As a seasoned script reader with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the lives of these characters seem as varied and captivating as the pages of a well-written novel. Each story presents unique perspectives, challenges, and journeys that promise to engage audiences and tug at their heartstrings.
The 2024 Black List unveiled, featuring screenplays addressing a variety of topics including the tale behind Tickle Me Elmo and the on-set journey of actress Maggie Hamilton from The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz.
Every year, a ranking is compiled of the top unproduced feature screenplays in our town, selected by a panel of 500 movie industry professionals. This list includes 83 scripts, both from established and upcoming writers, as well as those represented or not.
Leading the pack this year is “One Night Only” by Travis Braun, a story set in a society where pre-marital sex is prohibited except for one night, and focuses on two strangers as they each seek someone to spend that special night with. Other screenplays delve into topics such as the 1990s lawsuit revealing the health risks associated with silicone breast implants (“Bust” by Matt Ackles), the early years of Anthony Bourdain’s life (both “Tony”, written by Lou Howe and Todd Bartels, currently in development at A24), and the journey of Abercrombie & Fitch from its peak to decline (“King of the Freshman” by Matt Bailey).
Franklin Leonard, creator of The Black List, noted that twenty years can seem incredibly long or fleeting, depending on the situation. What’s consistently amazing throughout this period, he emphasized, is the joy of discovering and spreading well-told, captivating stories within our passionate community. I eagerly anticipate these scripts achieving the recognition and popularity enjoyed by past Black List scripts, and can hardly wait to watch them unfold on the big screen as soon as they’re released.
Screenplays from the Black List in the past have achieved award-winning success, such as “Promising Young Woman,” “Spotlight,” and “The Challenger.” Recently, Leonard’s company broadened its scope to encompass fiction and previously unpublished manuscripts as well.
Check out the full 2024 Black List below.
60 mentions
A Night of Unconventional Encounters by Travis Braun
39 references for the book titled “PLAYDATE” by Marie Østerbye.
38 mentions of “ALIGNMENT” by Natan Dotan
37 instances of the heartwarming novel titled “Love of Your Life” by Julia Cox:
29 references to the thrilling book titled “Saving a Marriage: The Unforeseen Retreat” by Ross Evans.
28 references point to the thrilling novel “Don’t Borrow Trouble” by Caroline Glenn.
Ellie Noone, a fitness instructor in her twenties, has been grinding in the Los Angeles hustle for years. However, her luck takes a turn when she crosses paths with an attractive, enigmatic man who possesses a complex past as intricate as his skincare regimen.
Representation: None
Agent(s): None
Management Company: Linden Ent
Manager(s): Trent Hubbard
Production: Independent (No studio or production companies specified)
24 mentions of the thrilling novel “Clean Break” by Ryan Brennan:
The Incredible Journey of Elmo: A Toy’s Triumph, a Financial Phenomenon, and Nationwide Laughter
23 instances of the film titled “BUST” by Matt Ackels. In 1991, Houston, Texas, saw countless women adopting a popular fashion trend – breast implants. However, when these women experienced severe health complications, they required a unique type of attorney to pursue justice. This is an inspiring account of a public health crisis affecting women, a tenacious plaintiff lawyer, and the largest lawsuit in American history.
22 references for the book titled “The Seven Men You Date Before Marriage” by Julia Yorks
Overcoming Adversity: Dylan’s Journey
Reappearance of Violet by Samuel Franco , Evan Kilgore
20 Mentions – Assembly Required by Kevin Yang
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’d like to share my excitement about the gripping thriller, “Test Drive,” penned by Matt Venne. This tale follows the journey of a car salesman who finds himself in an unexpected predicament when he takes a enigmatic passenger for a spin – leading them on a nerve-wracking, crime-filled ride through the rain-drenched streets of LA.
19 references for the screenplay titled “Bloody Mingo” by Jonathan Easley:
18 references to the novel titled “The 13th Hour” by Anna Klassen
“Bo Jackson’s Time Loop Lessons” by Adam Best
RUSES by Jack Waz
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement for the captivating tale, “DIANA DESTROYS A WEDDING,” penned by the talented Elizabeth Evans. In this novel, we find ourselves in the shoes of the iconic DIANA IVY, a New York business titan. When her youngest son announces his engagement to a humble farmer, she devises an unconventional plan to preserve the family’s prestige – by organizing a competition among her dysfunctional offspring: whoever manages to sabotage the union during their opulent seven-day destination wedding will inherit the coveted Lake Como Estate. This enthralling narrative is managed by Max Goldfarb, under Redefine, with no agency or production companies involved. I simply can’t wait to delve into this intriguing story!
17 references to the television series titled “OVER ASKING by Caroline Dries
Titled “SKIN” by Matisse Haddad, this gripping tale follows the life of renowned Beverly Hills dermatologist Amelia Williams. As she starts to experience a decline in her professional standing due to aging, she stumbles upon an extraordinary breakthrough that rejuvenates her appearance and upholds her lifestyle. However, it seems that this transformation comes at a cost requiring the occasional act of murder. The agency for this project is unspecified, with no listed agent or management company. Production companies involved are Story in the Sky.
