When you’re a born creative with emotion and purpose that fills an ocean, everything is possible!
“The Deal Closer” follows the journey of steely eyed investment banker Katherine Gilbert, from the heyday of 80’s Wall Street to the hills of Laurel Canyon and the wildly decadent Rock&Roll scene on the Sunset Strip. Katherine’s collision course with rocker Billy Desario, effused in love and business, and complete dedication to the music pure and simple, will fill the audience with rich and storied culture. But it’s Katherine’s journey coming to terms with the sudden murder of her estranged mother, who was also her business partner, and the person she has become in pursuit of career success, that will propel you forward in this fast moving and inspiring story of ambition, love, and betrayal.
I can’t wait for you to meet my characters!
Elegant queen of finance, don’t mess with her she knows her stuff, I give you Fallon Montgomery, Katherine Gilbert’s “Wall Street is not welcome on the Sunset Strip” mother. Not with us long, Fallon does make a formidable impression out of the gate, and her legacy will be felt until the end credits roll.
Meet Robert Tyler, wise and charming investment banker, can tame the most wicked of beasts, always intrigued by Fallon Montgomery. But it’s Robert’s role as mentor, protector, and champion of our complex protagonist Katherine Gilbert, that reminds us why we care so much about our heroine.
Detective Walsh is the quintessential NYPD homicide detective who’s seen it all. The driving force who we quickly ascertain will get the job done, perplexed and moved by the cold and hardened daughter he sees in Katherine, stays the course right through to the climax scene which will blow you away!
Of course it wouldn’t be a Rock&Roll movie without the band. Meet Frankie Nickels, The Warriors cool, hot, has his shit together, lead guitarist. Beyond laying down epic riffs on the electric guitar, in lock step with badass frontman and songwriting partner Billy Desario, Frankie’s commitment to the band is a strong running current that sees this story through to its provocative finale.
The songs! Without the songwriter there is no song. Without the song there is no music. The Warriors first big anthem “Candy Apple Nights”, will definitely bring the audience to its knees. But it’s epic ballad “Marigolds In The Snow”, an ode to Billy’s big brother Nick, that tears at the fabric of this fierce and passionate Sunset Strip band, that must hit hard to deliver the record deal of the decade Katherine is determined to close.
Writing a screenplay is like climbing a mountain blindfolded. You have no idea you’re inches away from walking off a cliff, while at the same time you may have just triggered a landslide that’s about to come crashing down upon you. But the really hard part about writing a screenplay is actually finding that mountain!
Huge thank you to my Screenwriter Warriors Zoom tribe Margaret, Deborah, Suzanne, Rachel, and Amy! The feature film screenplay only takes flight with recurring, thoughtful, insightful feedback from badass creatives determined to close the deal!
Our tribe was born from the selfless, brilliant, and most nurturing Relationship Driven Screenwriting instructor Michael Weiss, whose feature film Writer credits include Warner Brother’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” that grossed $244 million worldwide. Michael’s commitment to his students stands tall, particularly as he currently has two scripts in production and development with Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures.
It all started on a solid foundation of feature film writing structure I learned from veteran filmmaker Matthew Harrison. A Feature Film Director in the Director’s Guild who hails from the lower east side of Manhattan, Matt’s enduring relationship with the brilliant Marty Scorsese, who executive produced his third feature and original screenplay “Kicked in the Head”, is a tremendous asset to his students. Matt brings that high level of experienced perspective while also keeping us informed of current trends.
My UCLA Extension screenwriting instruction rounded out with the very thoughtful, entertaining, and instructive Leon Martell, MFA. Leon, a two time Ovation Award winner, who has directed productions at Carnegie Hall, and whose work is performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Hollywood Bowl, is simply brilliant in helping his students dig deep to bubble up honesty and intimacy with our beloved characters.
I’d like to take you out this time with a sneak peek from the first half of Act II, followed by some brilliant screenwriter humor. Enjoy!
“The Dealer Closer” Excerpt
Katherine stands up and throws her napkin into the garbage pail. Score!
KATHERINE
It’s all under control. When have I ever failed?
ROBERT
You don’t have to prove anything. She was always impressed. She just wanted more for you.
KATHERINE
Alright we’re not having this conversation.
ROBERT
Hands down she was one of the best in the business. But she gave up the joyous side of her, to achieve that.
KATHERINE
Well that’s one way of putting it.
ROBERT
It’s not too late for you. You saw it and did something about it. Your passion for music is game changing. It saved you.
Robert reaches into his sports jacket pocket and pulls out a ticket, slides it across the countertop to Katherine.
ROBERT
I could only get one. It’s completely sold out. I’m told everyone in your world will be there.
Stay tuned folks!
Screenwriter Humor
