Title: Funny Little Things
Genre: Family Safe Romantic Slap-Stick
Story By: Arthur R. H. Wasem Sr.
Form Pages: Script (91)
Draft Date:2/16/2018
Circa: Present
Budget: 3-5MM
Logline;
A college graduate inherits a haunted house and with her best friend, and a very sexy Latino General Contractor attempts to turn it into a eco friendly AirBnB.
Synopsis:
We rented an AirBnB in 2016 as a writing retreat. We were going to write Bunny and Dove. It was a environmental AirBnB with a really creepy neighbor. So after Bunny and Dove this was birthed as a homage to John Hughes.
Our story starts with Helen Drab, the comedic actress that was nominated for 48 Academy Awards, and never won one, preparing for her lifetime achievement award after being in the industry for over 50 years. Excitedly she decides to do her own hair while taking a shower, grabs a hair dryer and misses the show.
Twenty years later her granddaughter Kate inherits the house after graduating CSUN with an Environmental Housing Degree. She brings her friend Ashley and immediately notice that strange things are happening on the property. Her friend actually sees Helen in reflections. Kate on the other hand doesn't believe in ghosts and looks for other explanations. The housekeeper and her husband suggest their nephew as a General Contractor to help with her dream of converting it into a Enviro Friendly AirBnB.
We introduce the love interest Oscar a very sexy latino (think Luis Fonsi) who also has an degree in the same field and sparks begin to fly, but Kate tries hard to keep things professional.
Being in California, permits are needed and this brings in the antagonist, Counsilman Poley. He and Kate have been friends since Middle School and he has always had a crush on her. She on the other hand has not had the same feelings. He agrees to help her with the permits but there is a catch. He has been endorsed by the utility agencies that are not too keen on environmental housing cutting into their profits. He sends his assistant Dick and his loser brother Buster to interrupt the building.
In the meantime the building is being hampered by strange occurrences which is being blamed on the house being haunted. Workman are refusing to complete their tasks as practical jokes are happening. The team, Kate, Ash and Oscar decide to try and communicate with Helen and ask her to stop.
That night the assistant and his brother come and completely thrash the house. The next morning Helen is blamed for the destruction.
Kate becomes completely distraught and is at the end of her rope.
Ash decides to help and starts a crowdfunding campaign that generates enough interest and money to repair the house. People want to stay in a house owned by one of the greatest comedians who has ever lived, and the thought she might still be there brings another element.
She raises enough money to rebuild the house which doesn’t sit well with the Councilman. Who sends his assistant out to finish the job.
In the meantime things are heating up with the relationship between Oscar and Kate and they go on their first “real” date.
While they are out, and sparks are flying, the assistant and his brother come to the house. This time Helen is in protection mode and the brothers have no idea what they are facing. Think Home Alone on steroids. Otherworldly steroids.
At the end of the date Oscar is a perfect gentleman and they decide since they are working together to not get involved. This doesn’t sit well with either of them but it seems as the right thing to do.
The next morning Oscar and Kate find that the brother are still on the property thanks to Helen and the plot is unraveled.
The story ends with the property being finished. Kate fires Oscar which leaves him free to start dating her. Kates mother heals her relationship with Helen, and Helen is silent which leads everyone to assume she went into the light. Since she was never sure just where that light went we see her at the end preparing for the upcoming guests.
ABOUT MY CAREER
I’m a writer, producer, and musician specializing in adventure with a faith undercurrent. My style could be best described as familiar and “I never saw it that way before”. I draw inspiration from life experiences and looking outside of the box. My main goal is to make a living as a producer, writer, actor, and part of Hollywood. I also have an interest in monetizing new media like I have done in music. I’m excited to work in Hollywood because of the storytelling sensibilities and taste. As a writer, I believe I offer a unique approach, perspective, and voice.
Copyright 2018 Arthur R. H. Wasem Sr.