16 references to the book titled “American Monsters” by Chris Grillot
In the World of South Beach Nightlife:
As a captivated reader, I couldn’t put down “FRAGMENTS” by Jake Moses. Following a heart-wrenching accident, a dedicated young nurse finds herself shunned from employment until an intriguing proposition arrives – to assume the role of caregiver for a suspected murderer who might be feigning Alzheimer’s. The novel, managed by Jon Hersh at Housefire Management and produced by Boulderlight, offers a gripping tale of mystery and suspense.
In the year 1975, a wandering Anthony Bourdain lands a summer dishwashing job in Provincetown and finds his life’s purpose.
15 references to the work titled “FELLOWSHIP” by Cassie Keet:
As a passionate fan, I’d rephrase the information about “SHUTOUT” like this:
Stardust Queen by Joe Ferran
In the near future, an innovative technology enables people to transfer their consciousness into another’s body, forming a body-sharing freelance market. A cash-strapped married couple agrees to let a wealthy man utilize the wife’s body for one night. However, this decision sets off a series of events that disrupt their relationship and lives, leading to devastating outcomes.
Toluca Lake by Mark Fleming
14 instances of “AIDa” penned by Alexis Jacknow
REPRISE by Elyse Hollander
13 references to the film titled “CRUSH” by Michael Jones
Diversion by Will Widger
“A Danger Close to Home” by Alix Lerner
In a sensational turn of events, an acclaimed yet troubled actor declares on a public talk show that within the next hour, he will transform into a werewolf – live on air!
RULER OF THE FRESHMAN: The Untold Story of Abercrombie & Fitch’s Empire by Matt Bailey
As a fervent admirer, here’s my spin on the description for “MOTHERBOY” by Tess Brewer:
Hannah Stoddard & Jenny Ulmer’s “Elderly Encore”
Paparazzo by Christian Nilsson
Title Test Drive by Author(s) Kris Bertin, Naben Ruthnum
12 references for the screenplay titled “BATO BATO,” penned by Donn Kennedy
Mommy’s House by James Morosini
“Out There with Roger
“ROT by Geo Bradley
The Bank Teller’s Heist
“Entrapped: A Race Against the Flood
TURPENTINE by Justin Varava
“Beyond the Spectrum of Rainbows” by Dan Woodward
11 references:
Does this sound like you? by Kaitlin Fontana
“LITTLE BLACK DRESS” by Alyson Weaver Nicholas
“Mom?” by Marc Bloom
As a long-time admirer of Gaelyn Golde’s work, I find myself eagerly anticipating “Saturn Return.” In this poignant tale, Eve and Anders, who dated for a decade, reconnect after years apart, at the funeral of Anders’ father. This unexpected encounter leads them to face their shared past and explore the enduring essence of love, even in its twilight.
Title Change Suggestion: “Unfinished Business from Spin the Bottle
TWIN SOUL by Dani Feito
VICKY – The Extraordinary Journey of Victoria Woodhull
10 instances of the title The Pack of Wolves
Jeremy Leder’s Bridgehampton
Camp David: A Hidden Threat
Intimate Dynamics by Sam Rubinek
Title revamp: Survival Weekend! by Jackson Kellard
“Stand or Fall” by Alexander Vargas
Journey to Cold Valley by Arun Croll
In the thrilling novel “Three Deadly Assassins and a Baby” by David Matalon and Matthew Altman, three renowned assassins find themselves in an unexpected situation – caring for a baby who possesses a secret crucial to their survival.
“TIPSY” by Barry Galperin, Memo Noriega
The True Tale of the Mermaid’s Life and Demise by Matthew Carnahan
“Until You” by Cameron Fay
In the twilight of Britpop, the enigmatic Richard Ashcroft embarks on a transformative journey to turn an unassuming Rolling Stones cover into the legendary hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” This quest ignites a legal battle that could dismantle his band The Verve and mute the song forever. It’s like a blend of ALMOST FAMOUS and THE SOCIAL NETWORK.
Keep Out – Ben Miller
Title by Lucy Campbell: The Grisly Death of the Campbell’s Dog
In the film titled “DYERSVILLE” by Will Hettinger:
Title by Michael Montemayor: “Former Jewel Thieves Turned Rivals
“Golden Boy” by Connor Martin
“Desperate Measures: A True Story by Sam Wright
It’s Not Us, It’s Fate by Shane Kennedy, Ant Simpson
MILDRED by Josh Corbin
Under a taxing day of negotiations regarding an office harassment lawsuit she initiated, time is running out for Dana as she ponders the cost of her silence, mental wellbeing, and honesty.
“The Rise and Fall of the SMU Pony Express: Based on David Whitford’s Best-Seller
RIPE! by Tusk (Kelly Furrh and Olivia Mitchell) – A Fresh Take:
“Cesar Vitale’s THUMB
“The Yellow Wallpaper: A Tale of Madness and Oppression
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2024-12-10 23:26