Dark Moon Hotel

12/17/2022

WGA REGISTRATION 2194063 

Pitch Trailer (transcript):

Dark Moon Hotel is a unique and captivating dark comedy that seamlessly blends elements of horror and family drama.

The story explores the complexities of grief, the supernatural, and the unbreakable bonds of family in a haunted hotel setting.

The Dark Moon Hotel in Singapore serves as the central location, a quirky establishment known for its spooky theme and resident ghost.

The hotel's eerie atmosphere and eccentric staff create a perfect backdrop for the supernatural events that unfold.

The Walburry family, consisting of Josh, Ellie, Jenny, and Mikey, are the main characters, each grappling with their own struggles and the revelation of Mikey's ghostly existence.

Pritam, the hotel's psychic employee, plays a significant role in guiding Mikey and revealing the truth about the hotel's haunted past.

Uncle Marco, the hotel's original ghost, serves as the antagonist, his tragic story intertwined with the hotel's history and the Walburry family's destiny.

The story begins with the Walburrys inheriting the Dark Moon Hotel and discovering its supernatural secrets.

As Mikey explores his own ghostly abilities and uncovers the truth about Uncle Marco, the family is drawn into a web of mystery and tragedy that spans generations.

Mikey's character arc is central to the story, as he comes to terms with his own death and embraces his role as the hotel's new ghostly guardian.

Josh and Ellie's relationship is tested as they navigate the challenges of raising a ghost child and running a haunted hotel.

The revelation of Uncle Marco's past and the hotel's tragic history during WWII adds depth and emotional weight to the story, ultimately leading to a poignant resolution.

Dark Moon Hotel delves into the universal themes of family, loss, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of death.

The story's unique blend of dark humor, horror, and heartfelt family drama sets it apart, appealing to fans of films like Beetlejuice, The Sixth Sense, and The Haunted Mansion.

Audiences will be drawn to the complex characters, the mystery surrounding the hotel's past, and the emotional journey of a family coming to terms with their own supernatural reality.

The screenplay's exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the lasting impact of war adds depth and resonance to the story, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Logline: 

A colonial house in Singapore, burned to the ground during WWII, was later on converted into a sinister hotel and its reputation for being haunted started to attract tourists from all over the world until one family arrives and their son, unaware of his own dark secret, will challenge the ghost. 

Step into the enigmatic world of DARK MOON HOTEL where the past haunts the present. This thrilling screenplay immerses you in the chilling atmosphere of a haunted hotel, with a blending of history and horror. The screenplay kicks off with a mysterious restaurant in 1980s Singapore, setting the stage for a spine-tingling tale. - Wallachia International Film Festival


Visual Synopsis:

Dark Moon Hotel is a dark comedy with elements of horror and family drama, reminiscent of films like Beetlejuice and The Haunted Mansion. The story explores themes of family, loss, and the supernatural, delving into the complexities of grief and the lasting impact of war.

Josh Walburry, his wife Ellie, and their children Jenny and Mikey inherit the Dark Moon Hotel in Singapore from Josh's late Aunt Mary. The quirky hotel is known for its spooky theme and resident ghost, enticing guests who seek a thrilling experience.

As the Walburrys arrive at the hotel and meet the eccentric staff, including the psychic Pritam, they begin to uncover the hotel's mysterious past. Mikey, the youngest child, is particularly drawn to the supernatural elements of the hotel.

Mikey explores the hotel, learning more about the ghost and his own supernatural abilities. Through flashbacks, it's revealed that Mikey died on his 7th birthday and has been a ghost ever since, visible only to his family and Pritam.

In a shocking turn of events, Mikey confronts the hotel's ghost, his Uncle Marco, using his powers to trap him in a holding cell. The tragic history of Marco and his family during WWII unfolds, shedding light on the origins of the hotel's haunting.

The story reaches its climax in the hotel basement, where Mikey ultimately frees Marco's spirit, allowing him to reunite with his deceased family. In a heartfelt moment, Mikey chooses to remain as the hotel's new resident ghost, embracing his supernatural existence to be with his own family.

As the truth about Mikey's death is finally revealed to the hotel staff, the Walburrys find closure and acceptance in their unique family dynamic. The Dark Moon Hotel continues to thrive as a haven for those seeking a taste of the supernatural, now with a new ghostly guardian.

"This does appear to be a sincere homage to Stephen King. The plot and concept do resemble one of his most famous novels but beyond that there is a throwback nature to this story. It is set in the 80's but in a lot of parts it reads like a horror novel from that time period. - WeScreenplay Coverage

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KEY CAST:

Leads: 2

MIKEY: male, Caucasian, 8 years old. Very bright and sensitive, inquisitive, mischievous. His extrasensory abilities turn him into a mature boy before his time with strong protective instincts. 

JOSH: male, Caucasian, age 30-40. Father of Mikey and Jenny, married to Ellie, he is your typical normal good guy, with certain intellectual vibes, intelligent but not very willing to accept challenges if it weren't for his wife, Ellie.

Co-Leads: 2

ELLIE: female, Caucasian, age 30-38. Stylish, smart, and more ambitious than Josh. Although she could be overbearing, she deals with Josh's lack of initiative with a loving and intelligent approach.

Charles: male, Chinese, age 30-35. A character full of contrasts in his appearance. Extremely reserved, able to exercise authority but not abusive. He, along with Mr. Barrymore, the lawyer, is the character who links the quirky little world of the hotel with the outside world.

Major Supporting roles:

PRITAM: male, Indian, 50-55. Friendly face, extremely sensitive, mostly calm. If Josh and Ellie have Mikey, the hotel has Pritam when it comes to ESPs. He is the oldest and only employee who has witnessed the entire history since the transformation of the hotel. If Charles links the world of the hotel with the outside, Pritam links all the stories that happen in the hotel with his mere presence.

JENNY: female, Caucasian, 12 years old. Not as bright as Mikey, closer to average, who at one point would be tempted to bully her own little brother. Her role is basically face-to-face with little to no development in the story as a counterweight to Mikey.

MR. BARRYMORE: male, Caucasian, Aunt Mary's lawyer in his 60s, elegant demeanor, very committed to the theme of the hotel. 

Introducing: 3 characters:

MARY: female, Caucasian in late 20's and mid/late 60's, referred to as Aunt Mary and also Mother Mary, she is a very mysterious woman who we can feel strength and courage about despite to be represented as a bad and wicked woman. Her importance in the story will increase in Midnight Moans, a period drama with its supernatural element, currently in the first draft stage, where she will be the main character.

CAPTAIN JAMES: male, Caucasian in his 50's. Authoritarian, with a very strong sense of responsibility, he is introduced at the end of this story as a link to Midnight Moans in which he will have a co-leading role.

EUGENE: male, Caucasian in his early 30's and mid 70's, appears in this story in the same way as Mary, his wife. He, a weak, cowardly and unsupportive character, is portrayed in this story as a victim, although things will take a very different turn in Midnight Moans, where his true colors will be revealed in his supporting role.

FILMING LOCATIONS:

England (this can be adjusted):

- int. Full House

- int. Office

- int. Hospitals 2

 - ext. cemetery

Singapore:

- int. Full hotel. (main filming location)

- int. Military office

 - ext. B-rolls

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