"Unmasked"
Genre: Political Thriller / Drama / Conspiracy
Tone: Intense, Suspenseful, Dark with moments of sharp wit
Logline: A fringe conspiracy theorist, mocked as a “tinfoil hat” maniac, uncovers a global conspiracy of corruption and control, only to find himself hunted by the world’s most powerful agencies. In a race against time, he must expose the truth before it’s erased forever.
Pitch:
In an era where truth is manipulated, censored, and erased, "Unmasked" is the gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that explores the dark intersection of paranoia, power, and the fight for freedom. This film tells the story of Mike Barnes, a man whose wild conspiracy theories are dismissed by society—until one of his outlandish revelations turns out to be deadly true. Mike's YouTube channel, a platform for his rants on government control, shadow societies, and mind manipulation, suddenly attracts the attention of the very institutions he’s been exposing. Now, his voice is not just inconvenient—it’s a threat to the powerful elites that control the global narrative.
As Mike digs deeper into a conspiracy far beyond his understanding, he discovers the horrifying truth: a secret cabal of government agencies, tech giants, and global corporations has been orchestrating wars, manipulating economies, and using surveillance and technology to control the world. Mike's life spirals into chaos as he becomes the target of covert operatives and disinformation campaigns designed to shut him down.
With his every move watched, his videos being hacked, and his very existence in jeopardy, Mike must race against time to broadcast the explosive truth before it’s buried forever. Alongside a small group of underground hackers and journalists, Mike discovers that the global elite aren’t just after power—they’re after control over every individual on the planet. His findings reveal a future where personal freedom is a thing of the past, and only those in power will survive.
But here’s the twist: The deeper Mike delves into the conspiracy, the more he starts to question his own mind. Are these revelations real, or has he been driven mad by his obsession with the truth? As the stakes get higher, Mike must face not only the shadowy figures hunting him but the question of whether his paranoia has become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Thank you for reading. Please give me your honest feedback and if anyone would like to help me write the movie or adapt it for a series please do get in touch. I would also be interested if anyone could refer me to a production company who may be willing to produce this idea.
Thank you, James.
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Try for a twist that hasn't been done before.
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If you need a writer I can do it. Look at my bio on here.
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Hi Jon. This is just a rough concept for now I have many Ideas if you are interested in co-writing this together. I do not want to divulge too much information at this moment.
Hi, James Hannah. Welcome to the community. Here's a blog that'll help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry professionals: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...
LOGLINE
Unmasked sounds interesting! I think your logline could be tightened up some. Here’s a logline template that might help: After/when ______ (the inciting incident/event that sets the plot in motion), a _______ (the main flaw the protagonist has to overcome in the script or an adjective that describes the protagonist’s personality) _______ (the protagonist’s title/job/career) tries to/attempts to/fights to/struggles to/strives to/sets out to/fights/battles/engages in/competes/etc. _______ (goal of story and try to add the obstacles here) to/so/in order to ________ (stakes).
The inciting incident can also be at the end of the logline: A _______ (the main flaw the protagonist has to overcome in the script or an adjective that describes the protagonist’s personality) _______ (the protagonist’s title/job/career) tries to/attempts to/fights to/struggles to/strives to/sets out to/fights/battles/engages in/competes/etc. _______ (goal of story and try to add the obstacles here) to/so/in order to ________ (stakes) after/when ______ (the inciting incident/event that sets the plot in motion).
Loglines are one or two sentences. A one-sentence logline sounds better, and it takes less time for a producer, director, etc. to read it. Try to keep your logline to 35 words or less. Long loglines can make producers, directors, etc. pass on a project.
Avoid using “must” in loglines. “Must” usually means the protagonist is forced to do whatever they need to do in the story instead of doing it willingly. You might need to use “must” in a logline though, like when the protagonist is forced by another character to do something. Using “must” to choose between two options is fine.
Names in loglines are usually for biopics, well-known stories, and franchises (like Mission: Impossible).
Sometimes I put the location and date that the story takes place in instead of the inciting incident if it’s a Period Piece script.
All stories don’t follow this logline template. Biopics, documentaries, and Experimental scripts might not follow the template. The series logline for a TV show can follow this template, but the pilot logline and episode loglines for the show might not.
PITCH
Great job on the pitch! I have three suggestions though:
1. Tell us more about Mike when he's introduced. Something like "Mike Barnes, a _______ (the main flaw the protagonist has to overcome in the script or an adjective that describes the protagonist’s personality) man whose wild conspiracy theories are dismissed by society." And maybe change "man" to "conspiracist."
2. Tell us more about the major characters (the main antagonist, I'm guessing the small group of underground hackers and journalists, and any other major characters)
3. Tell what happens in the end
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Thank you for the feedback Maurice. I really appreciate you taking the time. As I previously said I am completely new to screen writing although I do believe I have various great ideas. I am finally taking steps to express my creativity. Is there anyway we can connect further and have a conversation?
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This is a good premise. instantly reminding me of info wars and Alex jones. I love a good conspiracy theory its also reminds me of Conspiracy theory with Mel Gibson except in that one he's a taxi driver. I recommend making Mike as memorable as possible so people dont just think he is just some cooky conspiracy theorist. give him depth and personality and I think it will pay off.
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Thank you for your reply Bobby, It is funny you mention Alex jones because as I have plans to incorporate him into the story when I start writing the script bear in mind this is just a rough concept for now I have many ideas for this and many angles to take. Again than you for your feedback.
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You're welcome, James Hannah. I just replied to your message. And here's a blog for up-and-coming screenwriters I suggest checking out: www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...
Hey James, have you heard of the Mel Gibson movie, “Conspiracy Theory”?
A taxi driver with a penchant for conspiracy theories becomes a target after one of these theories turns out to be true. Unfortunately, to save himself, he has to figure out which theory it is.
https://youtu.be/adYGUai7PNc?si=2SDnZVU1IKApSLeT