I’m working on adapting a British crime thriller set in London to an American version set in Chicago, and I could really use some local insights.
I have questions about its neighborhoods, which areas are considered affluent, the different cultures, and any other tips that could help make the story feel authentic (I’ve visited Chicago twice and really enjoyed the city).
If you have any insights, I’d love it if you could send me a private message so we can discuss directly.
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Thank you, Tom. But I have a few specific questions I’d like to ask.
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Hey Dolf, I was a federal investigator for over a decade in Chicago. There are a number of high-end municipalities nearby Chicago like Naperville and Arlington Heights. Here are a few culture areas: Little Villege (Mexican), Humboldt Park ( Puerto Rican), Little Italy, Ukrainian Village, Chinatown, West Ridge (Indian), etc…. A highly enriched multi-cultural urban city.
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Hey Dolf, I'm a screenwriter who lives in Chicago. Hit me up with specifics if you like, or I can read your polished draft if you want.
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Dolf Van Stijgeren, its an interesting story you have! One of the things you' will have to consider is the use of props.
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Eon C. Rambally
Did you say 'story'? Maybe I should have given a little hint sooner. ;-)
LOGLINE
A cleaner wearing a headscarf is underestimated by her corrupt London boss, allowing her to uncover the location of a hidden £12 million watch haul. Driven by curiosity and financial strain, she secures the loot and must stay ahead of both hardened criminals and the police.
THE GENESIS OF THIS PROJECT
When I drastically changed my lifestyle, something happened that unleashed the power of my imagination: I’ve been swept up by my own creativity and started writing.
Time Penalty originated from my fascination with underestimated individuals who possess hidden talents — and those who pretend to be more than they are. My story investigates the dynamic between them and how they inadvertently create their own downfalls. Tension escalates as power dynamics shift. Greed and the resulting gradual loss of innocence form the core of my narrative.
Dolf Van Stijgeren, excellent poster and extraordinary storyline! We need more writers to support and intensify those narratives. They are not just stories, but also have an air of mystery attached.!
My two short films with relevant themes (one recently finished the trailer) got some excellent feedbacks from festivals. You can pick up an extension from those narratives, with world building and evolved storyline, into mysterious occurrences (See bio)
Send a DM at your convenience. There’s lots of themes to connect for the future !