"The Messenger" Proposal

“The Messenger”
Logline: To spread word of the Athenian bravery shown while fending off the Persian invasion, a nimble Athenian runs an inspirational message across the landscape of Greece.

"The Messenger" in 100 words:
“The Messenger” is a visual spectacle, portraying the Greek myth of Phidippides, “The Runner of Marathon.” The setting is Greece, 400b.c.e. A small Athenian army has just triumphed in a battle to defend their land against Persian invasion forces near the city of Marathon. To spread news of this astonishing victory a runner, Phidippides, is sent with the message of victory to the city of Athens. The runner crosses the land of Greece, chased by Persian scouts, only to die at the feet of the Emperor with the message, uttering one word. Nike. Translated from the Greek language, Nike means victory.

250 words:
“The Messenger” will portray the Greek myth of Phidippides, “The Runner of Marathon.” The setting is Greece, 400b.c.e. To spread word of Athenian bravery Phidippides runs from Marathon to Athens to inspire the Athenian army.

The story opens with an old, broad shouldered man, with a large scar on his face talking to a group of younger men all dressed in togas and wearing laurels of holly. The old man’s narration will lead to a scene of a battle hardened Greek General, with a fresh wound across his face, handing a scroll to a younger, leaner soldier. We will hear hard footsteps pounding the dirt as Phidippides makes his way across harsh desert terrain. Interspersed shots of Persian scouts will show us that they have picked up on Phidippides’ trail and are pursuing. Upon reaching a more hospitable climate of dense trees, large waterfalls and deep lakes the Persian scouts catch up to Phidippides and attempt to prevent the message being delivered. With arrows flying and traps springing Phidippides uses a variety of tools and acrobatics to evade the scouts. This sequence will end with Phidippides luring an attacking Hydra to devour the scouts while he nimbly escapes into the trees. The story will end with Phidippides running up to Athens. Phidippides will run passed the city walls and will fall to the feet of the Emperor whispering something that is stifled by exhaustion. The scroll will fall from the runners hand roll to the emperor’s feet, unfurl and we will see the symbol of the Greek goddess Nike.