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SIGN SPINNERS

SIGN SPINNERS
By Matt Hausmann

GENRE: Drama, Comedy
LOGLINE:

To win back the love of his estranged daughter, a former sign-spinning champion must spin his way back to the top -- one spin at a time.

SYNOPSIS:

Sonny Wise Junior, the reigning World Sign Spinning Champion, prepares to defend his title at the World Sign Spinning Championships in Reno, Nevada. His late father, Sonny Wise Senior, invented sign spinning and Sonny has been in the starlight ever since. He’s accompanied by his talented 7-year-old daughter, Isabell, who thinks the world of him, his gluttonous coach, George, as well as George’s secretary and girlfriend, Tracy. Sonny makes an enemy out of an up-and-coming sign spinner, Chico “Goosebumps” Marin, who proves to be a rival worth worrying over in the fierce competition. Sonny triumphs for a third consecutive year, but his personal life takes a sudden turn when his wife, Greta, announces her intention to divorce him in an attempt to prevent their daughter from becoming a “selfish spinner” like her father. After losing his daughter, his money, and his mansion he built to his wife, Sonny packs his luggage into an RV, bids farewell to his daughter, and sets off on a new journey.

Six years later, Sonny Wise Junior, now jaded, overweight, and balding, spins his sign in preparation for winning his 10th World Sign Spinning Champion title. Chico, now his heated rival, practices nearby, skilled and looking as youthful as ever. Sonny feels the pressure mounting. They exchange taunts and the stage is set for an epic battle. Chico sabotages Sonny’s final spin by shooting him with a BB gun, causing him to miss the catch. Chico is declared the new champion of the world, leaving Sonny devastated. The news spreads, and Sonny's downfalls become a topic of media coverage. Sonny is shown in various embarrassing situations on TV, while Chico enjoys his victory. Sonny returns home to his RV, feeling defeated. George refuses to accept defeat and commits to training Sonny for the bout of the century. In his time off, Sonny has fallen into a deep rut. Directionless, he visits a sign spinner church and seeks guidance from his dead father who encourages him to stop wallowing in self-pity and to rediscover his passion and purpose in sign spinning. Sonny's father reminds him of his own success as a spinner and urges him to reconnect with his roots. Motivated by his father's words, Sonny takes action. Disguised as a fast-food cook under the name “Lawn Ornament” he competes in an underground sign spinning caged battle in an attempt to regain his skills. However, Sonny’s nerves get the best of him, and he fumbles his sign. Haunted by his failure as a spinner and as a father, Sonny drinks to numb his pain. Sonny commands that he doesn’t need any help and can train all on his own.

Five weeks and two days later, Sonny wakes up drunk in his RV and is confronted by a pregnant Greta, her new partner, Fievel, and their lawyers who demand Sonny finally sign the divorce papers. Greta leaves Isabell with Sonny, insisting it is his turn to watch her. Isabell’s sign spinning skills, along with her respect for her father, have deteriorated. They arrive at George’s gym where Sonny reunites with George and Tracy. Despite his health issues, George agrees to help Sonny reclaim his title of World’s Greatest Spinner, and they commence training. Later, Chico bursts into the gym showcasing his world championship belt. The rivals decide to have a winner-takes-all tightrope walk challenge with the prize being George's gym. Sonny loses, costing George his gym. Sonny has taken his competition too far this time, causing George, Tracy, and Isabell to walk out on him.

After Sonny apologizes for losing Georgie’s gym, George agrees to train Sonny if he complies with his methods. Sonny initially struggles, but regains his confidence and talent in the underground sign spinning arena. George coaches Sonny and Isabell with their skills and relationship both improving. With a newfound confidence, Sonny sets out to reclaim George’s gym. When Sonny and Isabell’s relationship takes a turn for the worse because of Sonny’s unapologetic actions, Sonny is once again left alone and feels defeated sending him into an emotional spiral towards suicide. He comes to terms with his life which forces him to make necessary changes. He gets sober and visits Greta to apologize for his past behavior and to sign the divorce papers. Sonny tracks Isabell down and repairs their relationship, he also fixes his relationship with George by buying him a new gym on the beach. With renewed determination and purpose, George devotes himself to training Sonny and Isabell.

Weeks later, only days before the World Sign Spinning Competition, George tragically passes away and Sonny devotes his performance to his legacy. The World Sign Spinning Championships arrive, and the energy is as ecstatic as ever. Sonny remains focused and determined, despite Chico's attempts to provoke him. Sonny's spinning style has evolved, displaying maturity, precision, and a touch of magic. Following in his father’s footsteps, Sonny reinvents the sport by asking Isabell to join him as they embark on the tag team sign spinning performance. Sonny dances with Isabell while their signs spin above them. She smiles and laughs as Sonny twirls her around. It doesn’t matter whether he wins or loses, he’s back in his daughter’s life.

Nate Rymer

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