I decided to try my hand at writing a screenplay because I like films and I like writing. I also like to criticize lazy writers and bad movies, so in the interest of integrity I have to challenge myself because if I can't do any better myself, who am I to criticize?

Two months later I have a 110 page screenplay that scored a 6 on the blacklist. It would probably have a higher score if I had known what a slugline is before I started, but I couldn't be bothered with all that.

Eventually I realized that yes screenwriting software is better than LibreOffice Writer, and also that Fade In > Final Draft in every way. At least for those of us on PC.

Current:

• The Manitou
  © 2025 Dan Curtis, WGA 2321943, PDF available by request

Drafting:

• Manitwo
  
• Manitou Three: Forever
• Manitou IV

COMP: The Fountain meets There Will Be Blood.

LOGLINE: After his soulmate is murdered, an immortal nature spirit waits four centuries for her return. But when she's reborn as a modern scientist targeted by ruthless corporate predators, he must become the monster he swore never to be to protect her.

PITCH: An immortal spirit who's spent 400 years in grief becomes human again to protect the reincarnation of his murdered wife from a corporate sociopath. (edited to remove spoilers)

TAG LINE: Atmospheric supernatural thriller about an ancient spirit earning redemption. "Transcendent meditation on eternal love, reincarnation, and the cyclical nature of violence and redemption"

The Manitou is available in PDF by request. It is also undergoing a rewrite following the Blacklist review. In retrospect it would have saved some time if I knew about the formula before I finished writing it the first time around.

You can laugh if you have never heard of "Save the Cat" before, because neither did I until after I finished writing the script. At least I found out about the 3 act structure before I finished. I understand there is a thing called a "treatment" that I'm supposed to have. Fine, have it your way.

The rewrite will have all of these issues addressed: I will indeed save the cat, get the team together for fun and games, and overcome the dark night of the soul. I know what a midpoint is now, and I'm not afraid to use it.

 

 

I was disappointed with the score until I learned what it really means. A six is actually a good score. Here is what the Blacklist Reader had to say about it (edited to avoid spoilers):

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THE MANITOU takes big swings and bending genres, as it folds in paradigms of the romance, period, drama, supernatural, paranoia, and thriller genres.

*** has the potential to be incredibly active in his journey, as we feel the passion behind his aura, which helps us identify and connect with the character as much as we do.

We have so much pain when *** we hurt for ***, and we immediately connect with this character.

*** has immense potential to drive the story with great momentum, and the moment *** we're clamoring for the third act. There is a great commentary about *** legacy ***, especially considering ***.

*** are powerful visuals, and we can envision that as a trailer moment.

Perhaps no other writer could walk the fine line of the story's mood and tone, which is a testament to the storyteller's maturity. *** in the ending shows a professional grasp of screenwriting techniques.

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I am dual-tracking the rewrite with first draft of the sequel. I have the entire arc in concept for a 4 film series, escalating stakes throughout. Sequel will be much more budget friendly. Following the final script of the quad, the universe will be open for plotlines in all directions. Taking bids now. Early bird gets the universe.