Title: The City of Music
Story By: Arthur R. H. Wasem Sr.
Form Pages: Script (106)
Original Draft Date: 6/6/2018
Genre: Dramedy
Circa: Post Civil War
Characters: Lead 3, Supporting 9, BG 21
Scene Locations: (INT 30), (EXT 22)
SFX Low
Logline;
Based on a true story. Three African American girls go from the tobacco fields of Tennessee to an audience with the Queen of England. Using education and music to overcome racism, poverty and hatred.
Hook;
Even the most impossible dream can come true.
Synopsis
INSPIRATION
This is a story that needs to be told.
I became interested in this story in 2003. I had moved to Nashville and did a show for the Fisk Jubilee Singers. When I heard the story I am telling here I thought why don’t I know this. Then I found out it was a cultural thing, Every African-American in Nashville knew it. Outside of Nashville and in other cultures it was basically never told. I knew when I became a storyteller in Hollywood that it was a story I had to write. So I moved back to Nashville, rented a house in the area and wrote the story.
ABOUT MY PROJECT
I have a Dramedy in the vein of Roots meets Pitch Perfect. It is called The City of Music and it is about three African American girls that we follow from the tobacco fields of Tennessee to an audience with the Queen of England. Using education and music to overcome racism, poverty and hatred.
PLOT SUMMARY
The project continues to follow one girl that is a natural leader, one who distrusts everything and everybody, and one that troubles seems to follow as they explore a new world of education and freedom. Problems occur when after entering College they become part of a singing group that begins to travels around the country to raise money for the school. Now they must deal with racism overcome difficulties of travel in the 1800’s or face losing the bonds they have developed and their new found way of life.
WORLD
The movie takes place in the world of the South post Civil War. Here the Union Army is the most prevalent Government, they are shielded from racism in acts 1 and 2 because of segregation, living as slaves, moving to primary school, then to the first Negro college and as they find out the largeness of the world they grow into women to deal with the hated they face.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
My main characters are Dolly. a natural leader who wants to protect her friends from the dangers of life. Winnie, always doubtful and looks at the negative side of life, and Harrett the opposite of Winnie, happy and positive but attracts trouble constantly.
By the end of the movie They realize that they have a purpose and a future to make changes in the world.
Other characters include Eva their first teacher who teaches them that they are to dream, follow their dreams and ultamily achieve their dreams.
GW the choir director who believes in the power of music to change the world. Also believing that there is a power in in the Spirituals that were sung in the South.
The Lieutenant. Leader, strong, focused, he feel responsible for all wrongs his race has done and is attempting to right those wrongs.
And of course the Queen of England.
Over the course of the feature we’ll see that there is a world where people see each other as people not as races.
TALKING POINTS
This project is unlike any in its genre because of the focus on education, both financial and goal setting woven into the storyline.
The question you have to ask is Do you believe that a movie has the power to change the world?
Audiences will love these characters as the discover the universal theme of can I really do this? While ultimately doing it..
And they’ll particularly respond to the message that the United States was the first country in history that released its slaves. Within a few short years other countries around the world had followed its example. This film asks the question of, what it freedom came to the world by way of a group of college kids singing spirituals while raising funds for their education?
I see it as a one of the rare stories, that once seen, will never be forgotten. I believe it has the power to end violence, hatred, and poverty once and for all.
The project will particularly appeal to all diverse people. If will resonate particularly with the 14 - 40 because of it message of finance and goal setting and the large segment of the world that is looking for a way to have a better life.
My project could easily spin off into a number of sequels that follow the characters after they graduate from college creating new dreams to follow.
To do so, I’d follow the ensemble, expand the plot, create episodes and expand the world/
ABOUT MY CAREER
I’m a writer, producer, and musician specializing in adventure with a faith undercurrent. My style could be best described as familiar and “I never saw it that way before”. I draw inspiration from life experiences and looking outside of the box. My main goal is to make a living as a producer, writer, actor, and part of Hollywood. I also have an interest in monetizing new media like I have done in music. I’m excited to work in Hollywood because of the storytelling sensibilities and taste. As a writer, I believe I offer a unique approach, perspective, and voice.
© Copyright 2018 Arthur R. H. Wasem Sr.