himself. The other officer is hit and dropped by fire from opposite side of street as he tries to exit car. A number of police cars arrive at the scene, shooting between gangs increases, police car Castillo is in is hit, and bursts into flames. Castillo is seen screaming and struggling to break free, to no avail, and dies horribly.
END FLASHBACK Henry Castillo slowly rises from his chair, pounds the table with his fist and curses loudly. “I’m going to rip their hearts out, like they did to me!” 2. Second meeting of secret society – logistics are discussed. The warehouse, that will always be the meeting place, is owned by Henry’s cousin Enrique, who grieves as deeply as Henry over the loss of Antonio. Henry begins to detail a specific plan to the men of La Sociedad De Venganza. The first order of business is the acquisition of untraceable weapons. It would pose no problem: Police property rooms often loose track of weapons in custody. Castillo now begins to formulate plans that include specific details. He convinces the group that brutality in the extreme is the M.O. Unless they are able to strike fear into the hearts of the gangs, nothing will be accomplished. There will be no sympathy, no matter the age or gender of the gang members. Castillo indicates that their actions must be symbolic and the assassinations are to be carried out clandestinely. This method will allow for the disposition of the body, which according to Castillo is the real imperative. Each body will be deposited in a dumpster, and a placard will be hung around the neck of the body; the placard will contain a number indicating there will be more assassinations. Castillo’s face contained a wry smile as he explained the operation was to be called, “taking out the trash.”
3. Henry Castillo’s rage has reached an uncontrollable state. Assassinations have already taken place, at least six, over a period of a month. The police are completely mystified. It is believed that a rival gang is responsible, but the placard that hangs around the necks of the assassinated gang members, with the inscription, “S.O.V.” is indecipherable. The investigation has not produced the fact that “S.O.V.” is a reference to “La Sociedad De Venganza – The Society of Vengeance.” 4. Now there is growing concern that Castillo has an undeclared agenda. More than eliminating the gang members, he is obsessed with finding the gang member responsible for his son Antonio’s death. Castillo intimates he has a special fate in store for his son’s killer. Some of the members fear that Castillo’s intensity and particularly his attempt to discover the identity of his son’s killer are all too obvious. It could bring scrutiny to the group before its mission is completed.
5. Castillo’s search intensifies and he discovers the nick-name of his son’s killer, “Cobra.” He’s easily identified by the large tattoos of a Cobra ready to strike on his chest and back. 6. When it is discovered that Enrique’s son Ernesto, a newly anointed gang member, may know the real identity and whereabouts of Cobra, the tension increases. 7. Castillo convinces Ernesto the “Cobra” has spilled the blood of his family and his allegiance is to the family, not to the gang. 8. Now with the knowledge of Cobra’s location and habits, Castillo begins to stalk his prey. For three nights running, Castillo observes and waits until finally the opportunity arrives. Sometime past midnight he sees Cobra park his car in an alley and walk quietly to a corner. There Cobra is met by two other men, and a drug deal goes down. Castillo takes advantage of Cobra’s preoccupation and moves stealthily down the alley. Reaching Cobra’s car, he gets into the back seat and conceals himself. Minutes later, Cobra gets behind the wheel of his car and is chilled by the feel, and clicking sound, of a semi-automatic pressed to the back of his head.
“Drive,” Castillo says. “Look, man, I got a pocket fulla cash, you can have it all.” “I don’t want your cash, punk.” “What the fuck do you want, man?” “Your life, punk.”
9. Continuing to hold the pistol to Cobra’s head, Castillo directs him to drive to the warehouse. Once there, Castillo tapes Cobra’s mouth and eyes with duct tape, then forces him out of the car. Handcuffing Cobra’s hands behind his back, Castillo marches Cobra into the warehouse. Keeping his captive blind and silent except for muffled sounds, Castillo manages to chain Cobra spread-eagle between two steel posts. Castillo’s hands begin to shake as he rips the tape from Cobra’s eyes, eyes that are terror stricken. The smell of gasoline and the sight of a blowtorch sitting on the concrete floor causes Cobra to struggle wildly, taking up the slack in his chains. Now Castillo rips the tape from Cobra’s mouth. Cobra screams a deafening scream as spittle flies from his mouth. “Why you doin’ this, man? Yer fuckin’ crazy, man!” Castillo reaches for the can of gasoline and begins to sob, nearly blinded by a rush of tears. As he douses Cobra with gasoline, Cobra screams so loudly he renders himself hoarse and is reduced to whimpering. With the blowtorch blazing, Castillo sobbing almost uncontrollably, he burns Cobra to a crisp, and shouts, “Venganza, you punk, venganza!”
