Logline
Thrust into a new life with a father he's never met after his mother's tragic death, 15-year-old Chris wrestles with loss and the turmoil of adolescence, finding solace and self-discovery through the simple act of stone-skipping on a small island.

Pitch:
The Pebble Champion" is a tale of hope and recovery. It portrays the strength found in human connections and the transformative power of embracing new beginnings. Through the metaphor of skipping pebbles, the screenplay emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the quiet strength that comes from overcoming grief. That the 15-year-old protagonist happens also to be dealing with his sexuality and identity adds nuances, layers, and complexity to the narrative.

Synopsis:
The script revolves around Chris, a 15-year-old who has just lost his mother in a tragic car accident. Transplanted to a new school, Chris finds a warm welcome from friendly classmate Thane, who takes Chris under his wing. and they become in many ways inseparable. Yet, plagued by feelings of grief and guilt over his mother's death, Chris is also grappling with an even more profound and existential reckoning with his own identity.

Though he develops a powerful crush on an unavailable girl, his more passionate feelings emerge, unexpected and uninvited, toward other boys. Rejected and belittled in the past when he tried to express those desires, Chris feels isolated and lost – until a glimmer of hope emerges in a handsome new acquaintance. Through the simple act of skimming pebbles across the waters of Shanklin Beach, and the reconnection with his estranged father, Chris learns to let go of the weight of the past and to confront his bewildering desires.

Why "The Pebble Champion" Will Resonate:

1. Universal Themes: The story addresses universally relatable themes such as identity, loss, and the quest for self-acceptance, making it appealing to a broad audience.
2. Emotional Depth: The script delves deep into the emotional journey of a young boy dealing with profound grief and identity struggles, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of adolescence.
3. Metaphorical Resonance: The recurring motif of skimming pebbles adds a layer of symbolic depth, reflecting Chris’s growth and redemption, making the narrative both visually and emotionally compelling.
4. Dynamic Characters: Chris and Thane's relationship, along with other supporting characters, brings depth and authenticity to the narrative, ensuring a strong emotional connection with viewers.
5. Cinematic Potential: With its evocative settings and powerful emotional arcs, "The Pebble Champion" promises a visually and emotionally engaging cinematic experience.

"The Pebble Champion" will captivate and move audiences, providing a thought-provoking and heartfelt tale that stands out in the drama genre. A rare script that deals intimately with dealing with grief from a teenager's perspective.

• “One of the best specs out there.” (Chicago Feedback Film Festival, 2024).
• "A heartfelt, imaginative script with relatable themes of loss, identity, and resilience.” (Script Coach)