Screenwriting : Shadow by Rowan Hartman

Rowan Hartman

Shadow

Tagline:

"Some shadows never fade, even in the light."

Logline:

After witnessing the tragic murder of his parents during a home invasion, a young boy grows up haunted by grief and guilt. Now a successful yet troubled lawyer, he must confront his traumatic past when he discovers the shocking truth about the night that shattered his family.

Teaser Synopsis:

Shadow tells the heart-wrenching story of Ethan, a boy whose childhood innocence is stolen when masked intruders invade his birthday party and murder his parents. As Ethan grows into adulthood, his life as a lawyer is shaped by the echoes of that fateful night. Torn between childhood friendships and buried secrets, Ethan struggles with the weight of guilt and betrayal when he learns the ultimate truth: his best friend’s father was one of the masked men. With deep psychological layers, philosophical dialogues, and an emotionally charged narrative, Shadow explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and the shadows we carry within us.

Call to Action:

"I’m thrilled to share the concept of Shadow, a deeply emotional and psychological drama with a unique narrative twist. As a storyteller, I aim to create unforgettable experiences that linger long after the credits roll.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! How does this logline resonate with you? What do you think about the emotional and philosophical direction of the story? Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I continue to refine this project. Let’s connect and collaborate!"

Maurice Vaughan

Catchy tagline, Rowan Hartman. I think you did a nice job focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects in the Teaser Synopsis and Call to Action. I think your Logline could be tightened up. Something like: Years after witnessing the tragic murder of his parents as a kid, a troubled lawyer must confront his traumatic past when he discovers the shocking truth about the night that shattered his family.

Rowan Hartman

Thank you Maurice Vaughan

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Rowan Hartman.

Wal Friman

Easily mistaken for a revenge movie, so might want to be clear about that.

A lawyer and sole home invasion survivor as a child, discovers his now best friend’s father as perpetrator and must look into how his most important friendship continues.

Rowan Hartman

Thanks for your feedback Wal Friman

Joo Lee

Really compelling tagline. I like Maurice's suggestion for tightening up your logline. Nicely done!

Paul Rivers

I like it Rowan Hartman, would you consider the genre of "Shadow" a Tragedy or a Psychological Thriller?

Rowan Hartman

Paul Rivers Thank you! Well, its a psychological thriller, although there is tragedy in it and drama

Paul Rivers

Rowan Hartman, very cool, psychological thriller's primary emotion is DREAD. Will your intended audience bond with your protagonist before, during, and after seeing the murder of his parents?

If you get that bond with your intended audience they will also want Ethan to find the killer(s) but your intended audience will also DREAD finding the killers, which your Logline indicates.

I perceive that your synopsis is tight.

You mentioning exploring the themes of grief, forgiveness and shadows... will those theme(s) questions/arguments keep the DREAD emotion increasing and your intended audience leaning in and rooting more and more for Ethan?

John Mezes

Love the concept here, Rowan Hartman! I can see some rich, intriguing characters in your script. So psychological! Logline was solid, but here is my version of it. Perhaps it could help. Concise, to-the-point, but engaging.

Haunted by the tragic murder of his parents, a tormented lawyer uncovers a shocking truth about the night that destroyed his family—and must face the past he’s spent a lifetime running from.

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