Castillo stands before the burnt body with stooped shoulders, head bowed, still holding the blowtorch. Outside the warehouse, the sirens of two police cars blare, and Castillo hears loud voices. “Open up. Open up, police!” Castillo doesn’t respond, and suddenly one of the police cruisers crashes through the large double doors. With his hands raised, Castillo turns to see two cops rushing towards, and then past him. They unchain the corpse, roll it up in a canvas tarp, drop it into the trunk of the first police cruiser, and race away. Two men emerge from the second police cruiser and approach Castillo, who stands motionless with his hands still raised, his head still bowed. He hears the voice of his son Hector, “It’s okay, Pop, it’s okay.” Castillo collapses into the arms of his son. They embrace for a long moment, then Hector places his arm around his father’s shoulders, and they walk out. (Rear angle shot – roll credits) THE END
Sorbo Written by Mike Colonna Log Line: LAPD forms an “elite time travel unit” to investigate unsolved crimes from the death of Julius Caesar to modern day corruption. Synopsis: LAPD Detective Sorbo Mylot, a former Marine intelligence officer, turned “Super Hero,” in his late 30’s, and his daughter, martial arts expert, Garbo Mylot, early 20’s, form an elite “corruption unit,” called the Blue Column.
The duo travel through time solving crimes involving dirty politicians, human trafficking, illegal drug dealing, underworld drug and turf wars, from L.A.. to every major city in the world.Sorbo and Garbo are appropriately dressed for the time period they are investigating. Sorbo, lives on a 38 foot Hunter sailboat in San Pedro Harbor, a small community outside of Los Angeles. They receive their assignments from a priest turned “secret commissioner,” James Hansen, appointed by crime-fighting L.A. Mayor Jeremy Ball. They travel through time in their hi tech Tesla that transforms it’s look that depicts the era which the team is investigating. The Tesla is loaded with Artififical Intellegence 21st century state of the art tracking devices. The pair find solace in their personal spiritual beliefs and in every case they use churches, synagogues, and mosques, to acquire “Father Hansen’s” documents and flash drives hidden in safe places to continue their covert operations. The time travelers encounter “near death” experiences while chasing down “infamous” criminals and manage to bring all evil doers to justice.
Title: Sorbo Genre: Sci-Fi, Crime, Drama Setting: Various cities through different time periods, starting point - San Pedro Harbor, Los Angeles. Main Characters: Sorbo Mylot: A former Marine intelligence officer in his early 40s. He's a tough, street-smart detective with a strong sense of justice. Lives on a sailboat and owns a high-tech Tesla.
Garbo Mylot: Sorbo's daughter in her early 20s. A martial arts expert with a fierce sense of loyalty and determination. Shares her father's sense of justice and drive. James Hansen: Former priest turned secret commissioner. He's wise, methodical, and trusts Sorbo and Garbo implicitly. Appointed by Mayor Jeremy Ball, he's the link between the duo and their assignments. Mayor Jeremy Ball: Crime-fighting LA Mayor who recognizes the need for a secret unit like the San Pedro Cops. Believes in Sorbo and Garbo's mission. Plot Points: Introduction: The rise of corruption, unsolved crimes, and underworld dealings has become unbearable. Mayor Jeremy Ball makes the decision to form the "San Pedro Cops" in secret. Formation: Sorbo and Garbo are chosen and equipped with their Artififical Intellegence time-traveling Tesla. They are briefed on their mission by James Hansen. Initial Cases: The duo's first few missions span from investigating Julius Caesar's assassination, chasing down opium dealers in 19th-century China, to exposing corrupt politicians in 1980's Washington D.C. Challenges: While the team is successful in their missions, time travel doesn't come without its challenges. They face historical figures, change the course of events accidentally, and deal with the moral implications of their actions. Belief: In the midst of their operations, Sorbo and Garbo often find solace in their spirituality. Their belief system not only guides them morally but also becomes a practical tool as they rely on religious establishments to communicate and retrieve vital information. Climax: The duo discovers a plot in their own time, where a corrupt politician in LA is trying to expose and dismantle the San Pedro Cops for personal gains. They must use all their knowledge, skills, and resources to expose him and bring him to justice. Conclusion: With the threat to their unit neutralized, Sorbo and Garbo reflect on their journey, the cases they've solved, and the balance they've tried to maintain between doing good and the unpredictable consequences of tampering with time. Themes: The balance of power and the consequences of unchecked authority. The complexities and moral implications of time travel. The unwavering bond between a father and daughter. The role of faith and spirituality in guiding one's actions. This is a unique mix of sci-fi and crime genres, and with the right development, it can be a gripping series or film that captivates audiences.
