Howie Do It: When
Midwest Meets Mayhem
Welcome to the world of "Howie Do It" – a dynamic, offbeat screenplay blending heartland charm with urban intrigue. Our film follows an unlikely hero whose journey from taxidermy-decorated porches to palm-lined USC corridors creates a perfect storm of finance, fate, and felony.
This presentation outlines our vision for bringing this unique story to life – exploring its narrative arc, distinctive characters, visual style, and market potential. Join us as we dive into Howie's world, where redneck sensibilities meet gangster economics in a comedy that's as smart as it is entertaining.
MM
by Markice Moore
Story Overview & Plot Structure
Act I: The Collision of Worlds
Howie leaves his small-town home for USC. On his first day, his bright red attire draws attention before he accidentally saves a gang leader during a drive-by, tackling him into a fruit stand. His impromptu financial advice to street criminals reveals his business acumen.
Act II: The Rising Storm
Howie balances campus life with urban notoriety, juggling finance classes and clandestine meetings with gang affiliates. A rival faction kidnapping attempt leads to a high-stakes rescue. He begins crafting a blueprint merging street smarts with legitimate business practices.
Act III: Resolution & Rebirth
The "Blue Plate Soul" food truck launch becomes a violent showdown with rival elements. Through darkly comic confrontations against the backdrop of campus festivities, Howie orchestrates a defensive stand that reaffirms his commitment to transformation.
Meet Our Cast of Characters
Howie Thompson/Baker
Our lovable, earnest Midwestern protagonist with quirky humor, physical comedy skills, and innate financial genius. His journey explores self-discovery, moral dilemmas, and cultural integration.
Teflon D & L.T.
Charismatic gang leaders who initially see Howie as a tool but gradually appreciate his vision of legitimacy, showcasing the possibility of transitioning from illegal enterprises to community-focused businesses.
Ebony Jackson
A determined USC journalism student with deep urban roots who serves as Howie's moral compass, driving reflections on class divides, cultural identity, and authenticity.
Ashley Cranston
An opportunistic character whose interactions with Howie reveal the exploitative nature of privilege and the pitfalls of dependency on external validation.
Themes & Motifs: More Than Just Comedy
Transformation & Dual Identity
Merging rural innocence with urban grit
Class and Cultural Divide
Challenging societal boundaries through ingenuity
Risk, Redemption, and Reinvention
Financial principles mirrored by personal stakes
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Comedy providing levity amid chaos
These thematic elements work together to create a rich narrative tapestry. As Howie navigates his double life, viewers witness how disrupting established norms—in finance, education, and even organized crime—can lead to meaningful transformation.
The film's comedic moments aren't just for laughs; they serve as pressure valves that release tension while highlighting the absurdity of social constructs that separate worlds that could benefit from each other's knowledge.
Visual Style & Cinematic Approach
Visual Aesthetic
A striking juxtaposition of Americana rusticity and modern urban vibrancy. Wide-angle shots of sunlit midwestern backyards alongside dynamic, neon-drenched urban alleys at USC. Rich, saturated colors underscore Howie's bright personality against gritty reality.
Tone & Mood
A genre-blending mixture of irreverent comedy, high-octane action, and poignant introspection. The narrative shifts fluidly between laugh-out-loud sequences with cartoon-like physical gags and heartfelt monologues about identity, risk, and personal growth.
Editing & Music
Fast-paced cuts during action sequences juxtaposed with slow, deliberate montages during introspective moments. A soundtrack mixing hip-hop, classic rock, and eclectic beats underscores the film's cultural duality and enhances its emotional range.
Market Positioning & Audience Appeal
Cross-Genre Appeal
"Howie Do It" targets fans of irreverent comedies, action-packed dramas, and thoughtful indie fare. Think "21 Jump Street" meets "The Big Short" with elements of "Pineapple Express" - appealing to multiple audience segments.
Marketing Opportunities
The film's unique premise—infusing street smarts with high finance—creates viral marketing potential, from social media campaigns to behind-the-scenes features highlighting the cultural contrasts that drive the narrative.
Merchandising Potential
From branded apparel (especially Howie's signature red caps) to quirky "Howie Do It" financial guides, the film opens multiple revenue streams that extend beyond traditional box office returns.
Production & Business Considerations
Intellectual Property Protection
All narrative elements, character designs, and script details are thoroughly copyrighted and maintained under a trust structure to ensure legal separation between the creative entity and individuals involved.
Tax Efficiency & Investment Structure
A hybrid financing approach combining traditional studio backing with independent investment channels. Revenue streams from distribution to merchandising will be channeled through separate vehicles to optimize tax benefits.
Production Strategy
Balance between practical effects for physical comedy and digital enhancements for urban landscapes and action sequences. Strategic partnerships with local film commissions and urban outreach programs will ground the film in authenticity.
Timeline & Deliverables
Structured development schedule with clear milestones for script finalization, talent acquisition, pre-production planning, and post-production completion to ensure efficient use of resources.
Next Steps & Investment Opportunity
Script Finalization
Complete necessary rewrites to ensure perfect balance between comedic elements and dramatic moments. Polish dialogue and character arcs based on feedback from our initial creative team readings.
Talent & Creative Team Assembly
Secure key talent and creative team members who appreciate the film's off-beat, hybrid nature. Our casting strategy prioritizes performers who can navigate both comedic timing and authentic dramatic moments.
Financing Structure Implementation
Implement our tax-efficient financing strategy using established trust and investment vehicles. We're seeking strategic partners who understand both the creative vision and business potential of this unique project.
Marketing & Distribution Planning
Develop our targeted campaign leveraging viral social media and cross-genre appeal. Early planning for festival circuit submissions and distributor relationships will position us for maximum market impact.
We invite you to join us in bringing "Howie Do It" to audiences worldwide. This project represents not just an entertaining film, but a smart investment opportunity with multiple revenue streams and significant cultural relevance in today's divided landscape.