Robert C. Powers, Writer
Novels and Screenplays
SCREENPLAY
Menu (Click below)
Home Books Screenplays Commentary Contact
PITCH DECK (CLICK HERE TO VIEW PITCH DECK)
By Robert C. Powers
Genre: Historical Drama
103 pages
Logline:
In
the early 1600s, a Native American boy
must canoe to the eastern unknown horizon to become a Brave, finds
himself in a power struggle between tribal factions as the Chesapeake people
face war with their neighbors and the arrival of mysterious explorers from
across the sea. (Coverage: CONSIDER.
An engaging blend of historical drama and action-adventure; a terrific
job of building an immersive narrative world.)
Synopsis:
Chatagua,
a young Native American of the Chesapeake Nation is about to be of age to become
a Brave. His father, Benatagua (the
Werowance, War Leader), is worried that Chatagua is preoccupied with studying
the sea and its creatures. Alanoas, a young maiden, is attracted to Chatagua,
but another brave has “asked for her”. She wrestles with her decision, and as
she learns more about them, makes a choice.
Chatagua’s best friends are
Manatapak and Malapok, both several years older than he and about to become
Braves. They frolic on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean near Chesapeake Bay and
discover the figurehead of a lost ship.
It has the shape of a woman and they name her Nipikama [divine one].
Chatagua wonders what kind of People live to the east Where-Sun–is-Born
that could have a canoe big enough to hold Nipikami.
Maltakak, the Periku
[Medicine Man], father of Malapok, plots to overthrow Chesapian as Sachem
[Chief]. Chatagua rescues a dolphin from the surf, wounded by a shark, nurses it
back to health, fascinated to observe the creature up close, names him
“Calypo-Ma” [my dolphin friend]. He and Malapok clash over what to do with
Calypo-Ma –
Grand Sachem Powhatan
controls tribes in eastern Virginia and seeks to bring the Chesapeake under his
control. Powhatan’s brother, Opechanocok, leads the Wepeneooc against the
Chesapeake. The Chesapeake drive
them away and Chatagua distinguishes himself, though not yet a Brave. Benatagua
is mysteriously killed in the battle. Chesapian wants to make Chatagua a Brave,
but Chatagua declines; he’s promised Benatagua he will canoe to the unknown
horizon in an “act of courage” to become a brave. Chesapian approves, believes
such an act will prove the independence of the Chesapeake.
Chatagua builds a double
hull canoe with sails, names it “Seeker”.
Sets forth on his “Act of Courage” to find the People of Nipikama. Seeker
is damaged by a storm and Chatagua is attacked by sharks, saved by a pod of
dolphins. He salvages one hull from
Seeker, turns back. A tall gray fin follows him.
Gitsche Kakapa! The giant white shark makes several passes at him,
attacks.
As Chatagua battles Gitsche
Kakapa, three English ships approach; Discovery, Godspeed and Susan Constant.
Gitsche Kakapa crushes Seeker. Discovery comes alongside the sinking
canoe. Sailors with “Sticks-Make-Fire”
wound the shark. Nathan, a
Midshipman aboard Discovery, dives overboard, rescues Chatagua. Chatagua is in a
strange and alien new world. Cutlass, a Boatswain aboard Discovery, makes
trouble for Chatagua. Nathan defends
Chatagua.
Chatagua becomes a Brave.
The English replenish food and water. They get along with the Chesapeake until
Cutlass makes a move on Musiasas. Maltakak sets the English against the
Chesapeake, kills Chesapian. In a
dying command, Chesapian makes Chatagua Sachem. Maltakak declares himself
Sachem. Chatagua challenges Maltakak to a “Run of Death”; two Braves enter the
forest, only one comes out. Malapok accepts for his father. The Wepeneooc attack
again, setting up an exciting and emotional finale. How did the Chesapeake
“disappear”?
Locations:
Five (Native American Village, beacb, forest, boat, ship).
Characters:
Four Main, six Supporting, seventeen
minor plus “extras”
Coverage:
A story that can make a compelling tale and film. Strong plot. Cinematic. The
world crafted is realistic and authentic. There are themes about fear, courage,
and destiny. Native American
sacraments like “Run of Death” and “Act of Courage” are highly intriguing.
CONSIDER, Screenplay Readers
Written by
two-time optioned and prize-winning writer Robert C. Powers, The Unknown Horizon
is a classic story that will make a memorable film, a potential festival winner
with sequel potential. May we send the script?
Barbara Bitela
Silver Bitela Agency
916 412 1387
bbmovieagent@gmail.com