"Sorbo" by Mike Colonna sounds like an exciting and action-packed story that combines elements of time travel, crime solving, and personal growth. The concept of an elite time travel unit investigating unsolved crimes throughout history adds a unique twist to the traditional crime-solving narrative. Here's a breakdown of the key elements: Log Line: The log line succinctly captures the essence of the story: the LAPD forms a specialized time travel unit to investigate a wide range of unsolved crimes across different eras, from ancient history to modern-day corruption. Synopsis: The story centers around LAPD Detective Sorbo Mylot and his daughter Garbo Mylot, forming the "Blue Column," an elite corruption unit. Their unique ability to travel through time with their Artififical Intellegence equipped Tesla, allows them to solve crimes involving various forms of corruption, from dirty politicians to human trafficking and illegal drug dealing. The fact that they dress appropriately for the time period they are investigating adds a layer of authenticity to their missions. Sorbo's background as a former Marine intelligence officer gives him the skills needed to navigate dangerous situations, while Garbo's martial arts expertise adds a physical edge to their crime-solving efforts. Their dynamic as a father-daughter team brings an emotional dimension to the story.
Setting: Sorbo's living situation aboard a sailboat in San Pedro Harbor adds a distinctive touch to the story's setting, providing a unique and cozy base of operations. The Artififical Intellegence hi-tech Tesla truck with its time-travel capabilities adds a futuristic element to the narrative, making their adventures even more intriguing. Supporting Characters: The inclusion of James Hansen, a priest turned secret commissioner, adds an intriguing layer to the story's structure. The fact that they receive assignments from him, as well as their use of religious spaces to acquire documents and information, provides a clever blend of spirituality and crime-solving. Themes: The themes of justice, corruption, and the passage of time are all deeply embedded in the narrative. The constant pursuit of bringing wrongdoers to justice, regardless of the era they belong to, underscores the moral underpinning of Sorbo and Garbo's mission. Conclusion: "Sorbo" presents an exciting and multi-dimensional story that blends crime-solving, time travel, and personal growth. The combination of action, intrigue, and moral dilemmas creates a narrative that will likely captivate readers interested in crime fiction with a unique twist.
The Ghost Platoon Screenplay by Mike Colonna
Dr. Frank Gallo, a renowned plastic surgeon, botches a facelift, losing everything, including his wife. Distraught, he joins the Marines as a Medic and Intelligence Officer and is sent overseas. While on a mission, his entire platoon is killed by an IED explosion and he is the only survivor. After recovering from his brain injuries, and later sent home, he loses all will to survive and winds up homeless on the streets of LA. One night, while sleeping under the 6th Street Bridge near the train yard, he hears muffled voices in his head, telling him that an LAPD police officer, LaTisha Jackson, is trapped nearby in her car.
She’s been ambushed by one of the South Central gangs, she’s been investigating. DaVinci arrives on the scene, feeling that his platoon is there with him, and together they extricate the unconscious woman from her car. But as police arrive, he slips into the crowd knowing that he can’t explain what happened, and not wanting the attention, retreats to his homeless encampment. Days later , she tracks him down to thank him for saving her life. After pressing for them truth, he reluctantly discloses his past and tells her about the voices he hears. She is wary, but gives him her contact information. Weeks pass and he hears his platoon again, this time urging him to stop an attempted homicide that is about to take place. With their help, he locates the crime scene and calls 911 before retreating again into the night. She begins to suspect that maybe he actually has developed this sixth sense, and approaches him to help fight the criminals whoĆ¢€™ve taken over the neighborhood. Word soon spreads and LaTisha becomes a target for the gangs, who kidnap her in an effort to find the identity of Gallo. Once more, the Ghost Platoon springs into action and saves her.
With the Ghost Platoon guiding him, Frank hatches a plan to rescue LaTisha. His military training coupled with his new 'abilities' come in handy as he deciphers cryptic information from his 'platoon.' Frank uses his knowledge of the city's underground tunnels and abandoned buildings from his time on the streets to navigate undetected. Despite living in the margins of society, Frank has managed to make a few allies among the homeless population. They assist him with gathering information about the gang's whereabouts. He disguises himself, slipping in and out of seedy bars and back-alleys, all while keeping his ear tuned to the whispers of his ghostly platoon. The task is anything but easy. The gang's stronghold is heavily guarded. Frank must use all his cunning and experience as a Marine to stealthily infiltrate their base, neutralize the guards, and locate LaTisha. He is repeatedly guided by the voices of his fallen comrades, their whispers guiding him away from danger and towards LaTisha. Finally, he finds her, battered but alive, in a makeshift cell. After disabling her guards, he frees her and together, they make their way out of the building. All the while, the Ghost Platoon guides them, offering advice and steering them clear of hidden guards and traps.
