“If it’s a great story, it’ll make it to the screen.” Much can be said about the fortunes of the powerful Hollywood elite. You know, the deal makers. As a fledgling feature film screenwriter and producer, who rocketed out of my chair in Jeanette Milio’s “Entertainment Financing: From First $ To Distribution Of Profit” course, and whose screenwriting craft has been ably developed by the creative brilliance and dedication of Matthew Harrison, Leon Martell, and Michael Weiss, I’ve learned first-hand just how hard the task is, even for those with finance and writing prowess.
But when you’re a born creative, with emotion and purpose that fills an ocean, everything is possible! Perhaps this explains why, two years later, I’m still binge watching one of the finest pieces of scripted drama in American television history, “Queen Of The South” (QOTS). Epic cinematic history I will never forget! If my story “The Deal Closer” makes it to the big screen, and it will, the screenwriting and story development mastery of showrunners Benjamin Lobato and Dailyn Rodriguez, and the QOTS writers will figure prominently in my motivation!
While the details are different, born out of circumstance of life, the two stories follow a similar path. A naive yet strategic and highly competitive female mind, drawn to risk and danger, makes her way from innocent youth to powerful industry leader. The journey is complex and tragic, a wild ride filled with danger and delicious passion in iconic settings of culture, that ultimately leads the heroine to confront the adult persona that holds her captive.
I’ll be honest. While the immensely talented and charismatic Peter Gadiot brought me into the “Queen Of The South” series, it was Alice Braga’s powerful portrayal of Teresa Mendoza, that grabbed me hook line and sinker! An accomplished feature film actress whose IMDB credits span productions from her native Brazil, to sought after roles in Hollywood, Alice Braga brings this compelling character to life in her first television series! A young girl from the drug running streets of Culiacan, the capital city of Sinaloa, Mexico, whose trajectory to “Jefa” of the largest drug cartel in the western hemisphere, to eventual escape and betterment of purpose, will captivate the human spirit! Based on the international best seller “La Reina del Sur” by Arturo Perez-Reverte, in this five season television series, Alice Braga has delivered one of the most engaging and dramatic character arcs in American TV history. Salud!
A remarkable cast that transcends geography and experience, completes this first-rate show running package. Hemky Madera as Teresa’s loveable but fierce protector Pote plays a veteran cartel sicario, who handily dispenses punishment and death to the evilest of characters.
Molly Burnett, who joined the cast in season two, delivers an intense and captivating character arc in Kelly Anne. A young lawyer who graduated at the top of her class, but became a doormat to her abusive husband, then betrayed la Jefa in a drug and alcohol induced mindset, eventually turns her life around and creates a safe world for those she loves.
The creative brilliance of Ryan O’Nan, first as writer, and second as actor, as our beloved King George, is responsible for some of the most memorable adventure scenes and creative dialog of this series. We will always remember the affectionate names he chose for Teresa, Pote, and James; Principacia, Chewy, and Baby Chapo.
While it’s hard to imagine ever having any good feelings for evil CIA operative Devon Finch, the audience is mesmerized by actor Jamie Hector’s masterful delivery of this very evil character who doesn’t mince words with anyone. The Writer who developed this character, and the Casting Director who chose Hector, stand tall among the crowd!
Jon-Michael Ecker as Teresa’s drug running boyfriend Guero, delivers an intoxicating performance that spans four seasons, in life and in death, that gives new meaning to the words, “raising the stakes”.
Devoted cartel captain Chicho, who joined the cast in season four, portrayed by the very talented Alejandro Barrios, simply draws the viewer in with a quiet yet strong presence. It’s pure milk and honey when Teresa leaves him the New Orleans winery and distillery.
Alimi Ballard as the highly principled and suave Marcel Dumas, the reigning drug lord in New Orleans before Teresa arrived on the scene, simply brings down the house with prolific performances in seasons four and five. In a very powerful and final scene you’ll just have to watch, we experience the true depth of Teresa’s generosity and body of spirit, through the quiet deftness and emotional ferocity of Ballard’s Dumas. Devoted viewers will never forget that waterfront scene. Yes it’s all about #QueenFamilia.
I could write a whole treatment on the amazing acting talent of British born Peter Gadiot. With Dutch and Mexican heritage, kudos to the resourceful development exec or agent who brought Gadiot in to play the enigmatic James Valdez. His complex and enduring relationship with our heroine, is pure emotional candy from the finest sugar cane, that tugs emphatically at our heart strings. I first discovered this Drama Centre London trained actor in the fantastical Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis adventure “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”. There was no looking back after that.
I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the outstanding work of cinematographer Abraham Martinez, and Composers Raney Shockne and Giorgio Moroder, whose feature film quality production will reign long for this USA Network scripted TV series! You can catch “Queen of the South” on Netflix or purchase the series on Amazon Prime, as I have done.
As for my feature film project “The Deal Closer”, while the primary intent in this article is to share my passionate and heart fueled ride as a devoted fan of “Queen of the South”, I’m here to say my story has taken flight! I’ve stormed the canyon to the summit, driven on the powerful and overflowing creative fire that QOTS has sparked inside of me!
Supported by a committed and thoughtful group of screenwriting warriors who I meet with weekly on Zoom, I’m most grateful for Margaret, Deborah, Amy, Rachel, and Suzanne.
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, that will propel you forward in this fast moving and inspiring story of career ambition, love, and betrayal.
Stay tuned I’ll certainly let you know when “The Deal Closer” rocket ship blasts off!
I guess it’s only fitting to take you out with this incredibly beautiful and inspiring scene, crafted in rich cinematic experience. Queen of the South James and Teresa Final Scene Enjoy!
USA Network Queen of the South
