On Behalf of Latitude 65
Logline
In the year 2209, a cataclysmic climate event called The Big Melt takes place. The only safe livable land is along the Arctic Circle, or LATITUDE 65. It is now 80 years later, and the rejuvenated democracy is under threat by one woman's quest for ultimate power.
Genre
Political,Sci-fi,Apocalyptic,Adventure,Epic,Drama
Short Summary
It is the spring after a long, sunless season known as Hibernation. We meet SAMSON SEES and his doctor wife, EVERLEE. We follow Samson through a few typical days in his life. Then, much like jury duty, he's called to serve as a councilman in the nation's governmental seat.
DARMA NIGHTWELL, the woman serving a term as minister of the council has set her plan in motion to rewrite the nation's charter and take over the entire country to run as she pleases. It's up to Samson and his long-lost brother to stop her.
Setting
While the story is set on the Arctic Circle, it resembles the redwood groves of Northern California or the Northwest United States in general. Portions also take place in desert or arid locales.
Based on a True Story
No
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Quest,Other
Plot - Other Elements
Philosophical Questions,Meaningful Message
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Samson Sees
Age: Early 30's
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Complex,Empathetic,Faithful,Gracious,Heroic,Insecure,Strong Moral Code,Visionary,Skillful,Patriotic,Religious,Masculine
Additional Character Details
Name: Darma Nightwell
Age: mid 30's
Gender: Female
Role: Antagonist
Key Traits: Villainous,Narcisstic,Charming,Aggressive,Badass,Complex,Sexy,Power Hungry,Outspoken,Skillful,Engaging,Decisive,Confident,Leader,Unapologetic,Seductive,Secretive,Blunt
Additional Character Details
Name: Jerimiah Sees
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Blunt,Skillful,Heroic,Visionary,Funny,Empathetic,Educated,Lone Wolf,Selfless,Crazy,Complex
Additional Character Details
Name: Dr. Everlee Morgan-Sees
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Role: protagonist
Key Traits: Decisive,Empathetic,Faithful,Gracious,Educated,Skillful,Obedient
Development Pitch
LATITUDE 65, as a trilogy, could be adapted as a premium cable or streaming television project. There will be enough material through the three books to furnish plot and action over five ten-episode seasons. This first book, ON BEHALF OF LATITUDE 65, is self-contained and could provide material for the first two seasons alone, with a clear and satisfying resolution. The book has many up-and-down beats and dozens of interesting dramatic scenes to carry the story forward. There are moments of emotional heft, but also several action segments with high stakes, light violence, or sexual situations. There is also political intrigue and dramatic reversals of fortune. The locales are both sumptuous (in the cities of LATITUDE 65) and also bleak and fraught with danger (in the so-called INHOSPITABLE ZONE to the south). There are futuristic gadgets, but all of the sci-fi elements are in service to the plot and not overwrought. There are moments of family fun as well. In the end, LATITUDE 65 delivers a strong message about the importance of protecting our environment before it's too late.
Genre
ACTION, DRAMA, POLITICS
Brief
Samson and his wife live in Latitude 65 above the arctic circle after global warming wipes out most habitable land in the world. An unassuming and law abiding citizen, he is called to jury duty an a council position. However he learns his true calling is to reunite with his long lost brother. Together they must take down the law that has become corrupt as the leader Minister Nightwell has her eyes set on becoming a permanent dictator.
Overall Rating
FAIR
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: EXCELLENT
Pace: GOOD
Premise: FAIR
Structure: GOOD
Theme: FAIR
Accuracy of Book Profile
The book profile does tend to describe the story although there is a bit more focus on a series rather than the first standalone book. Explaining why the story alone is marketable rather than as a trilogy and expanding on the unique themes and messages rather than the entertainment value could help more fully showcase the story.
Draw of Story
The idea that civilization is supposed to be confined to the now lush arctic but that people continue to combat global warming and totalitarianism government outside "civilization" is intriguing.
Possible Drawbacks
The language of the narrative and sometimes the focus of the subplots can detract from the progression of the main conflict. Quickening the pacing to include less introduction about the world building mundanity might be one structural suggestion for faster clarity of the main conflict. Global warming is more of a world building of setting rather than a plot point of the main conflict with Nightwell so establishing that earlier could help clarify the themes.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES HEAVILY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that people are surviving outside where they are supposed to have the Big Melt but also that humanity is dying and yet the leaders are still being greedy. A hallmark of science fiction in reflecting the present society with slightly futuristic but plausible scenarios and tech.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fan base with more of a refinement of objective, further development of ecology themes and quicker pacing.
Awards Potential
This is unlikely to have awards potential when focused on government due to its action genre, but could have some acting nominations depending on how far the series develops.
Envisioned Budget
LARGE BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
THE WALKING DEAD, THE 4400, MAZE RUNNER, WALL-E, ELYSIAN, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW
What’s New About the Story
The world building is fantastic but the focus on politics detracts from the messages about climate change. Greed plays a part but it is not the only takeaway in terms of theme.
Lead Characters
Samson is dependable and fair. Everlee is effervescent and smart. Jeremiah is rebellious and hearty. Nightwell is selfish and overly proper.
Uniqueness of Story
This has a lot of wonderful rare story building, but the pacing and characters could be a bit more refined.
Possible Formats
Film: Streaming, Indie, Studio TV Series: Streaming, Cable, Network
Analyst Recommendation
WORK IN PROGRESS
Justification
While the story has many positive points, it has room for improvement (see possible paths below). If you can't change the story at this point, my suggestion is using your notes as a guide to highlight the best aspects of it when taking the next steps, either putting a pitch page together, a treatment, or a presentation.
Tips for Improvement
Showing more transformations though inner conflicts will help make the characters feel more three dimensional. A faster introduction to the main conflict could also create more cohesive pacing and less confusing structure of showing normal aspects of life that do not always progress the main conflict.