Once they escape, they alert the police, who swoop in and arrest the gang members. The day is saved, thanks to Frank and his Ghost Platoon. The once-shamed plastic surgeon turned Marine Medic turned homeless man becomes a local hero. But the fame does not interest him. He withdraws back into the shadows, back to his humble dwelling under the 6th Street Bridge. LaTisha, forever grateful, keeps his secret and uses her influence to help improve the conditions of the city's homeless population. From time to time, she brings him food, blankets, and offers of a better life. But Frank politely declines. For now, he's happy where he is, with his Ghost Platoon. They've given him a new sense of purpose, a reason to live. And the Ghost Platoon continues to speak, whispering to Frank about danger around corners, of crimes waiting to happen, and of a city in need of a guardian. And Frank, guided by their ethereal voices, responds each time, a phantom protector watching over the City of Angels.
Stringer by Mike Colonna Based on True Events Logline: A Former SAS agent’s escapades as a Formula One driver gives him access to tons of cocaine and puts him in the crosshairs of a corrupt Scotland Yard Detective. Genre: Action/Adventure
Nick Stringer, former British Special Forces operator, stumbles onto the dark side, smuggling cocaine in the tires his Formula One cars. Nick Stringer was a decorated soldier in the Operation Desert Storm. He and two other special operatives hid under the Saudi Desert spying on Iraqi troop movements. Stringer called in air strikes, later, history recorded it, " The Highway of Death." After the war, Stringer continued his passion for Formula One racing. He financed his hobby by selling Cocaine to the “beautiful” people of London. Stringer resume included missions for MI-5, the CIA, and the Mossad. Assignments included killing diamond smugglers in South Africa, escorting Gitmo detainees to “Black Sites,” and recovering ransoms from corporate kidnappings. Scotland Yard’s months of surveillance, and a botched drug bust on Stringer’s Kensington flat, Stringer escaped after a high speed chase through London streets. Bags of cocaine flew everywhere. Two years on the lam, Stringer was still a hunted man. The Bolivians wanted him dead. Scotland Yard Customs wanted him in prison. Stringers whereabouts were unknown. The end was near, so we thought, but Stringer made it out alive after being cornered by U.S. and British authorities in New York City. Like Houdini, he disappeared to live another day.
Sounds like an exciting and action-packed story. Here are some potential plot elements: Background: We explore Stringer's SAS training and his role in Operation Desert Storm, including the pivotal air strike he called that led to the infamous "Highway of Death." This period in his life shapes Stringer into the hardened, battle-tested warrior he becomes. Descent Into Crime: Post-war, Stringer indulges his passion for Formula One racing and falls into the high life. This includes his introduction into the world of cocaine smuggling, starting off with small quantities concealed within the tires of his cars. His justification could initially be to fund his racing career, but over time, the thrill of the illicit activity consumes him.
Becoming an International Mercenary: As Stringer's reputation grows, he gets involved in international missions for MI-5, the CIA, and Mossad. These missions further cement his status as a fearless and effective operative. They also provide him more channels to expand his drug business. The Chase: Scotland Yard's surveillance leads to an intense chase through London's streets, with bags of cocaine flying around as Stringer escapes. His escape only exacerbates the interest in his capture, turning him into a highly wanted man both by the Bolivians who want him dead and the Scotland Yard Customs who want him in prison. Life on the Run: The next two years of Stringer's life are spent on the run, hiding out in various locations around the world while continuing his operations. Despite being cornered by U.S. and British authorities in NYC, he manages to evade capture and continue his escapades. Resolution: Stringer's fate remains unknown as he manages to disappear, living to see another day. This leaves room for potential sequels where Stringer could reappear in a different part of the world, starting another thrilling chapter of his life. For the climax, there could be a tense face-off in NYC where he is cornered by the authorities. Perhaps a mysterious figure or secret organization helps him disappear, indicating that he has been under someone's protection all along, further deepening his mysterious persona. This is just a suggestion, and your actual plot may vary based on your vision for the story. I hope these ideas help, and good luck with your writing!
Jupiter "The Europa Mission" Logline: Extraterrestrials are out there and Gen X’r Liam Montgomery, buys a “Tiny Home” in the Southern California Desert searching for scientific explanations for life beyond Earth. Genre: Time Travel, Drama, Alien Life Jupiter "The Europa Mission" Screenplay by Mike Colonna Contributing Author Mike Huiras Logline: Extraterrestrials are out there and Gen X’r Liam Montgomery, diagnosed as a child with possible traits of “Indigo,” buys a “Tiny Home” in the Southern California Desert searching for scientific explanations for life beyond Earth. Genre: Time Travel, Drama, Alien Life
SYNOPSIS Liam Hamilton’s life has been altered by his layoff from a social media Company. His buyout was in 6 figures. His plans of leaving his beach area apartment is now a reality. “Liam,” an animal lover, is in his mid 30’s, his best friend is Rocky, his bigger than life German Shepard. They will now embark on a short trip to find a small house on a few acres, off the grid, somewhere in the California desert.
