PRE-PRODUCTION: Motherhood Final Pitch & Overview

After several adjustments to the pitch and overview of the series, I have written the final draft that will go into the book. This will feature right at the beginning of the book and will give the reader an insight into what Motherhood is about. This is important as it will set up the rest of the package and let the reader know what's to follow.

The Idea

Motherhood is a concept for a hypothetical Television Production. It is an original Thriller/Crime Drama Television series. The theme of Motherhood itself forms the basis of the story, with recurring themes of family, abduction and sacrifice. The story has a principal focus on the life of one strong character in particular, that should be both relatable for the audience whilst offering some rather thrilling and enthralling moments. A Netflix Original Series, with 6 episodes of a 40 minute duration, that will make up the first series to be premiered on 9th February 2018. 

Tag-line

'The search isn't over'

I have altered the original tagline I came up with to simplify it significantly. The original tag line was far too specific. Simon suggested that the second half was confusing and didn't add anything to it. When researching tag lines for films and television series, a pattern I discovered was that they are usually very brief and vague. I think that this is actually very effective as it leaves the audience on an instant cliff hanger, making them want to know more. I am happy with the final tag line and think that it doesn't give away any details but largely hints to the main plot line of the story. 

Pitch

In a rural town in Kentucky, without warning, a child is snatched from a desperate Mother who quickly descends into a panicked frenzy that drives her family away. She will stop at nothing to uncover the truth of the investigation and locate her child. Until we return several years later, she is alarmed when a family move to the town, with a little girl who shares a striking resemblance to her missing daughter. 

Overview

The Mother in this story, not only takes her role very seriously, but becomes so fixated on the idea of being good enough, that it becomes her downfall. Although, the focus is on her as a Mother figure, this is a recurring theme throughout that applies to other characters also. 

The series is set at present day in a rural neighbourhood, located in Greenville, Kentucky, home to many residents including the main character Vivian Nicholls and her young twin daughters. The neighbourhood itself is eerily quiet and secretive. The inhabitants are anti-social and like to keep to themselves, whilst closely and carefully watching all those that live there. 

At the beginning of the series, Vivian is struggling to keep on top of her hectic lifestyle whilst being a good mother to her young girls and putting them first. However, someone has been keeping close watch, observing her every move with an ominous motive. Any Mother’s nightmare is revealed - a child is snatched and Vivian finds it unbearable to deal with, driving away her loved ones and alienating herself. 

As the series unfolds, we return to Greenville several years later when a little girl moves to the neighbourhood with her parents, sparking a new set of actions and a turning point for Vivian with some life changing repercussions.