Before you read these SPOILERS, start at the beginning:
SPOILER ALERT INCOMING!
Okay, we (Ian, Kors and Tanya) haven’t shared much about where we got the ideas for the story. RUN CHOLO RUN is based on the short film “Run Cholo Run” loosely. The short is set in high school and has its own TV show bible. This screenplay that we’re discussing is set after high school when Juan joined the Marines but an injury sends him home.
“Run Cholo Run” creators origin story here.
So, what do we know so far? What’s unique or interesting about RCR?
Gangs in the military - pretty unique. Based on true stories.
Amputee main character - very unique if we cast an amputee actor.
Racism, police brutality and anti-police sentiment - not as much in the news today as three years ago.
Drugs and guns on the streets of Los Angeles - not very unique, but we can update it to Fentanyl.
Occult in gangs - pretty unique.
Themes of loyalty, but also toxic shame and complex trauma.
Strong Latina females protecting their men and Mexican American culture - hopefully authentic and unique - RCR ladies are not maids and janitors!
Accuracy Counts. There are all sorts of cultures in Run Cholo Run, from the Marine Corp to street life of East LA, from Lowrider car culture to guns and drug smuggling. Where do we get it right and where are we way off?
Have you seen a movie like this before? Tell us…
More pages next week.
Ian Max