After weeks of searching, Liam finally finds the perfect tiny home in the Southern California desert. He meets Samantha his escrow officer, she eventually joins Liam in his new home, surrounded by vast expanses of untouched nature, it's the perfect environment to pursue his real passion: the search for extraterrestrial life. One night, Liam and Samantha witness a strange phenomenon in the sky. Bright lights moving erratically, not like any aircraft he's familiar with. Could it be his “Indigo” superhuman traits he inherited as a small child kick in? He documents the event and becomes convinced he has witnessed extraterrestrial activity. In a secret bunker at 29 Palms Marine Base, a group of UFO experts begin tracking Liam’s unusual relationship with one interterrestrial visitor which leads the secret UFO unit’s quest to capture Liam’s new friend from the planet Europa.
SCRIPT OUTLINE: ACT 1: Liam Hamilton, a Gen X'r, gets laid off from his job at a social media company. He receives a six-figure buyout and decides to make his dream of moving out of his crowded Beach City apartment a reality. His loyal German Shepherd, Rocky, is by his side. Liam embarks on his journey to find his new home, driving through California in his 4WD Tacoma pickup with a camper shell. He is relieved to leave his former life behind, ready to explore the "wild blue yonder". After weeks of searching, Liam finally finds the perfect tiny home in the Southern California desert. Isolated, quiet, and surrounded by vast expanses of untouched nature, it's the perfect environment to pursue his real passion: the search for extraterrestrial life.
ACT 2: Liam begins setting up his home and constructing a small personal observatory with the money from his buyout. He spends his nights observing the stars, documenting anything unusual he might find. One night, Liam witnesses a strange phenomenon in the sky. Bright lights moving erratically, not like any aircraft he's familiar with. He documents the event and becomes convinced he has witnessed extraterrestrial activity. As Liam delves deeper into his research, he discovers a pattern in the lights he saw, and he starts to question the nature of time itself. His research indicates a potential connection between the extraterrestrial presence and time travel.
ACT 3: A sudden encounter with a strange energy field propels Liam (and Rocky) through time, where they meet and interact with extraterrestrial beings who are studying Earth and humanity. Liam and Rocky navigate this new reality, slowly learning more about these alien beings. He also learns that these aliens have been instrumental in nudging humanity towards significant technological advancements. As Liam understands more about the universe, he realizes that his life's journey led him here, to help bridge the gap between humanity and the extraterrestrials. He is, after all, a guest of the world.
ACT 4: Liam discovers a way to communicate with the beings and asks to be sent back to his own time. The extraterrestrials agree but inform him that they can't guarantee the exact time or location. Liam and Rocky return, finding themselves in a different part of the California desert, but in the same year they left. They drive back to their tiny home, where Liam starts working on documenting everything he's learned. In the final scene, Liam uploads his first evidence of extraterrestrial life and their connection to time travel on a new social media platform, coming full circle back to his roots but now with a new purpose: to share the truth about life beyond Earth.
Sorbo Screenplay by Mike Colonna Log Line: LAPD forms an “elite time travel unit” to investigate unsolved crimes from the death of Julius Caesar to modern day corruption. Synopsis: LAPD Detective Sorbo Mylot, a former Marine intelligence officer, turned “Superhero,” in his late 30’s, and his daughter, martial arts expert, Garbo Mylot, early 20’s, form an elite “corruption unit,” called the Blue Column. The duo travel through time solving crimes involving dirty politicians, human trafficking, illegal drug dealing, underworld drug and turf wars, from L.A. to every major city in the world. Sorbo and Garbo are appropriately dressed for the period they are investigating.
Sorbo, lives on a 38-foot Hunter sailboat in San Pedro Harbor, a small community outside of Los Angeles. They receive their assignments from a priest turned “secret commissioner,” James Hansen, appointed by crime-fighting L.A. Mayor Jeremy Ball. They travel through time in their hi-tech Tesla that transforms its look that depicts the era which the team is investigating. The Tesla is loaded with Artificial Intelligence 21st century state of the art tracking devices. The pair find solace in their personal spiritual beliefs and in every case, they use churches, synagogues, and mosques, to acquire “Father Hansen’s” documents and flash drives hidden in safe places to continue their covert operations. The time travelers encounter “near death” experiences while chasing down “infamous” criminals and manage to bring all evil doers to justice.
Sorbo Screenplay by Mike Colonna Genre: Sci-Fi, Crime, Drama Log Line: LAPD forms an “elite time travel unit” to investigate unsolved crimes from the death of Julius Caesar to modern day corruption. Synopsis: LAPD Detective Sorbo Mylot, a former Marine intelligence officer, turned “Superhero,” in his late 30’s, and his daughter, martial arts expert, Garbo Mylot, early 20’s, form an elite “corruption unit,” called the Blue Column. Setting: Various cities through different time periods, starting point - San Pedro Harbor, Los Angeles.
