THE OUTRUNNERS
a film pitch deck
OVERVIEW
LOGLINE: In a sun-scorched dystopia where daylight burns flesh and clans fight for survival, a reluctant seer must lead her outcast group against a power-hungry warlord bent on unleashing an apocalyptic weapon.
TARGET AUDIENCE: With culturally relevant themes, the action is complimented with present-day global issues which affect us all, including the hierarchy of power and the effects of climate change.
THEMES: The struggle for unity and survival drives the story in a world torn apart by power and mistrust. Divisive ambition pushes humanity toward destruction, while salvation demands unity and selflessness. The screenplay delves into rich themes such as resilience in the face of unfavourable odds and the impact of choices.
GENRE: The Outrunners mixes post-apocalyptic "desert punk" sci-fi and dystopian action/adventure with fantasy.
THEMES
Unity & Division
The central conflict revolves around the need for different factions to unite in order to prevent total collapse. Heisel's journey, from outcast to someone who recognizes the necessity of trusting others, mirrors the larger struggle of the world itself. The story asks: Can humanity put aside personal ambition and tribalism to survive?
Power & Betrayal
Power is both a goal and a curse in this world. Some kill for it, others reject it, yet are still pulled into leadership. Betrayals drive the story - whether by enemies, allies, or one's own doubts. The story explores how power corrupts when it is taken for the wrong reasons and how true leadership comes at great personal cost.
Destruction & Renewal
The Outrunners is not just a survival story, but a deeper reflection on what it takes to rebuild a broken world; of not just fighting for yourself but for the world itself.
Fate vs. Free Will
Heisel possesses a gift that allows her to see what might happen, but she resists it. She represents the tension between accepting one's destiny and forging one's own path. The question of whether humanity can change its course or face inevitable destruction looms large.
TREATMENT
In a future where humanity can no longer live in sunlight, clans of survivors roam the world, living by night. Tensions between clans are high, and alliances are fragile.
When the King of a powerful clan is murdered, another clan is wrongly blamed for the assassination. With every clan and bounty hunter out to get them, the Outrunners, led by visions from HEISEL (an outsider in their clan), make a treacherous journey to a mysterious tower said to be home to the great and powerful.
After a dangerous journey through sun-scorched landscapes, they discover EIDOLON, an AI Overseer who maintains control of the tower, which is home to a weapon capable of global devastation. Eidolon sees the clans as threats to the Residents of the tower which it must protect. Yet Eidolon’s directives prevent it from harming human life: Unless it can find a human to act as a substitute to carry out its plan. Heisel soon realises her visions were not a promise of salvation, but a warning.
The son of the slain King arrives with an amassed army, intent on seizing the tower and its weapon for himself. In the final moments, Heisel convinces Eidolon that the wildcard son will destroy the planet - that some power is too great for any person — resulting in Eidolon self-destructing in order to save humanity.
The story ends with Eidolon’s misguided dominance of the climate reset over the many following years. Heisel, now old, steps out into the sun, free.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Heisel
Initially distrusted as the “black sheep”, Heisel is a reluctant protagonist whose prophetic insight prove her worth to the group. Intent on preventing an apocalyptic future she has seen in her visions. Determined yet haunted by visions, she exudes a tough exterior, even though she carries deep-seated fear and guilt, particularly about her inability to control her “gift”.
Folan
A pragmatic philosopher, Folan masks his insecurities with witty philosophical asides. Technically clever and resourceful, he often finds unconventional solutions yet struggles to take decisive action, preferring to observe rather than lead.
Zanah
Sarcastic, headstrong, bold and unflinchingly fierce. The group’s most skilled fighter but also its greatest disruptor. She thrives in chaos but hides a softer side beneath her hardened exterior. Battle-worn with a prominent sunburn scar across half her face, she is an exceptional sharp-shooter who struggles to connect emotionally with others, and is often reckless and prone to instigating conflicts.
Kubra-Brunt
The Primary Antagonist, he is the son of warlord King Cyro. His calculating and ruthless hunger for dominance results in the murder of his father. Despite his brutality, he has a charismatic side that draws loyal followers. Adept at manipulating and overpowering rivals, he rallies the warring factions under his banner to seize control of an apocalyptic weapon.
Shinda
Cunning and fiercely loyal, she excels in eliminating threats. Shinda harbors a quiet disdain for humanity, putting her faith in a higher power. Her doubts about Heisel’s visions creates an uneasy alliance.
Laurik
The gang’s strategist, he is rational, analytical and sceptical of Heisel’s gift. He relies on logic and reason and is overly-cautious to the detriment of the gang’s morale, rendering him as the comic relief.
Stave
The leader of The Outrunners, parental, able to rally his people. Puts the needs of others above his own.