Main Characters: Sorbo Mylot: A former Marine intelligence officer in his early 40s. He's a tough, street-smart detective with a strong sense of justice. Lives on a sailboat and owns a high-tech Tesla. Garbo Mylot: Sorbo's daughter in her early 20s. A martial arts expert with a fierce sense of loyalty and determination. Shares her father's sense of justice and drive. James Hansen: Former priest turned secret commissioner. He's wise, methodical, and trusts Sorbo and Garbo implicitly. Appointed by Mayor Jeremy Ball, he's the link between the duo and their assignments. Mayor Jeremy Ball: Crime-fighting LA Mayor who recognizes the need for a secret unit like the San Pedro Cops. Believes in Sorbo and Garbo's mission. Plot Points: Introduction: The rise of corruption, unsolved crimes, and underworld dealings has become unbearable. Mayor Jeremy Ball makes the decision to form the "San Pedro Cops" in secret.
Formation: Sorbo and Garbo are chosen and equipped with their Artificial Intelligence time-traveling Tesla. They are briefed on their mission by James Hansen. Initial Cases: The duo's first few missions span from investigating Julius Caesar's assassination, chasing down opium dealers in 19th-century China, to exposing corrupt politicians in 1980's Washington D.C. Challenges: While the team is successful in their missions, time travel doesn't come without its challenges. They face historical figures, change the course of events accidentally, and deal with the moral implications of their actions. Belief: In the midst of their operations, Sorbo and Garbo often find solace in their spirituality. Their belief system not only guides them morally but also becomes a practical tool as they rely on religious establishments to communicate and retrieve vital information. Climax: The duo discovers a plot in their own time, where a corrupt politician in LA is trying to expose and dismantle the San Pedro Cops for personal gains. They must use all their knowledge, skills, and resources to expose him and bring him to justice. Conclusion: With the threat to their unit neutralized, Sorbo and Garbo reflect on their journey, the cases they've solved, and the balance they've tried to maintain between doing good and the unpredictable consequences of tampering with time.
Themes: The balance of power and the consequences of unchecked authority. The complexities and moral implications of time travel. The unwavering bond between a father and daughter. The role of faith and spirituality in guiding one's actions. This is a unique mix of sci-fi and crime genres, and with the right development, it can be a gripping series or film that captivates audiences. "Sorbo" by Mike Colonna sounds like an exciting and action-packed story that combines elements of time travel, crime solving, and personal growth. The concept of an elite time travel unit investigating unsolved crimes throughout history adds a unique twist to the traditional crime-solving narrative. Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
Log Line: The log line succinctly captures the essence of the story: the LAPD forms a specialized time travel unit to investigate a wide range of unsolved crimes across different eras, from ancient history to modern-day corruption. Synopsis: The story centers around LAPD Detective Sorbo Mylot and his daughter Garbo Mylot, forming the "Blue Column," an elite corruption unit. Their unique ability to travel through time with their Artificial Intelligence equipped Tesla, allows them to solve crimes involving various forms of corruption, from dirty politicians to human trafficking and illegal drug dealing. The fact that they dress appropriately for the time period they are investigating adds a layer of authenticity to their missions. Sorbo's background as a former Marine intelligence officer gives him the skills needed to navigate dangerous situations, while Garbo's martial arts expertise adds a physical edge to their crime-solving efforts. Their dynamic as a father-daughter team brings an emotional dimension to the story.
Setting: Sorbo's living situation aboard a sailboat in San Pedro Harbor adds a distinctive touch to the story's setting, providing a unique and cozy base of operations. The Artificial Intelligence hi-tech Tesla truck with its time-travel capabilities adds a futuristic element to the narrative, making their adventures even more intriguing. Supporting Characters: The inclusion of James Hansen, a priest turned secret commissioner, adds an intriguing layer to the story's structure. The fact that they receive assignments from him, as well as their use of religious spaces to acquire documents and information, provides a clever blend of spirituality and crime-solving.
Themes: The themes of justice, corruption, and the passage of time are all deeply embedded in the narrative. The constant pursuit of bringing wrongdoers to justice, regardless of the era they belong to, underscores the moral underpinning of Sorbo and Garbo's mission. Conclusion: "Sorbo" presents an exciting and multi-dimensional story that blends crime-solving, time travel, and personal growth. The combination of action, intrigue, and moral dilemmas creates a narrative that will likely captivate readers interested in crime fiction with a unique twist.