Compassionate and steadfast, his leadership is marked by compromise and diplomacy, which earns him respect. His death leaves a void in the clan, most of all with his incapable son, Gentry, who steps up as leader, only to lead the gang into further danger.
Straker
Right-hand man to wealthy businessman Woodhouse, Straker comes to the aid of The Outrunners when they are cornered in a deadly shoot-out with a pair of bounty hunters. Straker promises to lead them to the safety of The Night Train — but Heisel’s mistrust of him causes conflict.
Wilderspin
A bounty hunter who chances upon the Outrunners when they are at their weakest - and when they are no match for his professional gunslinging.
CASTING SUGGESTIONS
Dafne Keen
Heisel
Dominic Sessa
Folan
Carla Tous
Zanah
Amber Midthunder
Shinda
Josh O'Connor
Kubra-Brunt
Glenn Powell
Straker
Tom Hardy
Stave
Dave Bautista
King Cyro
Paul Giamatti
Wilderspin
TARGET AUDIENCE
Fans of Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction
- Readers/viewers who enjoy gritty, world-ending scenarios like Mad Max: Fury Road, The Book of Eli, or The Road.
- Those drawn to stories about societal collapse, resource scarcity, and survival in lawless, dangerous environments.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Enthusiasts
- People who love genre-blending narratives that mix science fiction, fantasy, and western influences.
- Fans of world-building—especially those who enjoy detailed mythology, unique cultures, and futuristic yet primitive societies.
Action and Adventure Audiences
- Viewers who crave high-stakes chases, battles, and survival-driven action sequences.
- Fans of outlaw and rebel narratives, where underdogs fight against larger, oppressive forces.
Character-Driven Drama Fans
- Readers who connect with complex, morally ambiguous protagonists like Heisel.
- Those who appreciate deep internal struggles, redemption arcs, and themes of identity and purpose.
Fans of Gritty Westerns and Neo-Westerns
- Audiences who enjoy frontier-style storytelling, where survival depends on wit, grit, and loyalty (Young Guns, The Warriors, The Magnificent Seven).
- People drawn to wandering antiheroes, lawless lands, and the fight to carve out a future in a dying world.
Climate-Conscious and Eco-Dystopian Enthusiasts
- People who engage with stories about the hoarding of wealth and power while the rest suffer (Elysium, The Hunger Games, Blade Runner 2049).
- Audiences who relate to the elite’s disregard for the planet and the working class, draining resources despite the world collapsing.
- Those interested in rebellion narratives—where the oppressed fight back against the ruling class to reclaim control over their future.
Demographics
This film primarily targets young adults aged 16-34, a demographic known for its avid consumption of feature films across various platforms.
Lead female characters connect with female audiences, the action scenes are complimented with present-day global issues which affect us all, including the hierarchy of power and the effects of climate change.
The target audience consists of young adults and adult viewers, seeking relatable narratives and engaging storytelling. Insights into audience demographics indicate a growing interest in films that offer emotional depth and culturally relevant themes.
COMPARABLES
These dystopian films resonate with similar themes and storytelling styles, making them suitable points of comparison.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Budget: $150,000,000
W/wide Box Office: $380,437,267
W/wide Box Office: $380,437,267
The Book of Eli
Budget: $80,000,000
W/wide Box Office: $157,107,755
W/wide Box Office: $157,107,755
The Maze Runner
Budget: $34,000,000
W/wide Box Office: $348,319,861
W/wide Box Office: $348,319,861
The Hunger Games
Budget: $78,000,000
W/wide Box office: $695,220,619
W/wide Box office: $695,220,619
Young Guns
Budget: $13,000,000
W/wide Box Office: $45,661,556
W/wide Box Office: $45,661,556
The Warriors
Budget: $4,000,000
W/wide Box Office: $22,495,288
W/wide Box Office: $22,495,288
THE WRITER
WRITER
Andrew Wright is a screenwriter and author who has worked in various roles in the film and television industry, alongside Lord Richard Attenborough (Jurassic Park), Dominic West (The Wire), and Kathy Burke (Nil By Mouth). His first student film was co-funded by Terry Gilliam (12 Monkeys).
PRAISE FOR THE OUTRUNNERS
"... a compelling dystopian action script with an imaginative concept and a plot that keeps the audience hooked. The turning points arise naturally from the characters' decisions and actions...
It's a fresh and captivating idea... an imaginative and thrilling story with a richly developed world and amazing characters.... successfully delivers on its action-oriented dystopian premise while exploring unique thematic elements." Niki Lambropoulos, writer/director/producer
The media on Andrew's writing:
"I can't wait to see your first film!" - Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Once Upon a time in Hollywood)
"I can't wait to see your first film!" - Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Once Upon a time in Hollywood)
M
MUSIC PLAYLIST
A playlist which influenced the writing.
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