The Ghost Platoon Screenplay by Mike Colonna Dr. Frank Gallo, a renowned plastic surgeon, botches a facelift, losing everything, including his wife. Distraught, he joins the Marines as a Medic and Intelligence Officer and is sent overseas. While on a mission, his entire platoon is killed by an IED explosion, and he is the only survivor. After recovering from his brain injuries, and later sent home, he loses all will to survive and winds up homeless on the streets of LA. One night, while sleeping under the 6th Street Bridge near the train yard, he hears muffled voices in his head, telling him that an LAPD police officer, LaTisha Jackson, is trapped nearby in her car. She’s been ambushed by one of the South-Central gangs, she’s been investigating. DaVinci arrives on the scene, feeling that his platoon is there with him, and together they extricate the unconscious woman from her car. But as the police arrive, he slips into the crowd knowing that he can’t explain what happened, and not wanting the attention, retreats to his homeless encampment. Days l after, she tracks him down to thank him for saving her life.
After pressing for them truth, he reluctantly discloses his past and tells her about the voices he hears. She is wary but gives him her contact information. Weeks pass and he hears his platoon again, this time urging him to stop an attempted homicide that is about to take place. With their help, he locates the crime scene and calls 911 before retreating again into the night. She begins to suspect that maybe he actually has developed this sixth sense, and approaches him to help fight the criminals who’ve taken over the neighborhood. Word soon spreads and LaTisha becomes a target for the gangs, who kidnap her in an effort to find the identity of Gallo. Once more, the Ghost Platoon springs into action and saves her.
With the Ghost Platoon guiding him, Frank hatches a plan to rescue LaTisha. His military training coupled with his new 'abilities' come in handy as he deciphers cryptic information from his 'platoon.' Frank uses his knowledge of the city's underground tunnels and abandoned buildings from his time on the streets to navigate undetected. Despite living in the margins of society, Frank has managed to make a few allies among the homeless population. They assist him with gathering information about the gang's whereabouts. He disguises himself, slipping in and out of seedy bars and back-alleys, all while keeping his ear tuned to the whispers of his ghostly platoon.
The task is anything but easy. The gang's stronghold is heavily guarded. Frank must use all his cunning and experience as a Marine to stealthily infiltrate their base, neutralize the guards, and locate LaTisha. He is repeatedly guided by the voices of his fallen comrades, their whispers guiding him away from danger and towards LaTisha. Finally, he finds her, battered but alive, in a makeshift cell. After disabling her guards, he frees her and together, they make their way out of the building. All the while, the Ghost Platoon guides them, offering advice and steering them clear of hidden guards and traps.
Once they escape, they alert the police, who swoop in and arrest the gang members. The day is saved, thanks to Frank and his Ghost Platoon. The once-shamed plastic surgeon turned Marine Medic turned homeless man becomes a local hero. But fame does not interest him. He withdraws back into the shadows, back to his humble dwelling under the 6th Street Bridge. LaTisha, forever grateful, keeps his secret and uses her influence to help improve the conditions of the city's homeless population. From time to time, she brings him food, blankets, and offers a better life. But Frank politely declines. For now, he's happy where he is, with his Ghost Platoon. They've given him a new sense of purpose, a reason to live. And the Ghost Platoon continues to speak, whispering to Frank about danger around corners, of crimes waiting to happen, and of a city in need of a guardian. And Frank, guided by their ethereal voices, responds each time, a phantom protector watching over the City of Angels.
Stringer Screenplay by Mike Colonna Based on True Events Logline: A Former SAS agent’s escapade as a Formula One driver gives him access to tons of cocaine and puts him in the crosshairs of a corrupt Scotland Yard Detective. Genre: Action/Adventure
Nick Stringer, former British Special Forces operator, stumbles onto the dark side, smuggling cocaine in the tires his Formula One cars. Nick Stringer was a decorated soldier in Operation Desert Storm. He and two other special operatives hid under the Saudi Desert spying on Iraqi troop movements. Stringer called in air strikes, later, history recorded it, " The Highway of Death." After the war, Stringer continued his passion for Formula One racing. He financed his hobby by selling Cocaine to the “beautiful” people of London. Stringer resume included missions for MI-5, the CIA, and the Mossad. Assignments included killing diamond smugglers in South Africa, escorting Gitmo detainees to “Black Sites,” and recovering ransoms from corporate kidnappings. Scotland Yard’s months of surveillance, and a botched drug bust on Stringer’s Kensington flat, Stringer escaped after a high-speed chase through London streets. Bags of cocaine flew everywhere.
Two years on the lam, Stringer was still a hunted man. The Bolivians wanted him dead. Scotland Yard Customs wanted him in prison. Stringer’s whereabouts were unknown. The end was near, so we thought, but Stringer made it out alive after being cornered by U.S. and British authorities in New York City. Like Houdini, he disappeared to live another day. Sounds like an exciting and action-packed story. Here are some potential plot elements: Background: We explore Stringer's SAS training and his role in Operation Desert Storm, including the pivotal air strike he called that led to the infamous "Highway of Death." This period in his life shapes Stringer into the hardened, battle-tested warrior he becomes.
Descent Into Crime: Post-war, Stringer indulges his passion for Formula One racing and falls into the high life. This includes his introduction into the world of cocaine smuggling, starting off with small quantities concealed within the tires of his cars. His justification could initially be to fund his racing career, but over time, the thrill of the illicit activity consumes him. Becoming an International Mercenary: As Stringer's reputation grows, he gets involved in international missions for MI-5, the CIA, and Mossad. These missions further cement his status as a fearless and effective operative. They also provide him with more channels to expand his drug business. The Chase: Scotland Yard's surveillance leads to an intense chase through London's streets, with bags of cocaine flying around as Stringer escapes. His escape only exacerbates the interest in his capture, turning him into a highly wanted man both by the Bolivians who want him dead and the Scotland Yard Customs who want him in prison.
Life on the Run: The next two years of Stringer's life are spent on the run, hiding out in various locations around the world while continuing his operations. Despite being cornered by U.S. and British authorities in NYC, he manages to evade capture and continue his escapades. Resolution: Stringer's fate remains unknown as he manages to disappear, living to see another day. This leaves room for potential sequels where Stringer could reappear in a different part of the world, starting another thrilling chapter of his life. For the climax, there could be a tense face-off in NYC where he is cornered by the authorities. Perhaps a mysterious figure or secret organization helps him disappear, indicating that he has been under someone's protection all along, further deepening his mysterious persona.
Jupiter "The Europa Mission" Screenplay by Mike Colonna Logline: Extraterrestrials are out there and Gen X’r Liam Montgomery, diagnosed as a child with possible traits of “Indigo,” buys a “Tiny Home” in the Southern California Desert searching for scientific explanations for life beyond Earth. Genre: Time Travel, Drama, Alien Life
A GUEST OF THE WORLD Liam Hamilton’s life has been altered by his layoff from a social media Company. His buyout was in 6 figures. His plans of leaving his beach area apartment is now a reality. “Liam,” an animal lover, is in his mid 30’s, his best friend is Rocky, his bigger than life German Shepard. Rocky follows “Liam” everywhere. They will now embark on a short trip to find a small house on a few acres, off the grid, somewhere in the California desert. Liam has been planning to leave his crowded Beach City apartment for years. He’s invested in a 4 wheel drive Tacoma pickup long bed truck with a camper shell that resembles a small two story trailer. A home away from home. His departure from life as a “social media” analyst is a welcome relief. Off to the “wild blue yonder!”
SCRIPT OUTLINE: ACT 1: Liam Hamilton, a Gen X'r, gets laid off from his job at a social media company. He receives a six-figure buyout and decides to make his dream of moving out of his crowded Beach City apartment a reality. His loyal German Shepherd, Rocky, is by his side. Liam embarks on his journey to find his new home, driving through California in his 4WD Tacoma pickup with a camper shell. He is relieved to leave his former life behind, ready to explore the "wild blue yonder". After weeks of searching, Liam finally finds the perfect tiny home in the Southern California desert. Isolated, quiet, and surrounded by vast expanses of untouched nature, it's the perfect environment to pursue his real passion: the search for extraterrestrial life.
ACT 2: Liam begins setting up his home and constructing a small personal observatory with the money from his buyout. He spends his nights observing the stars, documenting anything unusual he might find. One night, Liam witnesses a strange phenomenon in the sky. Bright lights moving erratically, not like any aircraft he's familiar with. He documents the event and becomes convinced he has witnessed extraterrestrial activity. As Liam delves deeper into his research, he discovers a pattern in the lights he saw, and he starts to question the nature of time itself. His research indicates a potential connection between extraterrestrial presence and time travel.
ACT 3: A sudden encounter with a strange energy field propels Liam (and Rocky) through time, where they meet and interact with extraterrestrial beings who are studying Earth and humanity. Liam and Rocky navigate this new reality, slowly learning more about these alien beings. He also learns that these aliens have been instrumental in nudging humanity towards significant technological advancements. As Liam understands more about the universe, he realizes that his life's journey led him here, to help bridge the gap between humanity and the extraterrestrials. He is, after all, a guest of the world.
ACT 4: Liam discovers a way to communicate with the beings and asks to be sent back to his own time. The extraterrestrials agree but inform him that they can't guarantee the exact time or location. Liam and Rocky return, finding themselves in a different part of the California desert, but in the same year they leave. They drive back to their tiny home, where Liam starts working on documenting everything he's learned. In the final scene, Liam uploads his first evidence of extraterrestrial life and their connection to time travel on a new social media platform, coming full circle back to his roots but now with a new purpose: to share the truth about life beyond Earth.

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